Single Review: Roxette – ‘It Just Happens’
3 min read
There are a handful of songwriters who just know how to master a catchy pop tune and Per Gessle is one of those few who sit high on the peak of that successful songsmith hill.
Over the course of 30 years, Gessle has been responsible for some of the most iconic and timeless hits in the pop songbook – It Must Have Been Love, Dangerous, Joyride, Spending My Time, Listen To Your Heart and Fading Like a Flower to name but a few. Completed by the powerful vocals of frontwoman Marie Fredriksson, Roxette are one of the most successful partnerships in music and have been inspiring generations since their breakthrough in the mid eighties.
A resurgence of the band began in 2009 following the recovery, albeit a continuous one, of Fredriksson’s near fatal tumor. Since their return to the world stage, Roxette have toured the world several times and released a couple of records – 2011’s Charm School and the bands Tourism sister, Travelling in 2012. With the duo currently enjoying the success of their 30th anniversary tour, Gessle and Fredriksson have surprised fans with the release of a brand new single in the sparkly form of It Just Happens, a track that will act as the lead single to their forthcoming 10th studio album, set for release on June 3rd.
It Just Happens is a full throttle power ballad – something this band know how to turn out better than most. Its eerie chord changes during the Gessle delivered verses offers a stark contrast to the Fredriksson driven bridge before the pair share vocal duties in the tracks chorus. The unison of the two powerhouse performers marks another chapter in the career of the Swedish chart-toppers and reminds us of the bands Charm School single ballad, Speak To Me, among a number of hits from the bands earlier repertoire.
Fredriksson’s heartfelt closing bridge is a hair-raising moment within the stellar track which is a combination of pop and electo – a pool the bands have been dipping their toes in quite heavily since 1999’s Have A Nice Day; a genre that works to the bands advantage and suits the sweet, romantic lyrics and sweeping melody of the track. The addition of a piano during the verses is also complementing within the synth-coated delivery of the number.
Each listen offers up something new; whether it be an instrumental effect or a subtle ad-lib. It Just Happens a superb track to usher in the next Roxette era and one that will tick all the boxes for the bands following and the new generation of Roxette fans.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
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Certainly fell in love with it…It’s awesome song which makes me feel so lucky that they are still around. Played this song on repeat since past 10 hours.
Its a great track! So uplifting and easy to fall in love with. Glad you like it as much as us :)
This song is really awesome! Very up to date, but with the signature of Roxette. Great production, that remind me of the awesome Have a Nice Day. I loved Marie’s voice and Per did a good job too, as always! Briliant duet!
Sadly it disappeared before I could listen.