Soft Rock Love Songs Of The 80's

Ah, the 80s. Big hair, neon clothes, and enough synthesizers to launch a small spaceship. But nestled amongst the power ballads and the new wave anthems, a quieter force was at work: the soft rock love song.

These weren't your parents' sappy ballads. These were 80s sappy ballads, dripping with reverb, layered harmonies, and a distinct lack of irony. Think sunsets, slow dancing, and maybe a single tear rolling down a perfectly sculpted cheek.

The Anatomy of a Soft Rock Anthem

So, what made these songs so darn catchy? For starters, they had hooks bigger than Rick Astley's wardrobe. Simple melodies, often played on a keyboard that sounded suspiciously like a cat meowing, were the bread and butter.

Then there were the lyrics. Oh, the lyrics! Full of heartfelt declarations, promises of forever, and enough vulnerability to make a grown man blush. Love was everything, and these songs made sure you knew it.

Who Were These Romantic Rogues?

You had your usual suspects, of course. Lionel Richie, the king of smooth, serenading us with "Endless Love" (even though it felt pretty long by the third verse). Then there was Christopher Cross, sailing into our hearts with "Sailing" - a song about love, or maybe just a really nice boat ride, we're still not sure.

Don't forget the bands! Air Supply practically cornered the market on soaring vocals and dramatic key changes. And Chicago, bless their horns, proved that even a band known for their jazz fusion could write a love song that would melt your fillings.

The Unexpected Charm

Here's the thing: in a decade known for its excess, these songs were surprisingly…sincere. They weren't trying to be cool or edgy. They were just trying to express the messy, complicated, occasionally ridiculous emotion that is love.

And sometimes, that sincerity was hilarious. Imagine a leather-clad rocker trying to explain the subtle nuances of "Lady in Red" to his buddies. Awkward, right? But also kind of sweet.

Guilty Pleasures and Enduring Appeal

Let's be honest, many of us consider these songs guilty pleasures. We might not admit to cranking them up in the car, but when they come on the radio, we secretly sing along.

There's a reason for that. These songs are comforting. They're familiar. They remind us of a time when love seemed simpler, even if it wasn't. They’re the sonic equivalent of a warm hug from a friend wearing shoulder pads.

The melodies are timeless, the harmonies are angelic, and the lyrics… well, the lyrics are certainly something.

So, the next time you hear the opening chords of a soft rock love song from the 80s, don't run away screaming. Embrace the cheese. Embrace the sentimentality. Embrace the big hair of it all.

Because sometimes, all you need is a little bit of 80s romance to make your day a little bit brighter. And who knows, maybe you'll even find yourself slow dancing in your kitchen. Just try not to spill your coffee.