An Enduring Ballad of Love’s Unanswered Question
Ah, the late 1980s. A time when hair was big, synthesizers soared, and rock ballads reigned supreme. And among the titans of that era, one song stands out as a shimmering testament to enduring love and the poignant uncertainty that often accompanies it: Whitesnake‘s “Is This Love.” Released in 1987, this power ballad wasn’t just a hit; it became an anthem for a generation, a slow dance staple, and a song that still resonates deeply with those who came of age during that vibrant musical period.
“Is This Love” found immediate and immense success on the charts, cementing its place in rock history. It soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, a remarkable feat for a hard rock band in an increasingly pop-dominated landscape. It also reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating its global appeal. This widespread success wasn’t merely a fluke; it was a testament to the song’s undeniable emotional core and its universal theme. The track was a key single from Whitesnake‘s massively successful self-titled album, also known as “1987” in some markets, which went on to sell over eight million copies in the US alone. The album itself was a juggernaut, spawning several hit singles, but “Is This Love” possessed a unique tenderness that set it apart.
The story behind “Is This Love” is as intriguing as the song itself, deeply intertwined with the evolving personal and professional life of Whitesnake frontman, David Coverdale. Initially, the song was never intended for Whitesnake at all. Legend has it that Coverdale had written the track with the legendary Tina Turner in mind, hoping she might record it. Imagine that! The powerful vocals and raw emotion that Turner could bring to such a piece are almost tantalizing to consider. However, as fate would have it, producer John Kalodner convinced Coverdale that the song was simply too good to give away and should be included on the upcoming Whitesnake album. And so, what was almost a Tina Turner classic became one of Whitesnake‘s most iconic and beloved anthems.
The meaning of “Is This Love” is, at its heart, a question of profound emotional depth and vulnerability. It speaks to that moment in a blossoming relationship when feelings are intense, overwhelming even, yet there’s a lingering uncertainty. Is this fleeting infatuation, or is it the real, lasting kind of love? The lyrics, penned by Coverdale with music by John Sykes, perfectly capture this delicate balance of passion and apprehension. Lines like “I can feel a new desire / I can feel the change” and “Is this love that I’m feeling / Or is this just a game?” articulate the internal dialogue many of us have experienced when standing at the precipice of a significant romantic connection. It’s a song about taking a leap of faith, about surrendering to emotions while still seeking reassurance. For older listeners, it can evoke memories of those heady, uncertain days of youth, when every crush felt monumental and every new love felt like the one. It reminds us of the hope, the fear, and the sheer exhilaration of falling in love for the first time, or perhaps, for the first time with renewed intensity.
Beyond its lyrical depth, the song’s musical arrangement is what truly elevates it to classic status. The powerful yet restrained guitar work of John Sykes, combined with the lush keyboard melodies and Coverdale‘s signature soulful, soaring vocals, creates an atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements the lyrical theme. It’s a masterclass in the power ballad genre, showcasing the band’s ability to craft a song that was both hard-hitting and undeniably tender. The iconic music video, featuring Coverdale‘s then-girlfriend and future wife, actress Tawny Kitaen, further cemented its place in pop culture, becoming a staple on MTV and showcasing the glamorous side of 80s rock. For many, the imagery of Kitaen dancing and posing with the band is as ingrained in their memory as the melody itself. “Is This Love” isn’t just a song; it’s a time capsule, transporting us back to an era of big anthems, bigger hair, and even bigger emotions. It’s a song that continues to echo in our hearts, reminding us that some questions, especially those of love, remain eternally relevant.