Background
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” is a song by the American rock band Starship, released as a single in February 1987. The track was written by Starship members, Grace Slick and Paul Kantner, along with songwriters Bernie Taupin and Martin Page. It was included on the band’s album No Protection, which marked a departure from the band’s previous sound by incorporating more mainstream pop-rock elements.
The song was produced by Peter Maunu and was part of a significant period of change for Starship, which had evolved from Jefferson Airplane, a pioneering psychedelic rock group of the 1960s, into Jefferson Starship, and ultimately into Starship. By the 1980s, Starship was embracing a more polished, radio-friendly sound that was characteristic of the era’s soft rock and pop music. Their previous hits, such as “We Built This City” (1985), had already cemented their place in the mainstream, and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” further solidified this trend.
The track was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it remained for two weeks. It also charted well internationally, reaching the top ten in multiple countries including Canada and the UK. It became one of Starship’s most recognized songs and is still regarded as a hallmark of the 1980s pop-rock sound.
The song was also featured in the 1987 romantic comedy film Mannequin, which starred Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. The movie’s success helped propel the song’s popularity, adding an extra layer of cultural significance. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” has since become a quintessential 1980s anthem, celebrated for its upbeat and optimistic message.
Musical Style
Musically, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” is a quintessential example of 1980s soft rock and pop. The song’s arrangement is polished and radio-friendly, with a clear, catchy melody and a soaring, anthemic chorus that resonates strongly with listeners. The production features lush, layered instrumentation, typical of the era, with prominent keyboard and synth elements, electric guitar, and a steady, danceable beat that adds to the song’s upbeat and feel-good atmosphere.
The song begins with a bright, sweeping keyboard intro, which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the track. This is followed by a driving drumbeat and a warm, melodic bassline, which together give the song a full, spacious sound. The presence of synthesizers throughout the song creates a modern, almost futuristic texture, which was a defining characteristic of pop music in the 1980s.
Grace Slick’s lead vocals are front and center, delivering the song’s message with strength and conviction. Her voice, which had been a defining feature of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship’s earlier music, remains powerful and commanding, but it is also smooth and polished in this song, reflecting the more mainstream pop direction that Starship had embraced. Paul Kantner, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, provides backing vocals alongside Slick, giving the track a sense of harmony and unity.
The chorus of the song is especially striking, as it builds in intensity and emotion. The repetition of the line “Nothing’s gonna stop us now” gives the song an anthemic quality, reinforcing the theme of unstoppable love and unity. This sense of triumph and perseverance is further emphasized by the upbeat rhythm and soaring vocals, which make the song feel both uplifting and empowering.
Overall, the song’s musical style combines elements of pop-rock, soft rock, and synthesizer-driven 1980s pop, resulting in a track that is both catchy and emotionally resonant.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” convey a message of unconditional love and defiance. They tell the story of a couple who are determined to stay together despite the challenges they may face. The song expresses the belief that nothing—no external forces, societal expectations, or obstacles—can break the bond between the two lovers. The refrain, “Nothing’s gonna stop us now,” is a powerful declaration of their commitment to one another.
The verses describe the deep connection between the two people, emphasizing their mutual support and devotion. The lyrics portray the couple as a unified front, ready to face the world together, no matter what comes their way. In a broader sense, the song can be interpreted as an anthem for perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
In the context of the 1980s, a decade known for both excess and materialism, the song’s message of emotional sincerity and personal connection resonated with listeners who were seeking something more meaningful amidst the era’s superficiality. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with the sincerity of the performance, allowed the song to appeal to a wide audience, and its universal theme of love and perseverance made it timeless.
The lyrics also align with the broader cultural trends of the time, where themes of personal empowerment and self-expression were prevalent. At its core, the song is a celebration of love as a powerful force that transcends challenges, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the feeling of overcoming adversity with the support of someone close to them.
Cultural Impact
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” quickly became a defining song of the 1980s, a decade marked by its distinctive sound and cultural shifts. The song’s success was propelled not only by its commercial popularity but also by its inclusion in the 1987 film Mannequin. The film, which was a romantic comedy, helped associate the song with themes of love, hope, and perseverance, all of which resonated with audiences at the time.
The song’s optimistic tone and themes of unshakeable love made it a staple of 1980s pop culture. It was embraced by fans of both Starship and mainstream pop music, and its widespread radio play ensured that it became part of the era’s musical fabric. The song’s positive message also made it a popular choice for weddings, romantic celebrations, and other occasions that celebrate love and togetherness.
Over the years, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” has been used in various contexts, from television shows to commercials, helping to cement its place in pop culture. Its enduring popularity has made it a nostalgic anthem for people who grew up in the 1980s, and it continues to be a favorite on classic rock and pop radio stations.
The song’s success also marked a significant moment in Starship’s career, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the 1980s pop-rock scene. Following the success of “We Built This City,” Starship had firmly established themselves as a mainstream act, and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” was another example of their ability to create anthemic, radio-friendly hits.
In addition to its commercial success, the song also became a symbol of personal empowerment. Its message of determination and the strength of love resonated with a wide audience, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. In the years following its release, the song has been embraced by various groups as an anthem of resilience, representing the idea that love and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
Conclusion
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” is a classic 1980s anthem that encapsulates the era’s soft rock and pop sensibilities while offering a timeless message of love and perseverance. With its polished production, memorable melody, and anthemic chorus, the song became one of Starship’s most successful and enduring hits. The lyrics, focusing on the unbreakable bond between two people, resonated with listeners and contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
Its cultural impact extended beyond music, as it became a staple in popular media and an emblem of the 1980s. The song’s inclusion in Mannequin further cemented its place in the collective memory of the decade, and its message of love and defiance continues to appeal to new generations of listeners. Over the years, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” has maintained its relevance, and it remains a beloved track that is frequently associated with romantic celebrations, weddings, and nostalgic moments of empowerment.
Ultimately, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” represents the perfect convergence of catchy pop-rock elements, emotionally charged lyrics, and a message that speaks to the universal human experience of love and resilience. It remains a song that will continue to be celebrated for years to come, a testament to its timeless appeal.