Introduction:
The Partridge Family and “I Think I Love You”: A Pop Culture Mashup
The bouncy, bubblegum pop tune “I Think I Love You” might sound quintessentially Partridge Family, but the song’s origins lie outside the fictional band. It was written and composed by Tony Romeo for the songwriting duo Holland-Dozier-Holland, who were behind numerous Motown classics.
However, due to a contractual dispute, the song never reached its intended Motown artist. The Partridge Family, a television show featuring a musical family led by a widowed mother, was looking for catchy tunes for their sitcom. “I Think I Love You” landed in their lap, and the song became a massive hit in 1970.
The song’s lighthearted lyrics about a blooming teenage crush perfectly captured the show’s youthful energy. Shirley Partridge, played by actress Susan Dey, delivered the vocals with a charming innocence that resonated with audiences. The song became the show’s unofficial theme song and even charted higher than the original version intended for Motown.
“I Think I Love You” transcended the television screen. It became a pop culture phenomenon, topping the Billboard charts and securing a place in music history. The song’s association with The Partridge Family is undeniable, but its intriguing backstory adds another layer to its enduring popularity.