Pulp have returned with the rollicking new song “Got to Have Love.” It’s the second offering from More, the English group’s first new album in 24 years, out on June 6th.
With dramatic strings, disco-lite backing vocals, and a snare-heavy drum beat courtesy of Nick Banks, “Got to Have Love” is Pulp’s passionate argument for loving ourselves and one another. “When love disappears, life disappears,” mutters Jarvis Cocker in earnest as the song’s patient bridge unfolds, eventually building to some cathartic instructions about acknowledging our implicit need for love.
“So learn to say it, whilst keeping a straight face. Yeah, say it, say it for once. It’s time to come to your senses, it’s time to wake up and face the consequences. What do you need? I’m asking you a question, every one of you without exception, what do you need? Speak up! I mean, do you even know how to spell it? Well, I’ll spell it for you…,” Cocker says before spelling out “L-O-V-E.”
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The genuine emphasis on love and its transformative power is purposeful for Cocker and co. “Love is a word I was unable to say until I was approaching 40,” Cocker wrote in a press release. “I listened to love songs all the time but couldn’t use the word in real life. The words to this song are me having a word with myself about this state of affairs. I gave myself a real talking-to. I have now learnt how to say it whilst keeping a straight face. You’ve got to have love. Oh yes you have.”
To help drive home the utopian potential of that oh-so-important L-word, Pulp have paired “Got to Have Love” with a powerful music video exhibiting footage from a 1977 Wigan Casino documentary. Throughout, dancers surrender to the moment, show off their best moves, and bask in the freeing power of dance. “Wouldn’t you love to be able to dance like this?” the video asks. “Guess what? You can. Try it. Right now.” It’s a pretty convincing sentiment. Watch the video below.
“Got to Have Love” follows April’s “Spike Island,” Pulp’s first new song in 12 years and the lead single off More. The new album, which serves as their first without founding bassist Steve Mackey after he passed away in 2023, arrives on June 6th via Rough Trade. Pre-orders are ongoing.
The band will support More with a major slate of 2025 tour dates, including a North American trek and a pair of co-headlining dates with LCD Soundsystem. The band’s stateside run kicks off on September 4th in Atlanta, and continues through the month; see Pulp’s 2025 tour dates below and get tickets here.
Pulp 2025 North American Tour Dates:
09/04 — Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
09/06 — Washington, DC @ Anthem
09/09 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
09/11 — Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
09/13 — Boston, MA @ The Stage at Suffolk Downs
09/16 — Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
09/17 — Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple
09/20 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
09/22 — Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
09/25 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl *
09/26 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl *
* = w/ LCD Soundsystem
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