Song of the Day, September 18: That Ole Devil Called Love by Alison Moyet

Today’s song is That Ole Devil Called Love by Alison Moyet. It was written in 1944 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. Fisher was also a big band singer who was working with Roberts as staff writers for Decca. The song was chosen for Billie Holiday, who cut it as the B-side of her seminal hit Lover Man. It’s a great song about the power of love to beguile even those who have suffered mightily in its throes.

Alison Moyet was red-hot in 1985, enjoying massive British success with her first solo album, Alf. She has always enjoyed a wide range of music, and decided to record the song as a single between albums. Her powerful voice is perfectly suited to the wonderful tune, and she turns in a delightfully nuanced performance that she took to #2 on the British charts.

Might as well give up that fight again
I know darn well he’ll convince me that he’s right again
When he sings that sorry song
I’ve just gotta tag along
With that ole devil called love

Enjoy this great interpretation of a classic song today.