From Lennon and McCartney to Roxette: The Story Behind 'Joyride
The Beatles, particularly John Lennon and Paul McCartney, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. What some fans may not know is that a comment made by McCartney about his collaboration with Lennon inspired the creation of the 1991 hit song "Joyride" by Roxette. Per Gessle, one half of Roxette, revealed that he was inspired by McCartney's statement about their songwriting process, leading him to write "Joyride."
"Joyride," featured on the album of the same name, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1991. Gessle mentioned in a recent interview that the version of the song that reached number one in the US underwent some changes from the original recording with his late bandmate, Marie Fredriksson. To cater to the American market, producer Brian Malouf was brought in to create a new mix that would appeal to US radio audiences.
Gessle acknowledged that Malouf's mix gave "Joyride" a more mainstream '90s pop sound, different from the original Swedish recording. Despite initially finding the Swedish version unique, Gessle understood the decision to go with the American mix for its broader appeal. The success of "Joyride" in the US showcased the adaptability and evolution of the song to suit different audiences, ultimately solidifying its place as a '90s pop hit.