The Enduring Appeal of Whitesnake’s ‘Is This Love

Released on May 18, 1987, “Is This Love” is a power ballad by the English rock band Whitesnake. Featured on their self-titled album, the song showcases the band’s softer side, blending emotive lyrics with a soulful melody. Co-written by lead vocalist David Coverdale and guitarist John Sykes, “Is This Love” became one of Whitesnake’s most successful hits, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Is This Love

• Chart Success: “Is This Love” reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Whitesnake’s second-biggest US hit after “Here I Go Again.”
• Originally for Tina Turner: David Coverdale initially wrote the song with the intention of offering it to Tina Turner. However, upon hearing it, executives at Geffen Records insisted that Whitesnake should record it themselves.
• Music Video: The accompanying music video features actress Tawny Kitaen, who was dating Coverdale at the time. The video’s romantic imagery contributed to the song’s popularity and received heavy rotation on MTV.
• Live Performances: “Is This Love” has been a staple in Whitesnake’s live shows since its release, featured on several of their live albums, including “Live: In the Shadow of the Blues” (2006) and “Live at Donington 1990” (2011).
• Critical Acclaim: In 2015, Classic Rock magazine ranked “Is This Love” seventh on their list of the top 40 greatest power ballads, highlighting its enduring appeal.

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