10 Best 80's Rock 'N Roll Love Songs

Feel the romance with the 10 best 80’s rock ‘n roll love songs. Rock exploded into many different subgenres in the 80s. Many of these hit songs not only topped the charts in their day, but some were even featured in movies.

1. “Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi (1986) This song was given heavy air play on MTV. This is one of the most romantic rock ‘n roll love songs of all time. It’s the story of a young couple that are struggling but they have each other. The message is that really love is all you need.
2. “I Remember You” by Skid Row (1989) This song was written by bandmates Rachel Bolan and Dave The Snake” Sabo. In 1990 the song was the number one prom song in the United States of America. It’s a classic rock ‘n roll love song that is still popular today.
3. “With or Without You” by U2 (1987) This was written by the band’s front man, Bono, as he struggled with his responsibilities as a husband and a musician. While writing the song he realized that neither of the roles should define him.
4. “When It’s Love” Van Halen (1988) This song hit number one, making it the album’s most successful single. Eddie Van Halen has said that the guitar solo in this song was inspired by Eric Clapton.
5. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper (1984) This hit rock ‘n roll love song was under heavy rotation on MTV after it’s release. Lauper wrote this song with Rob Hyman of The Hooters. The song was a very personal one for Lauper as it referenced things in her life. The video was about a runaway leaving her boyfriend behind.
6. “What About Love” by Heart (1985) This rock ‘n roll love song was Heart’s comeback single and was their first song to reach the top 40 for the band in three years. The song was also a move from the hard rock the band was known for to a power-ballad.
7. “We Belong” by Pat Benatar (1984) This song is about a relationship that appears to be failing but the lovers are still too attached to let go. This song was in the movie “Talladega nights: The ballad of Ricky Bobby”.
8. “Heaven in Your Eyes” by Loverboy (1986) This rock ‘n roll love song was released by the Canadian band for the soundtrack of “Top Gun”.  The band’s keyboardist, Doug Johnson, doesn’t appear in the video for this song because he felt that the movie over-glamorized war.
9. “Faithfully” by Journey (1983) Keyboardist Jonathan Cain wrote this song about the difficulty of being married and a musician. In the song he declares his love with: “I’m forever yours…Faithfully.” Sadly a few years after this song was released the coupled divorced.
10. “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood (1986) Some fans interpret this song as Winwood saying he wants a deeper relationship with a woman. While others think that this is a modern hymn and he is talking about God’s love.