Caravan of Love


"Caravan of Love" is a 1985 song originally recorded by American R&B group Isley-Jasper-Isley, the second half of the Isley Brothers' 3 + 3 lineup of the 1970s. A cover version by the British band the Housemartins became an international hit, reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1986.

Original Isley-Jasper-Isley version

After breaking away from the family group, the splinter group including Chris Jasper wrote and produced this single, which was Jasper's interpolation intending to reach audiences by presenting Christian beliefs in his music. The song became the trio's biggest hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart and number 51 on the Billboard pop chart in 1985; it would be their only prominent hit before they embarked on solo careers in 1988. The music video was filmed on-location in New York City.

Personnel

7" vinyl single

Side one
  1. "Caravan of Love" – 4:15
Side two
  1. "I Can't Get over Losin' You" – 4:05

    12" vinyl single

Side one
  1. "Caravan of Love" – 5:43
Side two
  1. "I Can't Get over Losin' You" – 4:05

    Chart performance

The Housemartins version

British indie band the Housemartins released "Caravan of Love" on November 24, 1986. The a cappella song was a success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart on December 16, 1986, before being denied the Christmas number one single by a posthumous re-release of Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite". The song was an international hit, reaching the top three in several countries, including topping the charts of Ireland and Sweden. It is included on the Housemartins' greatest hits compilation Now [That's What I Call Quite Good].

Track listings

7-inch vinyl single
Side one
  1. "Caravan of Love" – 3:40
Side two
  1. "When I First Met Jesus" – 2:46
12-inch vinyl single
Side one
  1. "Caravan of Love"
  2. "We Shall Not Be Moved"
Side two
  1. "When I First Met Jesus"
  2. "So Much in Love"
  3. "Heaven Help Us All "

    Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Belgium 58
European Hot 100 Singles 38
Netherlands 40
Netherlands 24
New Zealand 13
Switzerland 19
West Germany 16

Certifications

Pixie Lott version

In November 2014, British pop singer Pixie Lott released a charity version of the song as the lead single from her first hits collection, Platinum Pixie: Hits. The song charted at number 129 on the UK Singles Chart.