“Lessons in Love” is one of Level 42’s most successful and well-known songs. Released in April 1986, it was the lead single from their album Running in the Family. The track became a major international hit, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and topping the charts in several countries, including Germany and Switzerland. It also became their highest-charting single in the U.S., peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Lessons in Love” is a song about the complexities of relationships, particularly the struggles of learning from emotional mistakes. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and disappointment in love, as the narrator reflects on past experiences and the lessons learned from heartbreak and misunderstandings. Lines like “I’m not proud, I was wrong, and the truth is hard to take” highlight the emotional introspection at the heart of the song.
“Lessons in Love” is an upbeat synth-pop and funk track that features a driving bassline, energetic drums, and lush synthesizers, characteristic of Level 42’s polished, danceable sound. The band, fronted by bassist and vocalist Mark King, was known for its fusion of jazz-funk with pop melodies, and “Lessons in Love” showcases this blend, particularly through King’s intricate slap-bass playing, which adds a rhythmic and funky depth to the track.
The song’s catchy chorus, melodic hooks, and vibrant production made it highly accessible for both pop and dance audiences, helping it become a crossover hit. The production reflects the glossy, polished sound that was popular in the mid-1980s, with layered synths and a rhythmic, upbeat tempo that gives the track an infectious groove.
“Lessons in Love” was a massive commercial success for Level 42, becoming their biggest international hit. It reached No. 1 on the charts in Germany, Switzerland, and several other European countries. In the UK, it peaked at No. 3, marking one of their highest-charting singles. In the U.S., it became their best-performing single, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping the band gain more exposure in North America. The success of “Lessons in Love” helped elevate the album Running in the Family, which became one of Level 42’s best-selling albums, and solidified the band’s place in the 1980s pop landscape.
“Lessons in Love” remains one of Level 42’s most iconic tracks and a staple of 1980s pop and funk music. Its combination of catchy hooks, sophisticated musicianship, and relatable lyrics made it a defining moment in the band’s career and a song that continues to resonate with fans.