Introduction
“I Think They Call This Love” (2024) is the debut single by British singer‑songwriter Elliot James Reay, a 22‑year‑old artist from Bury, Greater Manchester . Though frequently mistaken for a long‑lost Elvis Presley ballad—and even presented in some videos as “Elvis Presley (AI)”—this poignant track is entirely original, infused with the romanticism and vocal warmth of 1950s rock’n’rol.
Reay grew up immersed in the stylings of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Billy Fury—icons whose influence shaped his musical identity . He co‑wrote the song alongside Glen Roberts (known for work with AURORA, Olivia Dean, Rachel Chinouriri) and Annielle Lisiuk, aiming to channel that nostalgic aura while delivering fresh emotional resonance . The production, handled by the duo SOAP (Alessi Rose, Larkins, Phoebe Hall), employed vintage instruments, tape‑recording techniques, and minimal digital manipulation to authentically capture that classic ‘50s ambiance
Upon its release, the track sparked social‑media buzz—not for its years‑old pedigree, but for its genuine vintage feel. Teaser clips on TikTok amassed over 10 million views and 650 000 likes, confirming Reay’s knack for bridging past and present . The official song and its lyric video have since garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, further blurring lines between nostalgic homage and new material .
In crafting “I Think They Call This Love,” Reay introduces himself not merely as an imitator, but as a modern torchbearer of classic love‑song songwriting—grounded in emotion, craftsmanship, and stylistic sincerity. It sets the stage for a compelling musical journey that reimagines rock’n’roll’s golden era for today’s listeners.