About the song
“I Think We’re Alone Now,” the third studio album by Tommy James and the Shondells, marked a significant evolution for the band when it was released in 1967. Known for their infectious pop rock sound, the album departed from their earlier works by embracing a more contemporary production style under the guidance of Bo Gentry and Ritchie Cordell.
The album boasted three charting singles, each contributing to the band’s growing popularity on the Billboard Hot 100. The title track, “I Think We’re Alone Now,” soared to #4, becoming one of their signature hits. Following closely behind was “Mirage,” which peaked at #10, and “I Like the Way,” which reached #25. These successes not only solidified Tommy James and the Shondells’ place in the pop music scene but also showcased their ability to craft catchy melodies and resonate with a wide audience.
Original copies of the album featured a striking black cover adorned with two pairs of yellow footsteps, symbolizing intimacy and connection. However, due to perceived controversy at the time, this cover was replaced with a simpler yellow design featuring a photograph of the band members themselves.
Beyond its chart performance, “I Think We’re Alone Now” represented a departure from the band’s earlier repertoire, which had leaned more heavily on oldies and “frat rock” influences. With only two older songs included, the album embraced a more modern sound that reflected the shifting tastes of the late 1960s music scene.
This album also marked a lineup change for the Shondells, with Joe Kessler, Vinnie Pietropaoli, and George Magura departing the band. The classic lineup of Mike Vale, Ronnie Rosman, Ed Gray, and Pete Lucia took the helm for this record, maintaining stability and cohesion through their final studio album together.
“I Think We’re Alone Now” remains not only a pivotal release in Tommy James and the Shondells’ discography but also a testament to their ability to adapt and innovate within the ever-changing landscape of popular music. With its blend of infectious singles, updated production values, and enduring appeal, the album continues to resonate with listeners, preserving its status as a cherished piece of 1960s pop rock history.
Video
Lyrics
Children behave
That’s what they say when we’re together
And watch how you play
They don’t understand, and so we’re
Running just as fast as we can
Holdin’ onto one another’s hand
Tryin’ to get away into the night
And then you put your arms around me
As we tumble to the ground, and then you say
I think we’re alone now
There doesn’t seem to be anyone around
I think we’re alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
Look at the way
We gotta hide what we’re doin
‘Cause what would they say
If they ever knew and so we’re
Running just as fast as we can
Holdin’ onto one another’s hand
Tryin’ to get away into the night
And then you put your arms around me
As we tumble to the ground, and then you say
I think we’re alone now
There doesn’t seem to be anyone around
I think we’re alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we’re alone now (alone now)
There doesn’t seem to be anyone around
I think we’re alone now (alone now)
The beating of our hearts is the only sound
I think we’re alone now (alone now)
There doesn’t seem to be anyone around
I think we’re alone now…