Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” is a timeless power ballad known globally. The song, synonymous with the hit movie Pretty Woman, boasts a fascinating origin story that transcends its romantic association. This article delves into the creation of “Must Of Been Love Roxette,” exploring its evolution from a Christmas tune to an international sensation.
Per Gessle, one half of the iconic Swedish duo Roxette, penned the song originally titled “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted).” Released in 1987, the Christmas version achieved moderate success in Sweden but failed to make waves internationally. Little did they know, this festive melody held the potential for global domination.
The song’s pivotal moment arrived with the 1990 film Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film’s producers sought a poignant love song for a crucial scene, leading them to Roxette’s ballad. With a few lyrical adjustments, removing the Christmas references, “It Must Have Been Love” was reborn. The song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics perfectly captured the film’s emotional core, catapulting it to international stardom.
From Christmas Ballad to Global Phenomenon: How Per Gessle Wrote “Must of Been Love Roxette”
Gessle’s songwriting process for “Must of Been Love Roxette” began at his piano in Halmstad, Sweden. He typically composed ballads on the piano, crafting a simple demo before presenting it to Marie Fredriksson, Roxette’s vocalist. Gessle believed Fredriksson possessed a unique ability to imbue ballads with emotional depth.
He strived to create a lyrical and musical synergy, aiming for the lyrics to reflect the music’s beauty. The song’s theme revolves around a mood rather than a specific event or person, capturing the universal feeling of longing and lost love. The music came first, followed by the lyrics, with both elements evolving in tandem.
Gessle’s demos were minimalist, consisting of piano and vocals. The magic happened when Fredriksson lent her voice to the melody. Her vocals prompted key changes and further refinement of the song.
The opening line, “Lay a whisper on my pillow,” is considered one of Gessle’s finest, instantly evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. In pop music, capturing the listener’s attention immediately is crucial, and this lyric achieved precisely that.
“It Must Have Been Love” was among Roxette’s first digitally recorded tracks, utilizing the then-cutting-edge technology at Audio Sweden studios. This departure from their usual analog recording process contributed to the song’s distinct sound.
The “Pretty Woman” Effect and Beyond
For the Pretty Woman soundtrack, minor lyrical changes were implemented, a new intro was added, and guitars were incorporated. Humberto Gatica, a renowned engineer and mixer, added his signature “lucky snare” to the track, creating the version that resonated with millions worldwide.
Interestingly, the song’s initial release as a Christmas single yielded limited success outside Sweden. Even Germany, known for its Christmas market, declined to release it. This underscores the importance of timing in the music industry. The song’s inclusion in Pretty Woman provided the necessary catalyst, aligning the right song with the perfect moment.
Gessle acknowledges the domino effect, recognizing that previous hits from their album Look Sharp! paved the way for their involvement with the film. However, the inherent strength of the song was evident from its initial success in Sweden. Even today, Gessle considers it one of his finest ballads, praising its simplicity and clever structure, particularly the dynamic chorus sequence.
“It Must Have Been Love Roxette” remains a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song. Its journey from a relatively obscure Christmas tune to a global anthem underscores the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the profound impact of film on a song’s trajectory.
