“Is This Love?” is a soulful and dramatic pop ballad by English singer Alison Moyet, released in November 1986 as the lead single from her second studio album, Raindancing (1987). Written by Moyet and David A. Stewart (of Eurythmics fame, credited as Jean Guiot), the song showcases Moyet’s powerful and emotive voice while exploring themes of longing and emotional vulnerability. It became one of her signature tracks and a commercial success, peaking at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
The lyrics of “Is This Love?” capture the uncertainty and passion of romantic attraction, exploring the question of whether the intensity of feelings truly constitutes love. Musically, “Is This Love?” is a polished pop ballad with a blend of synthesizers, lush orchestration, and a steady rhythm. The production reflects a balance between 1980s pop trends and the timeless quality of Moyet’s voice. Stewart’s involvement brought a touch of sophistication and a cinematic feel to the track, elevating its emotional intensity.
“Is This Love?” was a commercial success, becoming one of Moyet’s biggest hits. In addition to its strong performance in the UK, where it reached No. 3, it also charted in several European countries, topping the European Hot 100 Singles chart, and achieved moderate success in the U.S., reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity helped drive the success of Raindancing, which became No.2 album in the UK and further established Moyet as a leading voice in 1980s pop music.