David Guetta & Kelly Rowland ‘When Love Takes Over’ turns 15 years old

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, “When Love Takes Over” marks a milestone for French record producer David Guetta and American singer Kelly Rowland. Released as the lead single from Guetta’s fourth studio album, One Love, the track debuted on April 21, 2009, under Virgin Records (EMI France). The collaboration between David Guetta and Rowland blossomed when Rowland, captivated by Guetta’s instrumental version showcased during one of his DJ sets in the summer of 2008, persuaded Guetta to entrust her with the track for vocal composition and recording. Co-written by NERVO, the song’s inception unfolded through mutual musical admiration.

A Tale of Inspiration: The Making of “When Love Takes Over”

Rowland’s encounter with “When Love Takes Over” inspired a shift towards a more dance-oriented sound for her subsequent album, Here I Am (2011), while Guetta found the song instrumental in shaping his future musical directions, urging him to explore urban sounds. Produced by Guetta and Frédéric Riesterer, the song boasted piano riffs and a melodic backing track, expertly mixed by Veronica Ferraro to accentuate Rowland’s vocals with a touch of enchantment. Critics lauded Rowland’s emotive delivery, cementing her status as a solo artist, while the song’s lyrics, echoing the euphoria of love, resonated with audiences worldwide.

Chart-Topping Success

Receiving universal acclaim, “When Love Takes Over” soared to the top of charts in ten countries, including the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland. Its impact was felt across continents, becoming Guetta’s highest-charting single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Rowland’s second number one single in the UK. Billboard recognized it as the best dance-pop collaboration of all time, highlighting its influence on the electronic dance music landscape.

The accompanying music video chronicles Guetta and Rowland’s journey, from conception to fruition, as they prepare for a vibrant party. The duo’s chemistry shines through as they reminisce on the song’s creation. “When Love Takes Over” received widespread promotion at prestigious award shows and events, with Guetta and Rowland delivering electrifying performances.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Rowland praised Guetta’s talent and down-to-earth nature, emphasizing their effortless musical chemistry. As the single continues to captivate audiences worldwide, its enduring legacy remains a testament to the power of love and music.