<P> `` Cruel to Be Kind '' is a 1979 single by Nick Lowe , co-written by Lowe and his former Brinsley Schwarz bandmate Ian Gomm , that peaked at No. 12 in both the UK and U.S. charts that summer . It also peaked at No. 12 in both Canada and New Zealand . In the U.S. , where it is one of Lowe 's most well - known works , it remains his only single to hit the top 40 , whereas in the UK `` I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass '' remains his biggest hit after reaching No. 7 a year earlier . </P>
<P> `` Cruel to Be Kind '' is a 1979 single by Nick Lowe , co-written by Lowe and his former Brinsley Schwarz bandmate Ian Gomm , that peaked at No. 12 in both the UK and U.S. charts that summer . It also peaked at No. 12 in both Canada and New Zealand . In the U.S. , where it is one of Lowe 's most well - known works , it remains his only single to hit the top 40 , whereas in the UK `` I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass '' remains his biggest hit after reaching No. 7 a year earlier . </P>
who sang the song cruel to be kind
who sang the song cruel to be kind
Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe