The recent passing of Marie Fredriksson prompted a revisit to Roxette’s iconic hit, “It Must Have Been Love Song,” and the experience was a renewed appreciation for its enduring quality. Fredriksson’s vocal performance remains captivating, particularly the powerful high notes she effortlessly delivers in the final choruses. This song is a masterclass in pop ballad construction, deserving of closer examination.
Musical Brilliance of a Ballad Classic
Beyond Fredriksson’s undeniable talent, the song’s arrangement is rich with subtle yet impactful details. The backing vocals are a standout element, creating a beautiful call-and-response dynamic that fills the spaces in the lead vocal melody and emphasizes the chorus’s strong downbeat. The modulation to F major in the final chorus is another stroke of genius, lifting the song and Fredriksson’s voice to even greater heights – a refreshing change from the predictable key change often found in ballads. Furthermore, the inclusion of the minor-V chord adds a touch of harmonic sophistication, hinting at the subdominant modulation to come and enriching the emotional depth of the music.
Sonic Reflections: Comparing the Mixes
However, the sonic landscape of the most famous mix, the 1990 Pretty Woman soundtrack version, presents a curious case. The snare drum, with its pronounced 300Hz resonance and artificially extended sustain, sounds somewhat like a muffled cough. This dominant snare creates a sense of congestion in the mix. Consequently, the rest of the mix appears to have been scooped in the mid-range frequencies, resulting in a somewhat hollow and gutless feel in comparison to the snare’s prominence. This sonic contrast is slightly unsettling, creating a sense of both excessive and insufficient lower mid-range frequencies simultaneously.
The vocal tone in the 1990 mix suffers a similar fate. While sounding somewhat dull and muffled overall, the sharp sibilance, particularly noticeable in the first chorus, reveals that the vocal track is already sufficiently bright. In contrast, the original 1987 mix of “It Must Have Been Love Song” offers a more balanced and sonically pleasing experience.
The low-end frequencies in the 1990 mix are also less than satisfying. The kick drum, focusing primarily on the treble attack, lacks genuine punch despite providing ample low-end information in the 60-120Hz range. This creates a diffuse and somewhat artificial sense of bass, failing to deliver true impact. The absence of frequencies below 60Hz further contributes to a lightweight feel, especially when juxtaposed with the heavy snare. While the bassline contributes adequately in the 40-60Hz range, its slower attack compared to the harmonics means the low end doesn’t quite align with the beat, leaving a slightly underwhelming impression.
The Enduring Legacy of a Love Song
Despite the sonic quirks of the 1990 mix, “It Must Have Been Love Song” remains a testament to exceptional songwriting and vocal delivery. Revisiting this classic highlights the timeless appeal of Roxette’s music and Marie Fredriksson’s irreplaceable voice. Whether you prefer the original 1987 mix or the more widely known 1990 version, the song’s inherent quality shines through, cementing its place as a must-have love song in any collection.
Learn more about “It Must Have Been Love” on Wikipedia
Join the Discussion about the song.
