Whitesnake – Is This Love

A song that needs no introduction, truly. It’s become a ubiquitous anthem in the world of rock and roll, instantly recognizable by its opening keyboard riff and David Coverdale’s soaring vocals. But to simply call it a catchy tune would be a disservice. Is This Love is a masterclass in crafting a powerful ballad with a hard rock edge.

Released in 1987 on their self-titled album, Is This Love propelled Whitesnake from a well-respected hard rock band to international superstars. The song itself has an interesting backstory. Originally written by Coverdale with John Sykes for Tina Turner, the story goes that David Geffen, head of their record label, insisted they keep it for Whitesnake [Source: Arrow Lords of Metal]. This twist of fate proved fortuitous, perfectly aligning with the band’s musical evolution at the time.

Is This Love ushered in a new era for Whitesnake. Their earlier sound, heavily influenced by blues rock, began to incorporate a more polished, keyboard-driven approach. This shift, however, didn’t diminish their rock credentials. The song’s foundation lies in Jon Lord’s unmistakable keyboard intro, a series of cascading arpeggios that build anticipation before exploding into a driving hard rock rhythm section courtesy of bassist Neil Murray and drummer Cozy Powell.

Then comes Coverdale. His voice, a rich baritone with a soulful rasp, is the emotional core of the song. He delivers the lyrics with a mix of vulnerability and urgency, questioning the nature of a burgeoning love. The lyrics themselves are deceptively simple, utilizing repetition to create a powerful effect. Lines like “Is this love, baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me no more” become a desperate plea, the yearning for genuine connection echoing in Coverdale’s impassioned delivery.

Is This Love transcended genre boundaries. It found a home on rock radio stations, dominated MTV with its iconic video featuring a scantily-clad woman slithering around a city at night (a video that Coverdale himself later admitted was a mistake!), and even crossed over onto pop charts. This widespread appeal is a testament to the song’s enduring qualities. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of questioning love’s intentions, delivered in a way that’s both emotionally resonant and undeniably catchy.

Is This Love remains a staple of Whitesnake’s live performances, a moment where audiences erupt in cheers as the opening chords ring out. It’s a song that continues to be covered by countless artists, a testament to its influence on rock music. So, the next time you hear those opening keyboard notes, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind this classic track. It’s more than just a power ballad; it’s a song that perfectly encapsulates the emotional complexities of love and the enduring power of rock and roll.

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Lyrics

“Is This Love”