The History and Legacy of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love”
Originally released as a holiday-themed track in 1987, Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” achieved global chart-topping success only after its inclusion in the 1990 film Pretty Woman. The power ballad became one of the Swedish duo’s most recognizable hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1990 and cementing its status as a staple of 1990s pop culture.
From Christmas Single to Global Hit
The song began as “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted),” released exclusively in Sweden in December 1987. According to the official Roxette biography, the band’s label, EMI, requested a Christmas song to capitalize on the season. The track featured subtle holiday references, including a sleigh bell percussion line that was later stripped away for the international release.
When director Garry Marshall sought a song for the soundtrack of the romantic comedy Pretty Woman, he reportedly approached Roxette’s Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson. The duo provided the 1987 track, but with the holiday-specific lyrics and instrumentation removed to better fit the film’s narrative. The revised version was released in 1990 and surged in popularity, propelled by the film’s massive box-office success.
The Impact of the Pretty Woman Soundtrack
The inclusion of “It Must Have Been Love” in Pretty Woman is often cited as a textbook example of how film placement can revitalize a track. While the song had moderate success in Sweden, the movie provided an international platform that the original 1987 release lacked.
According to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) data, the song’s success helped propel the band to massive commercial heights in the United States. Unlike many soundtrack songs that fade once a film leaves theaters, “It Must Have Been Love” remained a radio fixture for decades. Its success established a precedent for the 1990s, where film soundtracks frequently served as the primary marketing vehicle for pop hits.
Comparison of Versions
| Feature | 1987 Original | 1990 Film Version |
|---|---|---|
| Title | It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted) | It Must Have Been Love |
| Holiday References | Yes (Lyrics/Sleigh bells) | None |
| Chart Peak (US) | Did not chart | #1 Billboard Hot 100 |
Why the Song Endures
The song’s longevity is frequently attributed to Marie Fredriksson’s vocal performance. Music critics have noted that her ability to convey emotional vulnerability without over-singing allowed the track to transcend the typical “movie song” label. Per Gessle has stated in interviews that the song’s simple, melancholic melody was designed to be universal, which allowed it to resonate with audiences regardless of the film’s context.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Roxette write the song specifically for Pretty Woman? No, it was a repurposed 1987 holiday track.
- Was it their only number-one hit? No, Roxette achieved four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including “The Look,” “Listen to Your Heart,” and “Joyride.”
- Is the 1987 version still available? Yes, the original version is featured on various Roxette retrospective albums and digital streaming platforms.
Today, the song remains a definitive relic of the 1990s music industry. Its transition from a regional holiday single to a chart-topping global anthem highlights the symbiotic relationship between film and music that defined the era.