About the song
“Is This Love” by Whitesnake
Released in 1987, “Is This Love” stands as one of Whitesnake’s most beloved and recognizable ballads. With its smooth production, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocal performance by David Coverdale, the song showcases the band’s softer, more romantic side—contrasting with their hard rock roots. As a quintessential 1980s power ballad, “Is This Love” helped solidify Whitesnake’s place among the era’s elite rock bands, demonstrating that they could master not just hard-driving anthems, but also emotional, slow-burning love songs.
Background and Writing
“Is This Love” was written by David Coverdale, the lead singer and creative force behind Whitesnake, in collaboration with legendary guitarist John Sykes. Interestingly, the song was originally conceived not for Whitesnake, but potentially for Tina Turner. Coverdale has stated in interviews that the song was being considered for Turner as part of a collaborative effort with record label executives. However, once the track began to take shape, it became clear that it would work just as well—if not better—as a Whitesnake ballad.
The band was in the process of creating their self-titled album Whitesnake (also known as 1987 in Europe), and “Is This Love” ultimately became a perfect fit for the record. The song was released as the second single from the album and quickly became one of the group’s biggest hits.
Musical Composition and Arrangement
Musically, “Is This Love” is a classic example of a power ballad, a subgenre that dominated rock radio in the 1980s. The song is built on a foundation of melodic guitar arpeggios, lush keyboard textures, and a slow, steady drum groove that creates a romantic, yearning atmosphere. The chord progression is simple but effective, allowing Coverdale’s vocals to shine as the emotional centerpiece.
Guitarist John Sykes delivers tasteful, restrained guitar work throughout the track, adding subtle embellishments and a soaring solo that complements the song’s emotional core without overpowering it. The production, handled by Mike Stone and Keith Olsen, is polished and radio-friendly, with a warm mix that enhances the song’s sense of intimacy and passion.
The standout element of the song, however, is David Coverdale’s vocal performance. His voice, characterized by its rich timbre and expressive power, conveys both vulnerability and intensity. From the soft questioning of the verses to the impassioned declarations in the chorus, Coverdale’s vocals elevate the song into something deeply personal and relatable.
Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, “Is This Love” explores the uncertainty and excitement of falling in love. The narrator questions his feelings, wondering if what he’s experiencing is genuine love or simply infatuation. The chorus—“Is this love that I’m feeling? / Is this the love that I’ve been searching for?”—captures a universal emotional state: the hopeful confusion that often accompanies a new romantic connection.
The lyrics are straightforward and heartfelt, avoiding over-complication and instead tapping into raw human emotion. This accessibility helped the song connect with a broad audience, from hard rock fans to mainstream pop listeners.
Commercial Success
“Is This Love” was a massive commercial success. In the United States, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, only held off the top spot by George Michael’s “Faith.” It also charted highly in other countries, reaching No. 9 in the UK Singles Chart and becoming a top 10 hit in several European nations.
The song’s success contributed significantly to the multi-platinum status of the Whitesnake album, which remains the band’s most commercially successful release. Alongside hits like “Here I Go Again” and “Still of the Night,” “Is This Love” played a key role in Whitesnake’s global rise in the late 1980s.
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for “Is This Love” received heavy rotation on MTV, further fueling the song’s popularity. Featuring David Coverdale and actress Tawny Kitaen (who also appeared in other Whitesnake videos), the visual portrayal of longing and passion matched the song’s mood and became iconic in its own right.
Over time, “Is This Love” has become a staple of 1980s rock balladry and a regular feature on classic rock radio and nostalgic playlists. Its enduring appeal lies in its emotional honesty, timeless melody, and the universally relatable theme of questioning love’s authenticity.
Legacy
More than three decades after its release, “Is This Love” remains one of Whitesnake’s signature songs. It has been covered by various artists, featured in movies, and performed by the band in virtually every live set. The song not only marked a commercial high point for the group but also helped redefine what a hard rock band could achieve by embracing vulnerability and romanticism.
For many fans, “Is This Love” represents the emotional core of Whitesnake’s catalog—a tender, honest, and beautifully crafted ballad that continues to resonate across generations.