Get ready to fall in love with a song that perfectly encapsulated a feel-good 80s rom-com!
The Song
"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" is a power ballad recorded by the American rock band Starship. Released in 1987, it served as the theme song for the romantic comedy film Mannequin. The song was written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, two prolific hitmakers known for crafting iconic ballads. With its soaring vocals from Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas, the track became an instant classic, embodying the optimistic spirit of the era.
The lyrics perfectly complement the film's storyline, celebrating an unbreakable bond and the triumph of love against all odds. Its powerful chorus and memorable melody contributed significantly to both the song's and the movie's success. The track's production by Narada Michael Walden gave it a polished, radio-friendly sound that resonated with a wide audience.
The Artist
Starship emerged from the remnants of the legendary psychedelic rock band Jefferson Starship, which itself was a continuation of Jefferson Airplane. The band underwent several lineup changes and a shift in musical direction towards a more mainstream, pop-rock sound in the mid-1980s. Key members during this period included vocalists Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas.
Grace Slick, a rock icon known for her powerful voice and presence in Jefferson Airplane, continued to lend her distinctive vocals to Starship. Mickey Thomas, with his soulful tenor, provided a perfect complement, creating dynamic duets. "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" marked a significant commercial peak for this iteration of the band, further cementing their status as hitmakers of the decade.
Chart Performance
"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" was a massive commercial success worldwide. It soared to the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming Starship's third and final number-one hit on that chart. The song also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, spending four weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Beyond the US and UK, the power ballad achieved significant chart success across the globe, reaching the top spot in countries such as Canada, Ireland, and South Africa. Its widespread popularity cemented its status as one of the definitive love songs of the late 1980s and a quintessential movie theme.
Cultural Impact
The song is inextricably linked to the film Mannequin, starring Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. Its placement as the main theme significantly boosted both the movie's profile and the song's popularity. The movie itself became a beloved 80s rom-com, and the song became its musical signature, perfectly capturing the whimsical and romantic tone.
"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" has enjoyed a lasting presence in popular culture, frequently appearing in other films, television shows, and commercials to evoke 1980s nostalgia or represent an unstoppable force of love. Its singalong quality and enduring message of commitment have made it a staple at weddings and celebratory events, further cementing its iconic status. The song also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Fun Facts
- Diane Warren initially wrote the song for Cher, but it ultimately went to Starship.
- At 47 years old, Grace Slick became the oldest female vocalist to have a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with this song at the time.
- The music video prominently features clips from the movie Mannequin, intertwining the band's performance with key scenes from the film.
- The song was also featured in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto V on the fictional radio station "Los Santos Rock Radio."
- Co-writer Albert Hammond has stated that the song was inspired by his relationship with his wife.
- The distinctive drum sound in the song is characteristic of Narada Michael Walden's production style, which defined much of the era's pop sound.