Roxette – “Listen to Your Heart”: A Classic Power Ballad That Still Resonates
Released in 1988, Listen to Your Heart by Swedish pop duo Roxette became an instant classic and remains one of the most memorable power ballads of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Known for its emotional lyrics, unforgettable melody, and heartfelt performance, the song continues to be a favorite for music lovers around the world. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or hearing it for the first time, Listen to Your Heart has the power to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the making of this timeless ballad, the meaning behind its lyrics, and why Listen to Your Heart has endured as one of Roxette’s signature songs.
The Birth of Listen to Your Heart
Listen to Your Heart was written by Per Gessle, one half of Roxette, and recorded for their second studio album, Look Sharp! (1988). Released as a single in 1989, the song quickly became one of the duo’s most successful tracks, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charting in multiple countries worldwide.
What makes Listen to Your Heart stand out is not just its powerful arrangement but the way it blends pop and rock elements with an emotionally charged performance. The lyrics, combined with the soaring vocals of Marie Fredriksson, conveyed a deep sense of longing, vulnerability, and love, making it a track that anyone who’s experienced heartache or passion could relate to.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song’s central message is a simple yet profound one: the importance of listening to your heart when facing difficult emotional decisions. It’s a call to follow your instincts, trust your emotions, and make choices that align with your inner desires.
The opening lines of the song immediately set the tone:
“I know there’s something in the wake of your smile / I get a notion from the look in your eyes.”
Here, the lyrics evoke the feeling of seeing someone you care about and feeling that instant connection, that unspoken understanding.
As the song progresses, it delves into themes of love and uncertainty. The recurring refrain, “Listen to your heart when he’s calling for you,” is a reminder to follow what feels right, even when faced with doubt or confusion. It’s a message that resonates universally, as many of us have been in situations where we’re torn between logic and emotion, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
The vulnerability expressed in the lyrics makes it feel incredibly personal. It’s not just a song about romantic love—it’s also a song about self-awareness, self-discovery, and trusting yourself during emotional moments of uncertainty.
Marie Fredriksson’s Powerful Vocals
One of the key reasons Listen to Your Heart remains so memorable is the incredible vocal performance by Marie Fredriksson. Her voice is raw, passionate, and filled with emotion, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and longing expressed in the lyrics. From the softer, tender verses to the powerful, soaring chorus, Fredriksson’s vocal range is captivating, and it adds depth to the song’s emotional impact.
Her voice seems to pull listeners in, drawing them into the emotional journey of the song. Whether it’s the longing in her delivery or the intensity of the chorus, Fredriksson’s ability to convey raw emotion has cemented Listen to Your Heart as one of Roxette’s signature tracks.
The Song’s Impact and Legacy
Listen to Your Heart was a commercial success, both in Europe and the United States, but its legacy goes beyond its chart performance. The song was part of a broader wave of ’80s and ’90s power ballads that dominated the airwaves. In addition to its success on the charts, it became an anthem for those who sought solace and inspiration during emotional times.
Over the years, Listen to Your Heart has been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring that new generations of listeners are introduced to its timeless message. Its popularity has only grown since its release, and it remains one of Roxette’s most iconic songs. The track continues to be a staple in the duo’s live performances, where it regularly evokes strong emotional reactions from the audience.
Moreover, Listen to Your Heart has been covered and performed by many artists over the years, which is a testament to its enduring appeal. Its simple yet profound lyrics, paired with its emotional delivery, have inspired countless musicians to reinterpret it in their own style.
The Enduring Power of Listen to Your Heart
Even decades after its release, Listen to Your Heart still carries the same emotional weight it did when it first graced the airwaves. The universal themes of love, vulnerability, and trust in one’s emotions continue to resonate with listeners. Whether it’s the power of the chorus or the delicate tenderness of the verses, the song captures the complexities of human emotions in a way that feels timeless.
As one of Roxette’s biggest hits, Listen to Your Heart is a defining song in their career. It exemplifies the duo’s ability to blend pop and rock elements with emotional depth, and it remains a beloved classic in the world of pop ballads.
Conclusion
Roxette’s Listen to Your Heart is a quintessential power ballad that has withstood the test of time. With its emotional lyrics, unforgettable melody, and Marie Fredriksson’s stunning vocal performance, the song continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Its message of listening to your heart, following your instincts, and embracing love in all its forms is as relevant today as it was when it first hit the charts.
If you’re in the mood for a song that combines powerful emotions with a catchy melody, Listen to Your Heart is sure to strike a chord with you. It’s a classic that remains a pillar of Roxette’s legacy and an enduring symbol of the emotional power of music.
Lyrics: Listen To Your Heart
I know there’s something in the wake of your smile.
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yea.
You’ve built a love but that love falls apart.
Your little piece of heaven turns too dark.Listen to your heart
When he’s calling for you.
Listen to your heart
There’s nothing else you can do.
I don’t know where you’re going
And I don’t know why,
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye.Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile.
The precious moments are all lost in the tide, yea.
They’re swept away and nothing is what it seems,
The feeling of belonging to your dreams.Listen to your heart
When he’s calling for you.
Listen to your heart
There’s nothing else you can do.
I don’t know where you’re going
And I don’t know why,
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye.And there are voices
That want to be heard.
So much to mention
But you can’t find the words.
The scent of magic,
The beauty that’s been
When love was wilder than the wind.Listen to your heart
Take a listen
When he’s calling for you
Listen to your heart
Take a listen
There’s nothing else you can do.
I don’t know where you’re going
And I don’t know why,
But listen to your heart
BeforeListen to your heart
Take a listen
When he’s calling for you
Listen to your heart
Take a listen
There’s nothing else you can do.
I don’t know where you’re going
And I don’t know why,
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye.Listen to your heart
[Repeat until the end]Take a listen to your heart
Take a
Take a listen to your heart
