"Love" is the third studio album by the Scottish pop group Aztec Camera, released in November 1987 on Sire Records. While the album was released under the Aztec Camera name, it marked a significant departure from the band's earlier lineup, with Roddy Frame being the only remaining permanent member. He recorded the album with a group of session musicians, including guitarist Steve Jordan, bassist Marcus Miller, and keyboardist David Frank of the band The System. The album represents a shift from the indie and folk-rock style of the band's previous work toward a more R&B-influenced sound. This change was largely seen as an attempt by Frame to break into the American market. Despite not achieving success in the U.S., the album found commercial success in the UK, where it reached No. 10 on the albums chart. The success of the third single, "Somewhere in My Heart," which peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, helped propel the album to become Aztec Camera's most commercially successful release.
In the period leading up to the album, Aztec Camera had undergone several lineup changes. After the release of the Backwards and Forwards (1985) live EP, which charted at No. 181 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, the band went through a transition. The lineup changes saw Roddy Frame remain as the sole constant member, with drummer David Ruffy staying on and new members being brought in. These included Steve Jordan on guitar, Marcus Miller on bass, and David Frank on keyboards, giving the album a fresh new sound compared to their previous releases.
The album marked a departure from their earlier, more indie and folk-driven style, with Frame embracing a more polished, radio-friendly R&B sound. This shift was likely motivated by Frame’s desire to capture a wider audience, particularly in the United States, though the album did not break into the American market as hoped. Nonetheless, Love became a success in the UK, where its accessibility and the popularity of tracks like "Somewhere in My Heart" earned it critical acclaim and commercial success. The album remains Aztec Camera’s most successful release both in terms of chart performance and cultural impact.
