About the song
Roxette and their magnum opus, Listen To Your Heart. Released in 1988, this effervescent pop rock anthem wasn’t an immediate smash, but its journey to global domination is a testament to the song’s infectious melody and timeless message.
Nestled within their sophomore album, Look Sharp!, Listen To Your Heart emerged from a place of playful experimentation. Songwriter, Per Gessle, himself described it as “The Big Bad Ballad,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to their attempt at capturing the bombastic spirit of American rock radio.
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However, what unfolded was far more nuanced. Gessle’s collaboration with Mats “M.P.” Persson yielded a song that transcended mere pastiche. Sure, the soaring guitars and triumphant drums evoke classic arena rock, but woven beneath that familiar structure lies a pop sensibility that’s undeniably Swedish.
Marie Fredriksson’s vocals are the song’s heart and soul. Her voice, a captivating blend of strength and vulnerability, effortlessly navigates the emotional terrain of the lyrics.
Gessle himself has acknowledged the song’s inspiration stemmed from a friend grappling with a complex relationship. This theme of emotional turmoil resonates within the verses, only to be lifted by the chorus’s hopeful declaration: “Listen to your heart when it whispers in the night…”
Listen To Your Heart isn’t just about following your heart’s desires; it’s about the courage to confront your inner voice, even when it leads you down uncertain paths. This universality is a key factor in the song’s enduring legacy.
Released in the late 80s, a time of flamboyant synthesizers and polished pop, Listen To Your Heart dared to be different. It possessed a rawness and earnestness that resonated with a generation yearning for something genuine.
The song’s impact wasn’t confined to its initial release. A fortuitous inclusion in the 1990 rom-com Pretty Woman catapulted Listen To Your Heart back into the spotlight, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Today, it remains an iconic singalong anthem, a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song that speaks to the universal language of the heart.