Roxette cemented their place as one of the most influential pop duos of the 80s and 90s, captivating global audiences with their unforgettable melodies and powerful ballads. The news of Marie Fredriksson’s passing in 2019 served as a poignant reminder of Roxette’s incredible musical legacy. This Swedish duo, Marie and Per Gessle, became their nation’s second-biggest music export after ABBA, leaving behind a treasure trove of international hits.
For those just beginning to explore the world of Roxette Songs, or for long-time fans looking to revisit their classics, here’s a countdown of 10 essential tracks that showcase their brilliance.
1. It Must Have Been Love
Marie Fredriksson performing It Must Have Been Love, Roxette's signature ballad, during a concert.
It’s surprising for many to learn that “It Must Have Been Love” started as a Christmas song, initially titled ‘It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)’. Released in 1987, the song’s transformation into a global phenomenon occurred when a festive-free version was crafted for the Pretty Woman soundtrack in 1990. The film’s massive success propelled this Roxette song to the top of charts worldwide, becoming arguably their most recognizable hit.
2. Wish I Could Fly
Roxette's Wish I Could Fly music video still, featuring Marie Fredriksson in a reflective and emotive scene.
“Wish I Could Fly” stands out as an experimental yet deeply moving ballad within Roxette’s discography. Per Gessle conceived the song to explore the fusion of electronic drum loops with a grand orchestral arrangement. Marie Fredriksson herself expressed a profound connection to this track, stating it was “very special to me. I never get tired of this.” Its impact was undeniable, becoming the most-played song on European radio in 1999, proving its lasting appeal among Roxette songs.
3. The Look
Promotional image of Roxette for The Look, showcasing Per Gessle on lead vocals in the music video.
“The Look” is an iconic 80s anthem that catapulted Roxette to their first US number one single. Interestingly, Per Gessle, who took on lead vocals for this track, revealed the lyrics for the initial verses were essentially placeholder words, “words just scribbled down to have something to sing.” Despite their impromptu nature, these lyrics resonated, and “The Look” became a defining Roxette song of the decade.
4. Listen to Your Heart
Marie Fredriksson passionately singing Listen to Your Heart in a live Roxette performance.
“Listen to Your Heart,” released in 1988, was instrumental in establishing Roxette’s international presence. Gessle playfully dubbed it “The Big Bad Ballad,” describing their attempt to emulate the “overblown American FM-rock sound” to an almost exaggerated degree. This ambition resulted in one of the most powerful and enduring power ballads among Roxette songs, solidifying their global stardom.
5. Joyride
Roxette's Joyride music video, with Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle in a vibrant and energetic scene.
The title track from their 1991 album, “Joyride,” secured Roxette another US number one single. The song’s catchy opening line was inspired by a note Gessle’s girlfriend (now wife) left on his piano: “Hej, din tok, jag älskar dig” (“Hello, you fool, I love you”). Furthermore, the title itself was drawn from an interview where Paul McCartney likened songwriting with John Lennon to “a long joyride,” perfectly encapsulating the upbeat and exhilarating feel of this Roxette song.
6. Almost Unreal
Roxette performing Almost Unreal on stage, highlighting their energetic stage presence.
“Almost Unreal” was created for the soundtrack of the 1993 film Super Mario Bros., arguably becoming the most memorable aspect of the movie itself. Initially intended for Hocus Pocus, Roxette lost that opportunity to En Vogue. Despite initial reservations about the Super Mario Bros. project, their admiration for actors Bob Hoskins and Dennis Hopper swayed them to contribute this track, adding a unique and slightly quirky entry to their collection of Roxette songs.
7. The Centre of the Heart
Roxette's music video for The Centre of the Heart, featuring Marie Fredriksson in a futuristic setting.
“The Centre of the Heart” is an energetic electropop track penned by Gessle, with initial demos dating back to 1998 during sessions for their Have a Nice Day album. Released later, this song became a massive hit in their native Sweden, dominating the Swedish charts for four weeks in 2001. Its uptempo vibe and catchy synth melodies demonstrate the versatility within Roxette songs.
8. Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)
Marie Fredriksson singing Fading Like a Flower in a Roxette concert, showcasing her powerful vocals.
From Roxette’s Joyride album in 1991, “Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)” achieved significant success, reaching number two in the US charts. Its popularity experienced a resurgence in the UK in 2005 when remixed by Dancing DJs, reaching the top 20. This Roxette song highlights their ability to create enduring melodies that transcend genres and generations.
9. Sleeping In My Car
Roxette's music video for Sleeping In My Car, with Marie Fredriksson driving a classic car.
“Sleeping In My Car” takes a departure into a pop-punk infused sound, reportedly written by Per Gessle in under an hour. Marie Fredriksson’s vocal performance on this track is particularly noteworthy, spanning over three octaves and showcasing her impressive range. This high-energy Roxette song gave the band a number one hit in Sweden in 1994, demonstrating their ability to experiment with different styles while maintaining their signature sound.
10. Dangerous
Young Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle in the Dangerous music video, a classic Roxette early hit.
“Dangerous” marked one of Roxette’s early breakthroughs on the international stage, breaking into the top 10 in both the US and UK charts in 1990. It was one of five singles released from their pivotal Look Sharp! album. This song established their signature blend of pop sensibilities with rock undertones, paving the way for their continued success and solidifying its place among essential Roxette songs.
Roxette’s body of work is a testament to their enduring talent and impact on pop music. These 10 songs are just a starting point to explore their extensive catalog and appreciate the magic of Roxette songs for years to come.
