The 12 Best 80s Love Songs, Ranked (2024)

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Published Feb 22, 2024

When it comes to romantic songs, 80s love songs just might take the crown. The 1980s was a decade known for its vibrant music scene, and amidst the synth-pop and rock anthems, there emerged some of the most iconic love songs in music history. From heartfelt ballads to catchy pop tunes, the 80s gifted us with an array of romantic melodies that continue to resonate with audiences today. Here, we've compiled a list of the 12 best 80s love songs, each capturing the essence of love in its own unique way.

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Album: She's So Unusual

Release Year: 1983

Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" is a timeless classic that beautifully encapsulates the enduring nature of love. With its poignant lyrics and Lauper's soulful vocals, this song remains a favorite for those longing for a love that withstands the test of time.

Album: Everything

Release Year: 1988

The Bangles' "Eternal Flame" is a mesmerizing ballad that captures the feeling of eternal love and devotion. With its notable melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song became an instant 80s love song classic, resonating with listeners around the world.

Album: Agent Provocateur

Release Year: 1984

Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" is a powerful anthem that explores the universal desire to experience true love and connection. With its soul-stirring vocals and stirring orchestration, this song continues to strike a chord with audiences, making it a quintessential 80s love ballad.

Album: Top Gun Soundtrack

Release Year: 1986

Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" is a sensuous ballad that captures the intoxicating feeling of falling in love. Featured in the iconic film 'Top Gun,' this song's dreamy melody and romantic lyrics evoke a sense of passion and longing, making it a standout 80s love song.

Album: Back to the Future Soundtrack

Release Year: 1985

Huey Lewis and the News' "The Power of Love" is an upbeat anthem that celebrates the transformative power of love. With its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, this song became a chart-topping hit in the 80s, earning its place as one of the decade's most beloved love songs.

Album: Faster Than the Speed of Night

Release Year: 1983

Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is an epic rock ballad that delves into the tumultuous emotions of love and heartbreak. With its dramatic lyrics and Tyler's powerhouse vocals, this song became an instant classic, earning its status as one of the most iconic 80s love songs.

Album: Make It Big

Release Year: 1984

George Michael's "Careless Whisper" is a smooth and soulful ballad that captures the pain of infidelity and regret. With its iconic saxophone riff and Michael's heartfelt vocals, this song resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a quintessential 80s love song.

Album: The Woman in Red Soundtrack

Release Year: 1984

Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" is a tender ballad that expresses the simple yet profound sentiment of love. With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song became an instant classic, earning Stevie Wonder an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1985.

Album: Synchronicity

Release Year: 1983

The Police's "Every Breath You Take" is a haunting ballad that explores the complexities of love and obsession. With its mesmerizing melody and Sting's memorable vocals, this song topped charts around the world, earning it a place as one of the most iconic 80s love songs.

Album: Endless Love Soundtrack

Release Year: 1981

Lionel Richie and Diana Ross' "Endless Love" is a timeless duet that epitomizes the beauty and intensity of love. With its sweeping orchestration and the emotive vocals of Richie and Ross, this song became an instant classic, earning it a place as one of the greatest love songs of all time.

Album: True Colors

Release Year: 1986

Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" is a poignant ballad that celebrates the beauty of being true to oneself in love. With its uplifting message and Lauper's emotive vocals, this song has become an anthem for authenticity and acceptance in relationships.

Album: The Bodyguard Soundtrack

Release Year: 1982

At the top spot on our list of the best 80s love songs, Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is an iconic love ballad that remains unparalleled in its emotional depth and power. With Houston's stunning vocals and the song's heartfelt lyrics, this rendition became a cultural phenomenon, to say the least.

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