Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” is a timeless ballad synonymous with the iconic film Pretty Woman. But the song’s journey to international acclaim began long before Julia Roberts graced the screen. This article delves into the creation of “It Must Have Been Love”, exploring its origins as a Christmas song and its transformation into a global phenomenon.
Per Gessle, one half of the Swedish pop duo Roxette, penned the song in the spring of 1987. Originally titled “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas For The Broken Hearted)”, the song enjoyed moderate success in Sweden as a holiday single. However, its global potential remained untapped.
Roxette
The song’s fortunes changed dramatically when it was selected for the soundtrack of the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman. With the Christmas references removed and a few lyrical tweaks, “It Must Have Been Love” resonated perfectly with the film’s themes of love and transformation. The song catapulted to the top of charts worldwide, solidifying its place as one of Roxette’s signature hits and a defining song of the era.
Per Gessle’s Songwriting Process: Crafting “It Must Have Been Love”
In an interview, Per Gessle shared insights into the creation of “Have Must Been Love Roxette”. He described composing the melody on the piano, a common practice for his ballads. The music, he explained, possessed a beautiful and reflective quality that guided the lyrical content.
Gessle emphasized the importance of aligning the mood of the music and lyrics. Rather than focusing on a specific event or person, he aimed to capture a universal feeling of longing and reflection. This approach allowed the song to connect with a broad audience and transcend its initial Christmas theme.
The demo, Gessle revealed, was kept simple, featuring only piano and vocals. Marie Fredriksson’s powerful vocals brought the song to life, prompting key and arrangement adjustments to suit her voice. Gessle also highlighted the significance of the opening line, “Lay a whisper on my pillow,” for setting the song’s intimate and evocative tone. He believes a captivating opening is crucial for grabbing listeners’ attention in the world of pop music.
From Analog to Digital: Recording “It Must Have Been Love”
“It Must Have Been Love” marked a departure from Roxette’s previous recording methods. While earlier works were recorded using analog equipment at EMI studios in Stockholm, this song was recorded digitally at Audio Sweden, a studio partly owned by tennis legend Björn Borg. This shift to digital recording contributed to the song’s distinct sound.
For the Pretty Woman soundtrack, the song underwent further refinement. Fredriksson made minor lyrical changes, a new intro was added, and guitars were incorporated into the arrangement. The final touch came from renowned engineer Humberto Gatica, who used his “lucky snare” during the mixing process in Los Angeles. This version became the one that resonated with millions worldwide.
The Unexpected Success of “Have Must Been Love Roxette”
The song’s initial release as a Christmas single yielded limited success outside of Sweden. Even Germany, which had specifically requested a Christmas song from the duo, declined to release it. This underscores the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the importance of timing. Gessle acknowledges the role of luck and the “domino effect” of previous successes in propelling “It Must Have Been Love” to global recognition.
Despite its initial setbacks, Gessle always believed in the song’s strength. Its success in Sweden prior to Roxette’s international breakthrough confirmed its potential. He considers it one of his best ballads, praising its simple yet clever structure and the ever-evolving chorus sequence. The song’s enduring popularity proves its timeless appeal and its status as a classic love ballad.
Get the magazine dedicated to songwriters and enjoy exclusive benefits
