Love's Got a Hold on My Heart


"Love's Got a Hold on My Heart" is a song by Steps, which became a hit in the United Kingdom. It was the lead single to be taken from the band's second album "Steptacular". Unconfirmed reports suggest that the song was originally written in 1991 by Pete Waterman and remained unrecorded until given to Steps 8 years later. The song features Faye and Claire on lead vocals. The single peaked at number-one in Scotland and number 2 in the UK. Additiomnally it was a Top 10 hit in Finland and Ireland, and a Top 20 hit in Belgium and New Zealand.

Critical reception

CantStopThePop stated that "the one thing that immediately jumps out with this single – from that first keyboard whizz in the intro – is how summery it sounds. The track is not without a trademark hint of melodrama, but on the whole, it’s a much lighter production which exudes sunshine and warmth.". They added that the chorus is "deceptively – and enduringly – catchy."

Chart performance

The single narrowly missed out at number-one on the UK Singles Chart, losing out to Latin pop singer Ricky Martin who spent a second week at the top with "Livin' La Vida Loca". Spending 12 weeks on the British charts, this single is the group's only single to fall off the charts for two consecutive weeks and then re-enter. The song did, however, reach number one on the Scottish Singles Chart, conversely preventing "Livin' la Vida Loca" from reaching the top spot. The single also achieved some international success, peaking at number 9 in Finland and Ireland, number 18 in New Zealand, and number 29 in Australia.

Music video

The video, shot in Cannes in the South of France, was directed by Dani Jacobs. The main plot sees the group chase a man who has stolen the film reel for the fictitious "Steps: The Movie", interspersed with clips of the band performing the dance routine on a jetty dressed in yellow outfits.

Track listings

CD1
  1. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart – 3:19
  2. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart – 6:12
  3. To Be Your Hero – 3:49
CD2
  1. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart – 3:19
  2. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart – 3:20
  3. Last Thing on My Mind – 5:41
Cassette single
  1. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart – 3:19
  2. To Be Your Hero – 3:49
Australian CD Single
  1. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart 3:19
  2. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart 6:12
  3. To Be Your Hero 3:49
  4. Last Thing On My Mind 5:41
  5. Love's Got A Hold On My Heart 3:20
Remixes

A-side: "Love's Got a Hold on My Heart"

Recording
Vocals
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Steptacular.

B-side: "To Be Your Hero"

Recording
Vocals
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of "Love's Got a Hold on My Heart".

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Certifications

Release history