The Top Love Song of Each Year: 1980–1989 and Some Radical Tidbits of Music Trivia

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1980 “Endless Love” Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

  1. This sweeping duet became one of the biggest love songs of all time and spent 9 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  2. It was written by Lionel Richie for the film Endless Love.
  3. It became Motown’s biggest-selling single ever.

1981 “Bette Davis Eyes” Kim Carnes

  1. Technically a sultry obsession song, but it dominated romance playlists in 1981.
  2. It won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys.
  3. It was originally recorded in 1974 in a totally different (jazzy) style.

1982 “Up Where We Belong” Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

  1. The ultimate power-ballad duet from An Officer and a Gentleman.
  2. Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
  3. Won a Grammy.

1983 “Every Breath You Take” The Police

  1. It’s actually about obsession and surveillance — not romance.
  2. Sting has said he’s amused that it’s played at weddings.
  3. It spent 8 weeks at #1 in the U.S.

1984 “Time After Time” Cyndi Lauper

  1. Lauper co-wrote it at the very last minute for her debut album.
  2. It became her first #1 hit.
  3. It’s been covered by everyone from Miles Davis to indie artists decades later.

1985 “Careless Whisper” George Michael

  1. George Michael wrote it when he was just 17 years old.
  2. It sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
  3. The sax riff is one of the most recognizable in pop history.

1986 “Take My Breath Away” Berlin

  1. Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
  2. The dreamy synth production defined mid-80s romance.
  3. It topped charts worldwide.

1987 “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” Whitney Houston

  1. It won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
  2. Originally conceived as a ballad before being turned into an upbeat dance track.
  3. Still fills dance floors almost 40 years later.

1988 “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” Belinda Carlisle

  1. Written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren.
  2. It was Belinda’s first U.S. #1 hit.
  3. The music video is peak 80s romance aesthetic.

1989 “Right Here Waiting” Richard Marx

  1. Richard Marx wrote it for his wife while she was filming overseas.
  2. It topped charts in over 20 countries.
  3. It became one of the most requested slow-dance songs of the late 80s.
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