By the late 1980s, Whitesnake had become one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Fueled by the explosive success of their self-titled 1987 album and hard-rock anthems like “Here I Go Again” and “Still of the Night,” the band seemed unstoppable. But it wasn’t another fist-pumping rocker that became one of their most enduring songs. Instead, it was a heartfelt ballad that showcased a softer side of frontman David Coverdale and introduced one of the decade’s greatest rock love songs.
Released in 1987, “Is This Love” climbed the charts around the world, becoming Whitesnake’s second biggest hit in the United States and proving the band could do far more than deliver high-energy rock. With its unforgettable melody, emotional vocals, and polished production, the song remains a staple of classic rock radio and one of the defining power ballads of the 1980s.
Its story, however, is even more surprising than most fans realize.
A Song Almost Given to Tina Turner
One of the most fascinating facts about “Is This Love” is that it wasn’t originally intended for Whitesnake.
David Coverdale wrote the song with legendary guitarist John Sykes while working on material for the Whitesnake album. At first, Coverdale envisioned it as a song for Tina Turner, whose career had been revitalized with a string of massive hits during the mid-1980s.
The melody and lyrics seemed perfectly suited to her powerful voice.
As the songwriting progressed, however, Coverdale realized the song fit Whitesnake remarkably well.
Instead of passing it along, he decided to keep it for the band.
It proved to be one of the smartest decisions of his career.
Showing Another Side of Whitesnake
Before “Is This Love,” Whitesnake had built a reputation around blues-influenced hard rock, powerful guitar riffs, and energetic live performances.
Songs like “Still of the Night” showcased the band’s heavier side.
“Is This Love” revealed something different.
Rather than relying on aggressive guitars and thunderous drums, the song focused on melody, atmosphere, and emotion.
It allowed listeners to hear a more vulnerable side of David Coverdale’s songwriting without sacrificing the band’s unmistakable identity.
The balance between rock and romance helped broaden Whitesnake’s audience considerably.
David Coverdale’s Emotional Performance
David Coverdale has always possessed one of rock’s great voices.
On “Is This Love,” he demonstrates remarkable restraint.
Instead of overwhelming the song with sheer power, he allows the emotion to build naturally.
His performance feels intimate during the verses before expanding into the soaring chorus that has become one of the song’s defining features.
Coverdale’s voice carries warmth, uncertainty, and genuine affection throughout.
The title itself is phrased as a question rather than a declaration.
That subtle uncertainty gives the song much of its emotional appeal.
It feels honest.
It feels believable.
John Sykes’ Tasteful Guitar Work
While the vocals often receive the most attention, guitarist John Sykes plays an equally important role in the song’s success.
His melodic fills and expressive solo complement the vocals perfectly.
Rather than trying to dominate the arrangement, Sykes chooses every note carefully.
His guitar sings alongside Coverdale’s voice instead of competing with it.
That sense of musical balance helps elevate the recording.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable solos aren’t the fastest.
They’re the ones that serve the song.
A Polished 1980s Production
Producer Mike Stone helped craft a recording that captured everything audiences loved about late-1980s rock.
The keyboards provide warmth without overpowering the guitars.
The rhythm section remains solid and understated.
Every instrument occupies its own space within the mix.
The result is polished but never sterile.
Like many of the era’s best power ballads, “Is This Love” gradually builds in intensity before reaching an emotional payoff that feels completely earned.
The production still sounds remarkably fresh decades later.
Climbing the Charts
Released as the second single from Whitesnake, “Is This Love” became an immediate success.
The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held out of the top spot only by George Michael’s “Faith.”
It also became a major hit throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, and several other countries.
Its success demonstrated that Whitesnake could thrive on both rock radio and mainstream pop stations.
Few hard rock bands managed that kind of crossover appeal during the 1980s.
MTV and Tawny Kitaen
Like several Whitesnake hits from the era, “Is This Love” benefited enormously from MTV.
The music video featured actress Tawny Kitaen, who had already become closely associated with the band after appearing in the iconic videos for “Here I Go Again” and “Still of the Night.”
Unlike those more energetic clips, “Is This Love” focused on romantic imagery and quiet chemistry between Kitaen and Coverdale.
The understated visual perfectly matched the mood of the song.
It became another MTV favorite during the network’s golden years.
A Staple of Rock Ballads
Over the years, “Is This Love” has earned its place among the greatest power ballads ever recorded.
Its combination of heartfelt songwriting, memorable melody, and polished musicianship continues to resonate with audiences.
The song frequently appears on lists celebrating the best rock ballads of all time.
It remains a highlight of classic rock playlists and continues to receive regular airplay around the world.
Its popularity has never depended solely on nostalgia.
It’s simply an exceptionally well-crafted song.
The Legacy of the Whitesnake Album
The self-titled Whitesnake album became one of the defining rock records of the decade.
Featuring “Here I Go Again,” “Still of the Night,” “Give Me All Your Love,” and “Is This Love,” it produced an extraordinary run of hit singles that elevated the band to global superstardom.
“Is This Love” provided the emotional balance the album needed.
Without it, the record might have been remembered only for its hard-rock fireworks.
Instead, it demonstrated the band’s impressive versatility.
Why It Still Endures
Many power ballads remain trapped within the decade that produced them.
“Is This Love” continues sounding fresh because its emotional core is timeless.
The lyrics speak to the uncertainty that accompanies falling in love.
The melody is instantly memorable.
The performances remain sincere rather than overly dramatic.
Whether heard on classic rock radio, streaming playlists, or live in concert, the song still connects with listeners because its message is universal.
Love has always inspired great songs.
Few capture its quiet vulnerability as effectively as this one.
Legacy
“Is This Love” remains one of Whitesnake’s finest achievements and one of the defining power ballads of the 1980s. What began as a song that might have been recorded by another artist instead became a career-defining hit, showcasing David Coverdale’s heartfelt vocals, John Sykes’ elegant guitar work, and the band’s remarkable ability to balance hard rock with genuine emotion. More than three decades after its release, the song continues to remind listeners that sometimes the biggest rock bands create their most unforgettable moments not by turning up the volume, but by letting the melody—and the heart—do the talking.