“Multiplication”: A Quaint and Catchy Revival of a Playful Pop Standard.
For those who navigated the vibrant, often eclectic, musical landscape of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Showaddywaddy remained a steadfast beacon of pure, unadulterated rock & roll fun, a vibrant counterpoint to the evolving sounds of new wave and synth-pop. While celebrated for their high-energy, retro-tinged rockabilly anthems, the band also had a unique gift for unearthing forgotten gems from the past and breathing new life into them. Their 1981 single, “Multiplication,” is a prime example of this talent—a lighthearted, charmingly innocent track that stands as a testament to the band’s enduring commitment to the classic rock & roll spirit. For older readers, it serves as a delightful echo of an era when music was often about pure, unpretentious fun, a simple tune that could get your feet tapping and your spirits lifted.
Upon its release as a single in June 1981, “Multiplication” continued Showaddywaddy’s remarkable consistency on the UK charts, proving their lasting appeal even as musical trends continued to shift. It reached a peak position of number 39 on the Official UK Singles Chart in late June 1981. While it may not have reached the stratospheric heights of their earlier chart-toppers like “Under the Moon of Love” or “I Wonder Why,” its solid chart performance demonstrated that the band’s dedicated fanbase remained loyal. The song was later featured on their 1981 album Good Times, further cementing its place in their discography. For those who remember the early ’80s airwaves, “Multiplication” was a familiar and welcome sound, a cheerful piece of a bygone era that offered a comforting dose of nostalgic joy.
The story behind “Multiplication” is rooted in Showaddywaddy’s brilliant concept of channeling the energy and aesthetic of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The song itself is a cover version of a track originally written and performed by the legendary American singer Bobby Darin. Darin released his version in 1961 as the B-side to his single “Irresistible You.” It was a whimsical, playful song that showcased a more lighthearted and versatile side of the artist who had already given the world hits like “Mack the Knife” and “Splish Splash.”
Showaddywaddy’s decision to cover such a quirky, almost novelty song, was a shrewd move that typified their approach. They excelled at taking beloved, foundational rock & roll songs and infusing them with their own unique blend of polished musicianship, enthusiastic harmonies, and irresistible showmanship. Their version of “Multiplication” is faithful to the spirit of Darin’s original but is delivered with the distinctive Showaddywaddy flair. The band – consisting of Dave Bartram, Buddy Gask, Malcolm Allured, Romeo Challenger, Al James, Rod Deas, Trevor Oakes, and Russ Field – collectively brought an undeniable energy and a certain knowing wink to the performance, turning a simple song about arithmetic into a charming pop-rock gem.
The meaning of “Multiplication” is wonderfully straightforward and unapologetically innocent. It’s a whimsical love song that uses a mathematical metaphor to express the growing power of a relationship. The lyrics, with their catchy refrain of “Multiplication, that’s the name of the game of love / Yeah, multiplication, and a little bit of division too,” suggest that love, like a math problem, grows and expands exponentially. It’s a simple, endearing way of saying that a relationship, with its ups and downs (division), ultimately adds to the sum of one’s happiness. There are no hidden complexities or dark undertones; it is a celebration of the simple, joyful mechanics of falling in love. For older readers, this song is a potent nostalgia trip, transporting them back to an era when music was often about pure escapism and collective exuberance. It evokes memories of simpler times, of youthful crushes, and the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of a catchy tune. “Multiplication” is a vibrant testament to Showaddywaddy’s enduring legacy: a band that reminded us that sometimes, all we need is a good beat, a catchy tune, and a reminder that love, in the end, is a beautiful and joyful equation.