Summer Love: Sherbet’s 1975 Pop Hit That Owned the Australian Charts

In 1975, Sherbet released Summer Love, a pop burst that topped Australia’s charts for two weeks. Out on EMI Records, it was penned by Garth Porter and Clive Shakespeare, charting for 23 weeks and landing at No. 8 for the year. It bumped Bob Hudson’s The Newcastle Song and bowed to Pilot’s January. A Sydney-bred hit, it’s Sherbet at their brightest. Let’s dive into its creation, its run, and its enduring glow.

Sydney’s Pop Darlings
Sherbet started in ’68, a covers band turned original act by the ’70s. By ’75, Porter and Shakespeare were steering the ship—Summer Love was their latest gem. Released in March on EMI, it was produced by the band at EMI’s Sydney studios, a standalone single hinting at Life… Is for Living. It was all about summer vibes—Porter called it ‘a happy escape.’ Daryl Braithwaite’s golden voice made it soar, building on their Top 10 hit Cassandra—No. 9 in ’73. This was Sherbet refining their teen-idol edge.

Chart Sunshine
Charting on March 17th, ’75, as catalogue number 10709, it hit No. 1 in May, ousting The Newcastle Song. It held for two weeks—23 weeks total—before January rolled in. It finished ’75 at No. 8, nestled between The Newcastle Song at No. 7 and Skyhooks’ Horror Movie at No. 9. EMI leaned hard on singles then, and Summer Love delivered—Sherbet’s first No. 1, paving the way for Howzat’s global splash. It was a local win, pure and simple, in a year of big pop.

A Pop Moment
By ’75, Australia’s airwaves were alive with pop—Countdown turned bands into stars, and Sherbet fit right in. They weren’t chasing glam’s edge or pub rock’s grit; Summer Love was a bright, easy listen, perfect for teens and sunny days. Alongside bubblegum hits, it had a polished kick, keeping Sherbet on TVs and radios everywhere. The pop wave was peaking, and this track caught it just right—a feel-good hit before disco changed the game.

Why It Endures
That guitar, those keys, Daryl’s croon—it’s instant ’75 joy. Sherbet’s production kept it fresh, a pop nugget that didn’t overthink. The ’75 clip—Daryl and crew in summer style—plus later live takes, keep it alive. They peaked higher later, but Summer Love captures their early charm—pre-Howzat, all heart. It’s a time capsule—play it, and you’re back in a ’70s summer, carefree and loud. Got a Sherbet memory? Share it below—I’d love to hear!