“It Must Have Been Love” is a timeless pop ballad by the Swedish duo Roxette, originally released in 1987 as a Christmas-themed single titled It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted). The song was later re-recorded and revamped for the 1990 film Pretty Woman soundtrack, becoming one of Roxette’s most iconic and successful hits. Written by Per Gessle and performed by Marie Fredriksson, the track is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and longing. The 1990 version of the song achieved massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and charting highly worldwide. It remains a staple of pop ballads and a defining track of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The original version of “It Must Have Been Love” was written in 1987 when Roxette was asked to create a holiday song for the Swedish market. Per Gessle wrote a melancholic yet melodic ballad about a love that could never be, blending the emotional weight of heartbreak with seasonal themes. In 1990, the duo was approached to contribute a song to the soundtrack of the romantic comedy Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. They reworked the track, removing its Christmas references, and the resulting version became one of their most recognized hits. The song played during a pivotal emotional moment in the film, further cementing its association with love and loss.
The song is a quintessential power ballad, blending lush orchestration, a soft piano melody, and soaring vocals. Marie Fredriksson’s emotive delivery is one of the track’s defining elements, perfectly conveying the vulnerability and passion of the lyrics. The production, handled by Clarence Öfwerman, is polished and cinematic, with a gradual buildup that climaxes in a heartfelt chorus. The balance between the intimate verses and the powerful refrain gives the song its dynamic appeal.
“It Must Have Been Love” became one of Roxette’s most successful singles. The reworked version topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and was certified gold. It also reached the top 5 in numerous countries, including the UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada. The song’s inclusion on the Pretty Woman soundtrack, which sold over 9 million copies, played a significant role in its global popularity. The track became a cornerstone of Roxette’s international breakthrough, helping solidify their reputation as one of the most successful pop acts of the late 20th century.