Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” transcended its Christmas origins to become a global phenomenon thanks to the movie Pretty Woman. This article delves into the song’s creation, evolution, and enduring legacy as told by songwriter Per Gessle.
From Christmas Ballad to Global Hit
Few songs achieve the cultural impact of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love.” Initially a Christmas song titled “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas For The Broken Hearted),” it found modest success in Sweden. However, destiny intervened when the song was chosen for the soundtrack of the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Stripped of its holiday references and re-recorded, “Must Have Been Love” catapulted Roxette to international stardom, topping charts worldwide and becoming synonymous with the film’s iconic love story.
Per Gessle: The Storyteller Behind the Music
Per Gessle, the creative force behind Roxette, shared the genesis of “It Must Have Been Love” in an interview. The song’s melancholic melody was born on a piano in Halmstad, Sweden, in the spring of 1987. Gessle aimed to capture a specific mood rather than narrate a personal experience. The music dictated the lyrics, a process he believes yields the most authentic and powerful songs. Marie Fredriksson’s distinctive vocals further elevated the track, transforming a simple demo into a timeless classic.
Roxette’s Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson: The duo behind “It Must Have Been Love.”
The Magic of a Great Opening Line
Gessle highlights the importance of a captivating opening line in pop music. “Lay a whisper on my pillow,” the first line of “Must Have Been Love,” immediately sets a scene and draws the listener in. This evocative phrase, he suggests, showcases the unique perspective a non-native English speaker can bring to songwriting.
Embracing Digital Recording and a “Lucky Snare”
“It Must Have Been Love” marked a departure for Roxette, being one of their first forays into digital recording. The shift from analog to digital at Audio Sweden, a studio partly owned by tennis legend Björn Borg, imparted a distinct sound to the track. For the Pretty Woman version, further changes were made, including lyrical adjustments by Marie Fredriksson, a new intro, and added guitars. The final touch, a “lucky snare” employed by mixer Humberto Gatica, contributed to the song’s signature sound that resonated with millions.
The Right Song at the Right Time
Gessle acknowledges the role of serendipity in the song’s success. While initially a minor hit in Sweden, “Must Have Been Love” failed to gain traction elsewhere. The song’s inclusion in Pretty Woman provided the necessary catalyst, demonstrating that timing can be as crucial as talent in the music industry. The film’s popularity propelled the song to new heights, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Gessle considers “It Must Have Been Love” one of his finest ballads, a testament to its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.
The Legacy of “Must Have Been Love”
“It Must Have Been Love” remains a powerful example of how a song can transcend its initial context to become a cultural touchstone. It showcases the magic of a compelling melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the perfect alignment of talent and opportunity. The song continues to evoke nostalgia and resonate with listeners worldwide, cementing its status as a timeless classic and a testament to Roxette’s enduring legacy.
