Smash Hits, September, 1983

© 1983 Smash Hits

PiL:
This Is Not A Love Song

(Virgin)

The man who was Johnny Rotten returns from his new role as John Lydon, film actor, with a new single. It screams "contractual obligation" even as it creeps up and hooks you; the old devil sneers that he's got a new attitude where money's concerned, and sure enough, the 12-inch contains 'Public Image', PiL's first single and a tempting sales booster. 'This Is Not A Love Song' sounds sparse, its riff (yes, there's a riff) is catchy, and it's irresistible.