The story of “Is This Love” is intertwined with the tumultuous journey of Whitesnake and its leader, David Coverdale. By the mid-1980s, Whitesnake had already gone through several iterations, evolving from a blues-rock band into a hard rock behemoth. After the success of their 1984 album Slide It In, Coverdale, ever the ambitious showman, set his sights on the American mainstream. This meant a significant stylistic shift, moving towards a more radio-friendly, polished sound. The 1987 album Whitesnake, often referred to as 1987, was the culmination of this ambition.
The core of the Whitesnake lineup for the 1987 album was drastically different from previous incarnations. This reflected Coverdale’s desire to craft a sound that could conquer the American market. Guitarists John Sykes (who had co-written many of the album’s songs) and Adrian Vandenberg, along with bassist Neil Murray (who only played on parts of the recording process), and drummer Aynsley Dunbar were all replaced by the new lineup which included guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Tommy Aldridge. The studio recording of “Is This Love” features Campbell on rhythm guitar and session guitarist Dann Huff on lead and rhythm guitar, while the music video featured Vandenberg lip-synching the lead guitar parts. This switch highlights the often-pragmatic approach of the music industry, focusing on assembling a group for stage presence rather than necessarily relying on the studio musicians who recorded the track.
“Is This Love” itself was not initially conceived as a Whitesnake song. In an interview, David Coverdale revealed that he wrote the song during a session with his friend, John Kalodner, a famous A&R executive for Geffen Records. He had been struggling to finish a song when Kalodner encouraged him to focus on a recently drafted lyric he had been pondering about. This lyric eventually became the chorus to “Is This Love.” At the time, Coverdale envisioned the song being given to Tina Turner, whom he had once had a romantic relationship with, hoping she would be able to perform it.
However, Coverdale decided to keep “Is This Love” for Whitesnake, recognizing its potential to expand the band’s reach beyond their established hard rock audience. This decision was not without its internal tensions within the band, as some of the members favored a heavier sound. John Sykes, in particular, felt that the song was too commercial and didn’t fit the band’s rock identity. Ultimately, Coverdale’s vision prevailed, and the song became a cornerstone of the 1987 album and Whitesnake’s most commercially successful single.
The production of “Is This Love” was meticulous, employing a plethora of studio technology to create the layered, polished sound that defined 80s rock ballads. This departure from the rawer sound of earlier Whitesnake albums was intentional, catering to the mainstream radio sensibilities of the time. This decision, along with the release of the accompanying music video which saw David Coverdale’s then-wife Tawny Kitaen play his love interest, were calculated moves to establish the song as a pop crossover hit.
Musical Style: Power Ballad Grandeur
“Is This Love” is a textbook example of the 1980s power ballad, a genre characterized by its blend of hard rock instrumentation with melodic hooks and emotionally charged vocals. It carefully blends soft and loud dynamics, shifting from verses with a subdued pace, mainly backed by keyboard and soft guitar riffs, to the explosive, anthemic chorus.
The song opens with a distinctive keyboard riff, a recurring motif that immediately establishes the song’s melodic direction. This keyboard riff, along with the soft drum beat, introduces a more restrained feel than the typical high-energy hard rock sound the band was known for. The verse features Coverdale’s smooth and slightly bluesy vocals, underpinned by a gentle rhythm section and the shimmering sound of a clean electric guitar.
The pre-chorus builds in intensity, increasing the anticipation for the chorus to break through. Here, the instrumentation thickens, adding layers of guitar and percussion, with the drums transitioning to a more robust feel. The vocals rise in intensity, setting the stage for the soaring, emotionally charged chorus.
The chorus is the heart of “Is This Love,” a massive, sing-along anthem complete with catchy melodies, a wall of guitars, and Coverdale’s soaring vocals. The driving drum beat, combined with the full-bodied rhythm guitar, creates a feeling of power and emotional release. The use of backing vocals adds to the grandeur and harmonic richness of the chorus. The melody of the chorus is instantly memorable, allowing listeners to quickly sing along and connect with the emotional core of the song.
The guitar solo, performed by session guitarist Dann Huff, is a pivotal element of the song. The solo is melodically structured, focusing on catchy phrases rather than technical displays of speed. Huff employs techniques typical of 1980s rock, such as legato phrasing and a liberal use of vibrato, which adds to the song’s emotional impact. The solo is strategically placed to serve as a bridge between the second chorus and the final repeat, maintaining the energy and driving the song toward its climax. The use of the wah pedal adds a unique and interesting sonic texture, giving a more emotive feel to the performance.
The song’s structure follows a typical pop song formula with alternating verses and choruses, which is crucial for its radio-friendly appeal. However, the arrangement and dynamic contrasts are what elevates the song into more than a simple pop formula. The outro of the song is a reprise of the chorus and gradually fades out, ending with the keyboard riff that begins the song, leaving the listener with a sense of both emotional catharsis and lingering impact.
The production quality of “Is This Love” is pristine, reflecting the high standards of 1980s recording techniques. The use of reverb, chorus effects, and compression create a polished and radio-ready sound. Each element of the song, from the vocals to the individual instrument tracks, is carefully layered, creating a sonic tapestry that is both powerful and accessible. The overall production aimed for maximum impact on car radios and MTV, demonstrating the intent of creating a pop crossover hit.
Lyrics: Yearning and Romantic Uncertainty
The lyrics of “Is This Love” explore the complex emotions surrounding a burgeoning love and the accompanying vulnerability and uncertainty. The central question of the title, “Is this love?”, reflects the protagonist’s search for validation and understanding. The song does not present a confident declaration of love but rather a hesitant and searching expression of feelings.
The verses present a picture of isolation and longing. Lyrics such as “I should have known better than to let you go alone, it’s times like these I can’t believe I let you slip away” indicate a sense of regret and a desire to reconnect with a love interest. The protagonist is grappling with their feelings, trying to decipher the meaning of their emotions. Lines like “Sometimes I wonder if the things I hear, are really true, and if you feel the same way that I do” expose this feeling of insecurity about the object of their affections.
The chorus, the emotional core of the song, is where the protagonist directly grapples with the question of love. The repetition of “Is this love that I’m feeling” demonstrates their internal struggle to define and understand their feelings. The simplicity of the question, yet its profound implications, is what resonates with listeners. The chorus expresses a sense of yearning and a need for confirmation, mirroring the universal experience of new love. The lyrics avoid overly sentimental or cheesy phrasing, striking a balance between emotion and sincerity.
The second verse continues the theme of introspection and uncertainty. The lines “You’re all I’m thinkin’ of and all I need to know, the only feeling that my heart can see is where you go” display a level of infatuation and vulnerability, revealing how the protagonist is completely consumed by their love interest. There’s a hint of vulnerability as the protagonist lays his heart on the line, not knowing whether his feelings are reciprocated.
The overall lyrical tone of “Is This Love” is one of longing and self-reflection. It avoids the bravado often associated with hard rock, opting for a more introspective and emotionally vulnerable portrayal of love. It portrays the universal struggle of deciphering emotions and seeking confirmation in a relationship. The lyrics are simple yet effective, allowing listeners to easily connect with the song’s message, regardless of their personal experiences with love. This relatability is a big part of what contributed to the song’s lasting popularity.
Cultural Impact: MTV Staple and Enduring Legacy
“Is This Love” had a monumental impact on popular culture, becoming an instant hit upon its release in 1987. Its success was due in no small part to the song’s strategic positioning within the rising music video culture of MTV.
The music video for “Is This Love” was a carefully crafted cinematic piece. It featured David Coverdale in his prime, charismatic and emotionally invested, as well as his then-wife, actress and model Tawny Kitaen. Kitaen’s presence became almost synonymous with Whitesnake, as she became the face of the band’s 1987 releases, also appearing in the music videos for “Here I Go Again” and “Still of the Night.” Kitaen’s beauty and her portrayal of the love interest made the video an instant sensation, further cementing the song’s place in the public consciousness. The video also featured iconic 80s elements like slow-motion shots, dramatic lighting, and a visual aesthetic that amplified the song’s emotional tone. The combination of a catchy song, captivating visuals, and the star power of Coverdale and Kitaen created a perfect storm of popularity.
The song’s heavy rotation on MTV exposed Whitesnake to a significantly wider audience than their previous work. It became a staple of the 1980s power ballad genre, defining the era’s sound alongside hits from other acts like Bon Jovi and Journey. The song’s accessibility and radio-friendly nature pushed it up the charts, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number nine on the UK Singles Chart. The success of “Is This Love” was also crucial for the album’s overall performance, which sold millions of copies worldwide, becoming Whitesnake’s most successful album.
“Is This Love” had a cultural influence that extended beyond music charts. The song became a common choice for slow dances and romantic dedications, further solidifying its place in popular culture. It became the sound track for many romances and was used in television and film, reinforcing its emotional impact and connection with audiences. The song’s legacy also extends to cover versions, with many artists performing their own interpretations of the song, showing the song’s wide appeal and enduring impact.
However, the massive success of “Is This Love” also created a paradox for Whitesnake. The band became closely associated with this softer, more commercial sound, a sound which alienated some fans of their earlier blues-rock material. While the success of the song brought Whitesnake international recognition, it also forced the band to navigate the expectations of a now broader audience, which expected more commercially-friendly songs in future releases. This is why subsequent Whitesnake albums attempted to maintain a balance of the bands original heavy rock sound with power ballads similar to “Is This Love.”
The legacy of “Is This Love” continues to this day. It is still a common track on classic rock and 80s playlists, showcasing its continued popularity and relevance. The song remains a potent symbol of the 1980s, encapsulating the era’s music and visual aesthetics. It is a testament to the power of a well-crafted power ballad to capture the hearts and minds of a generation.
Conclusion: A Timeless Ballad
“Is This Love” by Whitesnake is a prime example of how a well-crafted song can transcend its genre and become a cultural phenomenon. Its origins, musical style, lyrical themes, and cultural impact are all interconnected, contributing to its enduring legacy. The song represents a significant shift in the band’s sound, embracing a more commercially viable approach that paid off handsomely, but also challenged the expectations of some of its existing fanbase.
The meticulous production and carefully constructed musical arrangement make it a standout example of the 1980s power ballad. The lyrics, although simple in their construction, resonate with universal themes of yearning, uncertainty, and the search for love. The music video, an integral part of the song’s success, helped to further propel the song into the public consciousness. Its success is a testament to the power of music, visuals, and effective promotion to shape cultural tastes and define a musical era.
The enduring legacy of “Is This Love” is its ability to evoke emotion and memories. It is not just a song, but a symbol of a specific period in music history and the emotions associated with that time. While some might argue that it represents a commercial compromise for the band, its impact is undeniable. The song helped to establish Whitesnake as a global force in rock music and secured its place as one of the most iconic power ballads of all time. It remains a timeless example of how a song can capture the essence of human emotion and create a lasting connection with generations of listeners. Even as the music industry and trends have evolved, “Is This Love” continues to be a beloved track, demonstrating the enduring power of a well-crafted and genuinely felt expression of love and longing. It’s a testament to its ability to transcend the constraints of its era and become a timeless piece of pop culture.