Love Is Back (song)

"Love Is Back" is a retro-soul[5][6][7] song "filled with punchy brass, jangling guitar riffs and velvety vocals that melt over the soulful production".[8] It is also built around "horns and a heavy drum groove".[5]

In a write-up for The New York Times, Lindsay Zoladz wrote that Celeste "croons coolly for much of the song before a dazzling grand finale showcases the strength of her smoky voice, which recalls both Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday."[9] Deep Shah of ColorsxStudios noted that the song "encompasses an enriching and uplifting atmosphere with its twinkling soundscape".[10] Billboard described it as "rousing" and praised Celeste's vocal "swoons",[11] while NME described it as a "confident and sultry belter" which indicates that the singer is "well on her way to becoming the latest British soul hero."[8] Writing for The Honey Pop, Emily Defoor agreed that Celeste is "on the rise of being the new queen of soul", and further described the song as a "dreamy" mixture of "hypnotic vocals and feel good beats".[12] Alexander Zwerner of Earmilk described the song as "gorgeous" and "uplifting", and highlighted its "groove-laden production" and "enriching and uplifting ambiance” while praising Celeste's "incredibly sanguine" lyrics.[6] In a write-up for Nothing but Hope and Passion, Liv Toerkell the song as a "retro-sounding gem" and wrote that Celeste's "soaring vocals are pure soul" while highlighting how she "unleashes her full range in a goosebump-evoking outcry" towards the end of the song.[5]

While touring and performing at festivals in 2019 and early 2020, Celeste performed "Love Is Back" a number of times despite the song being unreleased. She first performed it in February 2019 it for the British Music Embassy at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas,[13][14] and then for BBC Music Introducing Sessions at Maida Vale Studios in May 2019,[15] as well as at 2019 Glastonbury Festival in July.[16] Celeste also added the song to her setlist on her European tour opening for Michael Kiwanuka in 2019,[17] and during her residence at Omeara in south east London.[18][19] Celeste first officially debuted the released song on the BBC Two television special Jools' Annual Hootenanny 2020/21,[1] which prompted mainstream public interest and a large increase in sales, ultimately helping it debut at number 52 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.[20] Celeste's performance of "Love Is Back" on the 449th episode of The Graham Norton Show in mid January 2021, would also prompt yet another boost in sales.[21]

The official music video for "Love Is Back" was directed by Sammy King and released on 21 January 2021.[22] It features guest appearances from Melanie C, Miss Jason, Faye Wei Wei, Princess Julia, Jaime Winstone, Elheist, and Josephine Jones.[23]