The 1980s were big and bold and loud and cheesy. But there was a more sentimental backbone to the big-hair decade. Indeed, these great love songs of the 80s will make your big, poofy hair weep rivers of mousse and your parachute pants puff with broken-heart poutiness.
Faithfully by Journey
A great love song of the 80s, Faithfully is one that can be played non-stop during a breakup or when you’re feeling down on your luck. Released in 1981, this Top 40 hit features an iconic guitar riff – not to mention some great vocals by Steve Perry. As faithlessly as you may feel, “you’re still the best part of me,” he sings during the chorus and it’s enough to make your hair stand on end!
All Out of Love by Air Supply
Released in 1980, this powerful song has a soulful and sad sound that haunts you for days after you hear it. “I’m all out of love,” Russell Hitchcock sings during the chorus without any hope for redemption – the chilling vocals and heart-wrenching sentiment will curl you toenails.
On the Wings of Love by Jeffrey Osborne
Released in 1982, this great love song has been a staple on the radio since it first aired. “On the wings of love,” Jeffrey Osborne sings during its opening verse and if you’re willing to take his hand he will carry your hearts with him wherever he goes – how could you say no?
Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston
Released in 1985, this song was one of the first to introduce Houston’s diva voice to a worldwide audience. “Saving all my love for you,” Whitney Houston sings during opening verse and when she does it with so much conviction that you feel like she must really be talking to you.
It Must Have Been Love by Roxette
Released in 1987, It Must Have Been Love is about fighting for that one person you want to be with. “It must have been love but its over now,” Roxette sing during this Top 40 hit and it just makes your heart weep.
I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner
Released in 1984, this power ballad quickly became a Top 20 hit. It has since been covered by many other artists including Celine Dion, but no one can do it quite as well as Foreigner. The lyrics are about wanting to know what real love is all about before you settle down with someone – something we can all relate to!
The Power Of Love by Huey Lewis & The News
Released in 1986, The Power of Love is quite a powerful tune and it has some great lyrics that you can’t help but sing along with: “It doesn’t really matter what you say or do,” he sings during one verse. “You let me go anyway.”
At This Moment by Billy Vera and the Beaters
Released in 1981, this great love song features an opening guitar and piano riff that is reminiscent of the Beatles. The lyrics are equally great as he tells his lover how much she means to him: “I’ll tell you at this moment.” This song came to national prominence as Alex wooed Ellen over a series of episodes on Family Ties.
I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
Released in 1984, this great love song was a commercial success as well, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for both male and female soloists. With lyrics like “I just called to say I love you” there is no doubt that Stevie Wonder has captured the sentiment of many people who have felt great passion towards someone else.
Drive by The Cars
Released in 1984, The Cars’s Drive is one of those great love songs that will make your hair stand on end for a different reason. A perfect depiction of late-night lust and longing, this Top 40 song features great vocals from Ric Ocasek as well as some excellent guitar work.
(Like Love Songs of the 80s? Then you might like our article on Great 50s Love Songs, click here. Or how about Female Icons of the 80s, click here.)
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