Known for their lush arrangements, melodic hooks, and introspective lyrics, rock love songs from the 80s are some of the songs ever written and recorded. And comparing them to today’s love songs is like comparing apples to oranges.
So, if you’re feeling nostalgic and want to relive some of the 80s best rock love songs then you are at the right place. Here is our ultimate list of over 100 best rock Love Songs from the glorious decade of neon leg warmers and big hair. Enjoy!
Top Best 80s Rock Love Songs
- Still Loving You – Scorpions
- Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
- Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
- Faithfully – Journey
- I’ll Be There For You – Bon Jovi
- I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner
- Is This Love – Whitesnake- Foreigner
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- To Be With You – Mr. Big
- Love Of A Lifetime – FireHouse
80s Soft Rock Love Songs
The soft rock scene of the 80s was a vibrant and influential period in the history of popular music. But that doesn’t mean it was without its share of sweet and tender love songs.
Layered with romantic melodies and dreamy chords, love songs from this era are still as captivating today as they were back then. And while the genre has evolved over the years, the sweet and soulful classics of the 80s warrant their place in music history. Here are some of our favorite soft rock love songs from the era.
- Love Is On the Way – Saigon Kick
- Every Breath You Take – The Police
- Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon
- Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon
- Making Love Out Of Nothing At All – Air Supply
- Into the Night – Benny Mardones
- Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner
- Amanda – Boston
- Heaven In Your Eyes – Loverboy
- Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough – Patty Smyth and Don Henley
80s Rock Ballads Love Songs
Rock ballads have been around for quite some time but they saw an explosion in popularity during this decade thanks to iconic artists such as Journey, Bon Jovi, and Europe.
Not only did these bands popularize the genre, but they also made it their own by adding a mix of soulful yet hard-hitting guitar riffs, melodious vocals, and powerful lyrics. And the result was a string of timeless classics that continue to be celebrated to this day.
Here are some of the top 80s rock ballad love songs:
- I Don’t Want to Live Without You – Foreigner
- Never Say Goodbye – Bon Jovi
- Love Bites – Deff Leppard
- What It Takes – Aerosmith
- I Still Love You – KISS
- You’ll Always Have Me – Valentine
- I Won’t Forget You – Poison
- Patience – Guns N’ Roses
- Missing You – Banshee
- First Love – Stryper
- Let This Love Begin – Krokus
Classic Rock Love Songs 80s
The classic rock sound of the 80s was distinct from anything that had come before it; they blended elements of hard rock with pop sensibilities to create an unforgettable sonic experience.
The result was anthemic songs that spoke to listeners’ emotions and experiences – something which spawned legions of devoted fans who followed the bands on their tours around the globe.
Even today, these classic rock love songs from the 80s remain timeless and powerful to this day and we can hear them at weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
- Cheap Trick – The Flame
- Heaven – Warrant
- You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
- Always Gonna Love You – Gary Moore
- Alone – Heart
- Open Arms – Journey
- Black Velvet – Alannah Myles
- Rosanna – Toto
- With Or Without You – U2
- Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
Slow Rock Love Songs 80s
Slow rock is a type of popular music that emerged in the 1970s as a result of the blending of traditional rock and roll with slow-tempo ballads.
It is characterized by slower tempos and gentler instrumentation, featuring elements from traditional rock such as electric guitars and drums mixed with string instruments like cellos, violins, or pianos.
Although it was popularised in the 80s, it was still an emerging genre during this decade. Nevertheless, slow rock love songs from this period remain memorable to this day and are perfect for a romantic evening. Here is a selection of the very best slow-rock love songs from the 80s:
- In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins
- Lost In Love – Air Supply
- Just When I Needed You Most – Randy Vanwarmer
- Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
- (I Just) Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew
- Hello – Lionel Richie
- Even The Nights Are Better – Air Supply
- You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
- Heaven – Bryan Adams
- Drive – The Cars
80s Hard Rock Love Songs
It will be unfair to talk about the decade without mentioning hard rock. This genre was popularised by bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, and Whitesnake and it’s influenced by blues rock and psychedelic rock.
While it’s easy to remember the hard-rocking hits such as “Sweet Child o’ Mine” or “Pour Some Sugar On Me”, there were also some great love songs that made their way into the hearts of fans everywhere. Here are some of the best hard-rock love songs from the 80s:
- Wind Of Change – Scorpions
- Close My Eyes Forever – Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne
- Forever – Kiss
- Talk Dirty To Me – Poison
- Always Somewhere – Scorpions
- When I’m With You – Sheriff
- Don’t Close Your Eyes – Kix
- Goodbye To Romance – Ozzy Osbourne
- Dreamer – Europe
- High On You – Survivor
- Reason To Live – Kiss
80s Rock Love Songs for Weddings
The beauty of 80s rock love songs is they’re timeless yet familiar—a perfect fit for any wedding celebration. So, add a classic rock vibe to your special day and set the tone for a night of celebration with these iconic wedding love songs from the 80s.
- Gimme All Your Lovin’ – ZZ Top
- Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones
- Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
- Heaven – Bryan Adams
- The Search Is Over – Survivor
- Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
- Don’t Stop Believin -Journey
- Sweet Child o Mine – Guns and Roses
- The Final Countdown – Europe
- Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon
80s Arena Rock Love Songs
Arean rock originated in the 1960s to mid-1970s, but it was in the 1980s that it gained mainstream popularity. The 80s also known as the golden age for this genre, with bands such as Queen, Journey, Bon Jovi, and Van Halen producing some of the most iconic arena rock songs.
Arena rock is most noted for the intense live performances it inspires – shows that are capable of filling entire stadiums with enthusiastic fans singing along to their favorite love songs.
The below list showcases some of the most beloved arena rock love songs from the 80s that are still popular today:
- When I’m with You – Sheriff
- Owner of a Lonely Heart – Yes
- Headed for a Heartbreak – Winger
- She’s So Fine – Thunder
- Tell Me What You Want – Zebra
80s Female Rock Love Songs
Females have blessed the rock genre since its inception. And the 80s was no exception, with some of the biggest female rockstars making their presence felt around the world.
Female-led bands such as The Go-Go’s, The Bangles, The Pretenders, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts championed female empowerment through their music.
In an industry that was largely dominated by male artists, it was these female rockers who provided anthems for rebellion, independence, and self-love. Here are some of the best female rock love songs from the 80s that you can still enjoy today:
- Eternal Flame – The Bangles
- Take My Breath Away – Berlin
- Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
- These Dreams – Heart
- Love Will Lead You Back – Taylor Dayne
- After All – Cher and Peter Cetera
- Call Me – Blondie
- Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
- We Belong – Pat Benatar
80s Glam Rock Love Songs
When it comes to over-the-top styles and outrageousness, glam rock was the ultimate genre of the 80s. Pioneered by acts such as David Bowie and T. Rex, glam rock was a mix of art rock, pop, and heavy metal that often had theatrical or fantastical elements.
While it wasn’t always taken seriously by critics, it became a popular musical movement that followed its own unique aesthetic.
Apart from its lyrical content that explored the themes of fame, fashion, partying, and escapism, glam rock also heavily embraced the power of love. And here are some of the best glam rock love songs from the 80s:
- Love Song- Tesla
- Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
- Angel – Aerosmith
- Save Your Love – Great White
- Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone) – Cinderella
- Close My Eyes Forever – Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne
- When It’s Love – Van Halen
- When I See You Smile – Bad English
- I Remember You – Skid Row
- You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi
80s Indie Rock Love Songs
Amidst the glamor and extravagance of 80s pop and rock, there was a certain kind of music that embraced the rough-around-the-edges DIY approach. Though indie rock peaked in the early 2000s, it was in the 80s that the genre had its first major moment. Indie rock showcased an array of different sounds and styles, from lo-fi garage rock to dream pop, jangle pop, and post-punk. But one thing they all had in common was a focus on minimal production and raw, honest emotion. That said, here are some of the best indie rock love songs from the 80s:
- Just Like Honey – The Jesus and Mary Chain
- Hold Me – Fleetwood Mac
- I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
- Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division
- I Wanna Be Adored – The Stone Roses
- How Soon Is Now? – The Smiths
- She is Like Heroin to Me – The Gun Club
80s Pop Rock Love Songs
The pop-rock scene of the 80s had its own distinct flavor, which made it stand out from other decades. Some of the most beloved and recognizable hits of today come from this era. From Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” to Madonna’s “Like A Prayer,” 80s pop-rock provided anthems of hope, love, and joy that effortlessly transcended language barriers.
Though they weren’t as heavy or intense as other rock subgenres, they had a certain charm and soul that could move people in ways no other genre can.
- Broken Wings – Mr. Mister
- What Love Can Be – Kingdom Come
- Almost Paradise – Mike Reno and Ann Wilson
- Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
- Take On Me – A-ha
- Need You Tonight – INXS
- Every Breath You Take – The Police
- Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon
- Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
80s Rock Love Songs for Her
If you’re looking to impress your special someone with some of the best love songs from the 80s era, look no further than the list below. These amazing rock ballads are sure to make her swoon and help express your feelings in a powerful way. After all, what better way to say “I love you” than with a classic rock anthem?
- Lost Without Your Love – Loudness
- Just Between You and Me – April Wine
- Honestly – Stryper
- Don’t Walk Away – Danger Danger
- Don’t Let It End – Styx
- The Search Is Over – Survivor
- Waiting For A Girl Like You – Foreigner
- Take It Easy On Me – Little River Band
- You’re The Only Woman (You and I) – Ambrosia
- I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes) – Steelheart
Bottom Line
As you saw, the 80s was a magical decade for rock music, with various subgenres contributing to its overall evolution. From the punk attitude of female rockers to the glamor of glam rock or the raw emotion of indie acts, there is something for everyone on this list. So whether you’re looking for a song to express your love or just want to experience some nostalgia, you’re sure to find something special in this collection of the best rock love songs from the 80s. Happy listening!
Hope this helps! 🙂
