Introduction:
“Only Love Can Break a Heart” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Gene Pitney, released as a single in September 1962. It is a prominent track on Pitney’s second studio album, also titled Only Love Can Break a Heart, which was released in October 1962 on the Musicor label. The song is a prime example of the pop genre, specifically within the realm of early 1960s pop and vocal ballads, showcasing Pitney’s distinctive high-pitched, powerful voice and dramatic delivery.
Written by the legendary songwriting duo Hal David and Burt Bacharach, “Only Love Can Break a Heart” quickly became one of Pitney’s signature tunes and a major commercial success. It achieved significant chart accomplishments, most notably peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its rise was notably hindered from reaching the top spot by The Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel,” a song ironically co-written by Pitney himself. Beyond the Hot 100, “Only Love Can Break a Heart” also topped the US Billboard Easy Listening chart for two weeks in October and November 1962, solidifying its appeal across different listener demographics. It also reached number 2 on New Zealand’s “Lever Hit Parade” and number 11 on Canada’s CHUM Hit Parade.
The album Only Love Can Break a Heart itself was a commercial success, becoming Pitney’s first chart album and featuring other notable singles such as “(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance” (which reached number 4) and “Half Heaven – Half Heartache” (which peaked at number 12). The enduring popularity of “Only Love Can Break a Heart” underscores its status as a timeless piece of pop music, remembered for its poignant lyrics, evocative melody, and Pitney’s impassioned performance.