Music

Best ballads of the 80s

Explore a selection of the most iconic and emotional ballads from the 1980s. This decade was a breeding ground for power ballads, with artists who defined a unique and enduring sound. Discover romantic and powerful songs that continue to resonate with listeners across generations. Perfect for rock and pop music lovers from the eighties looking to relive nostalgia or discover classics. Immerse yourself in the golden era of ballads that dominated the charts and the hearts of millions.

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  1. 1

    Purple Rain (Purple Rain, 1984)

    554 Global Votes
    • Definitive power ballad

      (+4)

    This epic ballad by Prince is considered one of the greatest songs of all time, standing out for its emotional vocal performance and guitar solo. Its grandeur and cultural impact make it immortal.

  2. 2

    Avalon (1982)

    48 Global Votes
    • Considered one of the best love songs of the '80s

      (+4)

    This sophisticated art rock ballad by Roxy Music, with Bryan Ferry's distinctive voice, is the title track from their acclaimed eponymous album. Its timeless beauty and enveloping atmosphere make it appreciated for its artistic quality.

  3. 3

    Careless Whisper (1984)

    11 Global Votes
    • Features brilliant metaphors for heartbreak

      (+1)

    With its iconic saxophone solo and George Michael's emotional voice, this Wham! ballad is one of the most distinctive of the 80s. It addresses regret in a relationship, resonating with its profound emotional depth.

  4. 4

    Take My Breath Away (1986)

    6 Global Votes
    • Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song

      (+4)

    This synth-pop ballad by Berlin won an Oscar for its appearance in 'Top Gun', recognized for its ethereal atmosphere and romanticism. Its connection to an iconic film keeps it very popular and recognizable.

  5. 5

    I Just Called to Say I Love You (1984)

    4 Global Votes
    • Written, produced, and performed by Stevie Wonder

      (+4)

    This Stevie Wonder ballad is a universal hymn to love, recognized for its timeless message and catchy melody. It won an Oscar and was one of the decade's best-selling singles, maintaining its popularity to this day.

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  7. 6

    I Want to Know What Love Is (1984)

    4 Global Votes
    • Became their biggest hit in 1984

      (+4)

    This powerful rock ballad by Foreigner, with gospel influences, became a generational anthem about the search for love. Its emotional chorus and universal message keep it a popular choice.

  8. 7

    Drive (1984)

    3 Global Votes
    • Haunting synth-rock masterpiece

      (+4)

    This new wave and synth-pop ballad by The Cars, with its melancholic atmosphere, became well-known for its use at Live Aid. Its distinctive sound and subtle emotionality keep it appreciated for its originality.

  9. 8

    True (1983)

    2 Global Votes
    • New wave classic

      (+3)

    This new wave and soul ballad by Spandau Ballet is known for its smooth saxophone melody and introspective lyrics. Its elegance and relaxing atmosphere make it ideal for recalling the romanticism of the 80s.

  10. 9

    One More Night (1985)

    2 Global Votes
    • Second U.S. No. 1 single

      (+4)

    With Phil Collins' distinctive voice, this soft rock ballad expresses the desire for one last chance in a relationship. Its emotional depth and Collins' unmistakable performance keep it very popular.

  11. 10

    Slave to Love (1985)

    2 Global Votes
    • Released as the first single from his sixth solo studio album

      (+1)

    This soft pop rock ballad by Bryan Ferry, with its seductive style, was a hit in Europe and is one of his most recognized solo songs. Its elegance and romanticism keep it a classic.

  12. 11

    Is This Love (1987)

    1 Global Votes
    • A ballad with a pop sheen

      (+4)

    This hard rock 'power ballad' by Whitesnake is famous for David Coverdale's powerful voice and its iconic music video. It represents the heyday of 80s rock ballads with energy and passion.

  13. 12

    Heaven (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Classic power ballad

      (+3)

    Bryan Adams' soft rock ballad is a massive hit, known for its romantic melody and frequent use at weddings. Its sweetness and dedicated lyrics keep it one of the most requested romantic ballads.

  14. 13

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes
    • Biggest song of 1983

      (+4)

    Though often misinterpreted, this ballad by The Police is a foundational piece of the 80s with a dark tone about obsession. Its iconic guitar riff and melancholic atmosphere made it a worldwide hit.

  15. 14

    Right Here Waiting (1989)

    0 Global Votes
    • Global hit song

      (+4)

    This soft rock ballad by Richard Marx is an undeniable classic, known for its romantic lyrics about waiting for a loved one. It is frequently used at weddings for its message of unconditional love.

  16. 15

    Love Bites (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Power ballad

      (+3)

    The only Def Leppard song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, this intense 'power ballad' fuses hard rock with profound emotionality. It is a perfect example of the strength and sensitivity of 80s rock.

  17. 16

    Save a Prayer (1982)

    0 Global Votes
    • Amazing and transcendent track

      (+3)

    This new wave ballad by Duran Duran stands out for its sophisticated sound and poetic lyrics, being one of the band's most recognized songs. Its elegant style and enveloping melody make it a benchmark of 80s British pop.

  18. 17

    Always (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached #1 on US Billboard Hot 100

      (+4)

    This R&B and soul ballad by Atlantic Starr is known for its vocal harmonies and romantic lyrics about eternal love. Its warmth and message of lasting love keep it a classic for couples.

  19. 18

    Never Tear Us Apart (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Power ballad by INXS

      (+2)

    This alternative rock ballad by INXS, with a melancholic touch and Michael Hutchence's charismatic voice, is one of the band's most emblematic songs. Its unique atmosphere makes it a pillar of classic rock.

  20. 19

    I'll Be There for You (1988)

    0 Global Votes
    • Glam metal and arena rock power ballad

      (+2)

    This hard rock 'power ballad' by Bon Jovi showed its more emotional side, connecting with an audience beyond pure rock. It is an anthem of support and unconditional love, very popular at concerts.