This list of top 10 romantic songs from the 1980s is not based on research. It’s not based on top-selling songs or albums from the 1980s. It’s based on life. This list of top 10 romantic songs from the 1980s is based on memory and nostalgia. My name is Pam, and I was a teen during the ’80s.
There are a couple of movie theme songs that should also be included here, including Take My Breath Away and I Melt With You, but they are already included in Top Movie Themes from the ’80s.
Warning: unless you have a romantic bone twisted around a soft spot for ’80s music, some of these songs may make you cringe. Don’t worry, it embarrasses me more than it embarrasses you. You also won’t find any Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand or Whitney Houston. This is a diva-free list
#10
“Suddenly” (1980)
Olivia Newton John and Cliff Richard
Girls who grew up in the ’80s knew the lovely Olivia Newton John from Grease. This is just a beautiful song.
Another songs that could equally take this spot:
#9
Keep on Loving You (1980)
REO Speedwagon
Keep on Loving You REO Speedwagon was the 45 that I would play over and over again when I had a fight with my then-boyfriend. REO Speedwagon captures that love you when you love someone for the first time and you truly believe it will last forever.
#8
Rock With You (1979)
Michael Jackson
This is probably the only Michael Jackson song that I ever really liked, despite the 80s hype. My friend Pam and I would roller skate around with our big bulky tape player and tape this song that we recorded off the radio during the Rick Dees top 40 countdown.
Technically, Rock With You was released in November of 1979 on Jackson’s Off the Wall. I still consider it an 80s song. It was in 1980 that it became a hit. The Billboard 200 #44 on March 17, 1984 (Billboard.com)
This was also a good kissing song. Or, at least, that’s what I heard.
#7
Heaven (1984)
Psychedelic Furs
Before Nirvana, there was Heaven. Heaven is a completely dreamy songs by the Psychedelic Furs. It may be nostalgia talking, but Heaven makes my most romantic 1980s’ playlist.
“…heaven is the whole of the heart
and heaven don’t tear you apart
there’s a song on the air” Copyright Psychedelic Furs
#6
With or Without You
U2 (1987)
With or Without You is the last song you want to come on the radio when you are at a relationship crossroads. Love and romance is not always simple, and the line “I can’t live
With or without you,” captures that perfectly.
#5
Time After Time (1983)
Cyndi Lauper
One of my all-time favorite romantic songs from the 80’s is Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time. This is a lovely song to sing. Time After Time has been remade by singers as diverse as Tuck and Patti, Miles Davis, and Matchbox 20 (Wikipedia.org)
#4
Your Love is King (1984)
Sade
Sade is queen of romantic, smoldering love songs. Can anyone actually listen to Sade and not fall in the love with love?
#3
More Than This
Roxy Music (1982)
Like Sade, Roxy Music is not only tops in singles, their complete albums are a lesson in romantic music. More Than this sweeps me off my feet when I hear it.
#2
Lovesong
The Cure (1989)
People often ask, what is love? The Cure answered it for us: home.
“Whenever I’m alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again.” Copyright The Cure
#1
End of the Party (1982)
The English Beat
Admittedly, when someone you love sings this incredible song to you, it is hard to hold it dear. The End of the Party by The English Beat is one of the most romantic, non-mainstream songs from the ’80s. Dave Wakeling’s voice is a blanket of love.
“...No argument, you have all the love that I see as mine
Pull back your cover, I could love you for all time…” Copyright The English Beat
Sources
Sources used to verify years and details.
Amazon.com, http://www.amazon.com
Thebeatuk, http://www.thebeatuk.com
Wikipedia, http://www.wikipedia.org
