Music

Iconic 80s love songs

Explore a timeless collection of romantic ballads and unforgettable hits that defined the 1980s. This selection features the most beloved and recognisable love songs, perfect for reliving nostalgia or discovering classics. From powerful ballads to smooth melodies, these tracks evoke the essence of 80s romance. Ideal for retro music lovers and those seeking the perfect soundtrack for special moments. Immerse yourself in the magic of an unparalleled musical era.

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  1. 1

    Time After Time (1983)

    108 Global Votes

    Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' is a heartfelt pop ballad that beautifully captures the essence of unwavering support and enduring love. Its emotional depth and timeless message have secured its place as a beloved 80s classic.

  2. 2

    With or Without You

    74 Global Votes
    • Classic 80s romantic music

      (+4)

    U2's 'With or Without You' is a powerful and emotionally charged rock ballad, recognized for Bono's distinctive vocals and its building intensity. It's one of U2's most iconic songs, known for its deep emotional resonance.

  3. 3

    Careless Whisper (1984)

    65 Global Votes
    • Features brilliant metaphors for heartbreak

      (+4)

    George Michael's 'Careless Whisper' is instantly recognizable for its iconic saxophone riff and introspective lyrics about regret and heartbreak. It was a global hit that solidified Michael's status as a soulful artist.

  4. 4

    Keep On Loving You (1980)

    44 Global Votes
    • Timeless classic

      (+3)

    REO Speedwagon's 'Keep On Loving You' is considered one of the first major 80s power ballads, known for its catchy chorus and emotional lyrics. It's a foundational 80s love song and a classic rock radio staple.

  5. 5

    Crazy for You (1985)

    44 Global Votes
    • Pop ballad recorded by Madonna

      (+1)

    Madonna's 'Crazy for You' is a romantic ballad from the film 'Vision Quest', showcasing a softer side of her early career. It was a chart-topping hit that demonstrated her versatility and remains a beloved romantic track.

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  7. 6

    Take My Breath Away (1986)

    36 Global Votes
    • Iconic 1986 Top Gun love theme

      (+4)

    Berlin's 'Take My Breath Away' is an iconic synth-pop ballad, forever linked to the romantic moments of the film 'Top Gun'. Its lush instrumentation and emotive vocals earned it an Academy Award.

  8. 7

    I Just Called to Say I Love You (1984)

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

      (+3)

    Stevie Wonder's 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' is a cheerful and heartfelt ballad that celebrates the simple, yet profound, act of expressing love. This Academy Award winner is a universally recognized romantic classic.

  9. 8

    Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (1987)

    27 Global Votes
    • Power ballad duet

      (+1)

    Starship's 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' is an upbeat and anthemic duet, featured in the film 'Mannequin'. It's a chart-topping hit that remains a popular, feel-good love song celebrating unstoppable love.

  10. 9

    I Want to Know What Love Is (1984)

    26 Global Votes
    • Reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

      (+2)

    Foreigner's 'I Want to Know What Love Is' is a powerful rock ballad that defines the 80s power ballad genre. Its emotional intensity, amplified by a gospel choir, speaks to the universal human desire for love.

  11. 10

    Saving All My Love for You (1985)

    25 Global Votes
    • Hit #1 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in September 1985

      (+1)

    Whitney Houston's 'Saving All My Love for You' is a powerful vocal showcase, expressing deep, often unrequited, love. This Grammy-winning song cemented her status as a vocal powerhouse.

  12. 11

    Glory of Love (1986)

    12 Global Votes
    • Ranked number four on Top Adult Contemporary Singles of 1986

      (+4)

    Peter Cetera's 'Glory of Love' is an uplifting power ballad from 'The Karate Kid Part II' soundtrack. Its inspiring message and smooth vocals earned it an Academy Award nomination and made it a cherished romantic theme.

  13. 12

    True (1983)

    10 Global Votes
    • Title track from their 1983 third album

      (+4)

    Spandau Ballet's 'True' is a smooth, soulful new wave ballad that perfectly encapsulates the romantic side of the New Romantic era. Its memorable saxophone solo and heartfelt lyrics make it an enduring love song.

  14. 13

    Hello (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached number one on three Billboard charts

      (+4)

    Lionel Richie's 'Hello' is a soulful and tender ballad that showcases his distinctive smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery. It was a global chart-topper and remains a popular choice for romantic playlists.

  15. 14

    Endless Love (1981)

    0 Global Votes
    • A declaration of "endless love"

      (+2)

    The iconic duet 'Endless Love' by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its powerful vocal performances and declaration of eternal love make it a timeless romantic anthem.

  16. 15

    Heaven (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic love ballad

      (+4)

    Bryan Adams' 'Heaven' is a classic power ballad known for its soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrics about finding true love. It became a number-one hit and remains a popular choice for romantic themes.

  17. 16

    Every Breath You Take

    0 Global Votes
    • Often thought of as a love song

      (+2)

    The Police's 'Every Breath You Take' is a massive global hit, instantly recognizable for its distinctive guitar riff and Sting's vocals. While often interpreted as a love song, its complex, obsessive undertones add a unique dimension.

  18. 17

    Alone (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Ultimate power ballad

      (+4)

    Heart's 'Alone' is a quintessential power ballad, showcasing Ann Wilson's incredibly powerful vocals. It was a massive hit that frequently appears on lists of the best 80s power ballads.

  19. 18

    Every Rose Has Its Thorn

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic 1988 power ballad

      (+3)

    Poison's 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' is a power ballad that brought a softer side to hair metal, known for its acoustic intro and relatable lyrics about the pain inherent in love. It was a crossover hit and remains a popular melancholic love song.

  20. 19

    Open Arms

    0 Global Votes
    • Power ballad

      (+4)

    Journey's 'Open Arms' is a classic power ballad featuring Steve Perry's iconic vocals and a soaring melody. It's one of Journey's most recognizable and beloved songs, a staple on romantic playlists.