Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love,” a song synonymous with the hit movie Pretty Woman, boasts a fascinating origin story. While known for its romantic association, the song initially began as a Christmas tune. This article delves into the journey of “Must’ve Been Love,” from its holiday beginnings to its global recognition as a power ballad.
Roxette
Per Gessle, one half of the iconic Swedish duo Roxette, reveals the creative process behind the song in an excerpt from the book How I Wrote. Originally titled “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas For The Broken Hearted),” the song enjoyed moderate success in Sweden upon its initial release in 1987. However, it was its inclusion in the 1990 film Pretty Woman that catapulted it to international stardom. The Christmas references were removed, and a slightly reworked version became an unforgettable part of the film’s soundtrack and a defining song of the decade.
From Christmas Tune to Global Phenomenon: The Evolution of “Must’ve Been Love”
Gessle recounts composing the song on a piano in Halmstad, Sweden. He describes a natural synergy between the music and lyrics, with the melody inspiring the reflective and melancholic theme. Gessle emphasizes the importance of capturing the same emotional temperature in both the music and lyrics. He deliberately crafted the song for Marie Fredriksson’s powerful vocals, believing her voice perfectly suited the ballad’s heartfelt emotion.
The song’s iconic opening line, “Lay a whisper on my pillow,” was pivotal in setting the mood. Gessle believes a strong opening is crucial for grabbing the listener’s attention in pop music. He attributes some of the lyrical nuances to his perspective as a non-native English speaker, suggesting it allowed him to view the language with fresh eyes. “Must’ve Been Love” was one of the first songs Roxette recorded digitally, utilizing the then-new technology at Audio Sweden studios, partly owned by tennis legend Björn Borg. This contributed to a different sound compared to their previous analog recordings.
The Pretty Woman Effect and the “Lucky Snare”
For the Pretty Woman soundtrack, the song underwent minor lyrical changes by Fredriksson, a new intro was added, and guitars were incorporated. The final touch was added by Humberto Gatica, a renowned engineer and mixer, who used his “lucky snare” on the track. This version, with its subtle yet significant alterations, became the internationally recognized hit. Gessle highlights the role of timing and opportunity in the song’s success. While a hit in Sweden initially, it failed to gain traction elsewhere. The film’s success and Roxette’s prior achievements created the perfect storm for “Must’ve Been Love” to become a global anthem.
A Timeless Ballad
Even today, Gessle considers “Must’ve Been Love” one of his best ballads, acknowledging its simple yet intelligent structure and the ever-evolving chorus sequence. The song’s enduring popularity stands as a testament to its emotional resonance and the power of a well-crafted ballad to connect with listeners across generations. It remains a classic example of how a song, initially intended for one occasion, can transcend its origins and become a timeless piece of music. “Must’ve Been Love” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, proving its staying power as a truly iconic love song.
