Introduction
“Love in the First Degree” is one of Alabama’s most successful and enduring hits, solidifying the band’s place as a dominant force in country music during the early 1980s. Released in 1981 as the third single from their album Feels So Right, the song quickly climbed the charts, eventually reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1982.
Written by Tim DuBois and Jim Hurt, “Love in the First Degree” is a catchy, upbeat tune that combines traditional country elements with pop influences, a signature style that helped Alabama reach a broader audience beyond just country music fans. The song’s lyrics playfully use legal terminology to describe falling in love, likening it to being convicted of a crime. This clever metaphor, coupled with the band’s smooth harmonies and polished production, made the song an instant favorite among listeners.
“Love in the First Degree” was a key track on the Feels So Right album, which itself was a major success, solidifying Alabama’s status as country music superstars. The album went multi-platinum, and the song’s widespread popularity helped the band win numerous awards, including the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Entertainer of the Year in 1982.
The song’s success was not limited to country radio; it also crossed over to the pop charts, showcasing Alabama’s broad appeal and the increasing mainstream popularity of country music during that era. “Love in the First Degree” became a staple of Alabama’s live performances and is still beloved by fans today, often serving as a highlight in their concerts.
Through “Love in the First Degree,” Alabama continued to push the boundaries of what country music could be, blending genres in a way that was accessible to a wide range of listeners. The song remains a testament to the band’s ability to craft memorable, radio-friendly hits that resonate with audiences across generations, ensuring its place as one of the defining songs of their career.