50 Popular 80s Love Songs For Your Wedding Playlist: Vol 1
Weddings are all about "love". They are meant to be the absolute best day of your life. If this post you are about to read over is the first one you've seen on my website, please do look over the rest of my blog, as it's one of the highest ranking wedding DJ blogs on Google. I recently got an inquiry for a 40th birthday (80s) themed party. While my focus is mostly weddings, I'm not going to ever shy away from celebrating the best decade of music. The inspiration for today's playlist came from the popularity of a 90s Love Song playlist I put together last year. That post still is popular for modern brides and grooms who are in the beginning stages of putting together the music for their wedding. 80s Music is one of my strongest music genres as it pertains to experience and knowledge. I've put together numerous posts about various types of 80s music, most of which are some of my highest traffic posts ever. People still love 80s Music, and that love does not appear to be dying anytime soon. One of the focal points of 80s Music that I seem to have neglected through out the course of my blog are 80s Love Songs. You'll want to read on for insight on some of the most beautiful 80s love songs that you might consider adding to your wedding playlist.
The 80s came with it some of the best music ever, and one thing that was in plentiful supply were love songs. You might remember one of my more popular posts about 80s and 90s Power Ballads, as well as some of the Best 80s Soft Rock Songs Volume 1. The content was so popular in those posts that I had to create a Volume 2 of some of the Best Soft Rock Songs Of The 80s. The posts that I've mentioned here that you are free to click over and check out right now are some of the most popular on my blog. Knowing how popular the 80s still are in 2021, the decision was easy to put together a playlist of love songs from the 80s. I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have grown up back in the 80s to experience all the songs you'll see on this post released to the radio. And I also might add that a lot of my wedding clients in their 20s (who were not born in the 80s) still put a lot of this music on their playlists.
Listen or Download These Love Songs From The 80s From My Spotify RIGHT NOW
Modern brides and grooms demand a modern solution to begin the process of curating a playlist for their wedding. While I've gone to great lengths to create a portal for each one of my clients, some prefer just to get their music together on a Spotify playlist. With over 100+ playlists designed to give inspiration to the modern bride and groom, my Spotify profile continues to grow in popularity. Feel free to click over now or check out the playlist down below.
"Eternal Flame" | The Bangles
Just 3 years before the release of this beautiful love song by The Bangles, this all-girl band would be covering the late Prince with "Manic Monday". The song was released in January of 1989 (in the middle of my freshman year in high school) and would peak at #1 on the Hot 100, as well as the adult contemporary chart.
"Crazy For You" | Madonna
If you are a fan of those famous 80s "Coming Of Age" movies, you'll want to look up Vision Quest on Netflix or your other favorite streaming service. Produced by Jellybean Benitez, "Crazy For You" was released in March of 1985 and peak at #1 on the Billboard hot 100. For more of the Most Popular Madonna Songs For Your Wedding Playlist <--Click HERE
"You're The Best Thing" | The Style Council
While some wedding DJs only play the "hits" or run a playlist of 200 songs into the ground, I've always been a DJ who puts great music first, which means the knowledge to put in lesser known songs into a playlist of this nature. The Style Council were a lesser-known pop band from England who would release their first album in 1984. "You're The Best Thing" would be the second song to be released from the album and while it did not do much on the American chart, the song would peak at #5 on the UK chart.
"Time After Time" | Cyndi Lauper
This follow-up to her signature song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is actually one of those popular soft rock songs from the 80s I spoke about up above. It's one of my goto songs when some of my clients give me the latitude to put together their dinner music list. "Time After Time" was released in January of 1984 and would make it all the way to Number 1 on the Hot 100 and adult contemporary chart.
"Endless Love" | Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
In 1981, the movie Endless Love was released to theaters and featured this song. Later covered by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey in the 90s, "Endless Love" would become one of the biggest songs of 1981 spending 9 weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart.
"True" | Spandau Ballet
What do you get when you have a British new wave band of the 80s try to create a song with a Marvin Gaye / Al Green feel? You get this classic song from 1983 which would peak at #1 on the adult contemporary charts. "True" is featured on the soundtrack of the iconic 80s movie Sixteen Candles. It's a movie that you and your fiance should watch!
"Saving All My Love For You" | Whitney Houston
Over 9 years past her untimely death, it's still hard to imagine we won't be hearing from the incredible voice of Whitney Houston anymore. While we won't hear much new music from her anymore, her influence on other singers remains, as well as her extensive music catalog. 1985 was her break-out year. "Saving All My Love For You" would be released in the summer of 1985 and would peak at #1 on the Hot 100 on October 26, 1985.
"Heaven" | Bryan Adams
Remember how I mentioned up above that even the younger generation loves the 80s music? Well, I was not lying. I used an unplugged version of this song on an earlier wedding this year. "Heaven" was the 3rd song to be released from Reckless in the spring of 1985. The song would eventually peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. For more of The Top Songs From 1985 For Your Wedding Playlist <---Click HERE
"I Want To Know What Love Is" | Foreigner
How could such a beautiful song like this derail a band's career? Well, if you were rocking hard in the 70s with songs like "Feels Like The First Time" and "Double Vision", and then ailenated your fans with songs like this, it's totally understandable. I can assure you that Foreigner began to probably have more women at their shows when they started releasing songs like this. :) The song was released in November of 1984 and would make it all the way to #1 on the Hot 100. It would be the only time the band would hit #1 on the Hot 100.
"Careless Whisper" | Wham
Back in 1984, Wham would release their album Make It Big, and they would end up doing just that before George Michael would break up the duo and start a successful solo career. "Careless Whisper" would be released in the summer of 1984 and top the Hot 100, as well as the AC chart.
"Biggest Part Of Me" | Ambrosia
I've got Ambrosia on my Top Yacht Rock Songs For Cocktail Hour. You'd be surprised how many modern brides and grooms are fans of yacht rock. "You're The Biggest Part Of Me" would peak at #3 on the Hot 100 and AC chart in 1980.
"Baby Come To Me" | Patti Austin & James Ingram
Back in 1981, Patti Austin would release her album Every Home Should Have One, which would feature this popular, romantic duet with the late James Ingram. "Baby Come To Me" would become one of the biggest songs of 1982, reaching #1 on the Hot 100 and AC charts.
"Have I Told You Lately" | Van Morrison
As a professional wedding DJ, I'm not afraid to tell you that I get choked up at weddings when I hear certain songs. Especially when one of the greatest love songs ever written comes from my speakers. The song was released in 1989 as the first single from the album Avalon Sunset and would peak at #12 on the AC chart.
"Open Arms" | Journey
I would be curious as to the amount of high schoolers in 1982 had their first kiss with this song playing in the background. This popular power ballad was the follow-up to the iconic "Don't Stop Believin" and would peak at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Say You Say Me" | Lionel Richie
Back in 1982, Lionel Richie launched a VERY successful solo career and was completely unstoppable. You can find the song on his album Can't Slow Down. Released in October of 1985, the song would peak at #1 on the Hot 100, AC, and R&B charts.
"Always" | Atlantic Starr
Atlantic Starr was one of the most popular R&B acts of the mid 80s and were also on the charts into the early 90s. "Always" was released in the spring of 1987 and would become one of the songs of that summer.
"Lost In Your Eyes" | Debbie Gibson
In recent years, Debbie Gibson went on tour with New Kids On The Block and re-recorded this song with Joey McIntyre. Look it up when you get a chance. Her original recording of the song happened during my freshman year in high school. "Lost In Your Eyes" would be the first song to be released from her Electric Youth album and would peak at #1 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Listen To Your Heart" | Roxette
Originally released in Sweden in the fall of 1988, "Listen To Your Heart" would become one of the biggest songs of 1989. The song would peak at #1 in November of 1989. DHT would cover the song in 2005 and score a Top 10 hit on both the Hot 100, as well as the AC chart.
"Father Figure" | George Michael
In 1987, George Michael released his highly successful album Faith. "Father Figure" would be the fourth song to be released from the album at the end of 1987. The song would make it all the way to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. For more of the Best George Michael Songs For Your Wedding Playlist <---Click HERE
"Waiting For A Girl Like You" | Foreigner
Foreigner released their album 4 in 1981 and this song would allow them to gain a whole new audience on adult contemporary radio stations. "Waiting For A Girl Like You" would make it to #5 on the AC chart, and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"The Search Is Over" | Survivor
For those modern brides and grooms who are fan of the best music of the 80s, this is a must-add to your playlist. "The Search Is Over" was the second song to reach the Top 10 in 1985 from their album Vital Signs.
"Up Where We Belong" | Jennifer Warnes & Joe Cocker
"Up Where We Belong" was written for the 1982 movie An Officer And A Gentleman. Released in July 1982 right before the film were to hit the theater, the song would reach #1 on Hot 100, and peak at #3 on the AC chart.
"Total Eclipse Of The Heart" | Bonnie Tyler
Back in the late 70s, Jim Steinman would write songs for Meatloaf and he would became a household. He'd also write this song, which would become one of the most popular tracks of 1983. I'm not sure I would play the extended version at a wedding, but the radio edit would be the first length. "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" would peak at #1 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Cherish" | Kool & The Gang
"Cherish" was a great departure from the funky R&B that the band was releasing in the 70s and early 80s. "Cherish" was the third song to be released from their album Emergency and would make it all the way to #1 on the AC chart.
"With Or Without You" | U2
The Joshua Tree was released in 1987 and would become one of U2's signature albums. "With Or Without You" was the first single to be released from the record. The song would peak at #1 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Take My Breath Away" | Berlin
I can imagine that the ice cold movie theaters in the summer of 1986 were starting to thaw with all the making out that was probably happening. The members of Berlin will say this song derailed their vision for the band. If you look at their work in the early 80s, it's a great departure from this song. What's done is done though and I cannot imagine anyone else's voice singing this song. Sorry, Jessica Simpson! :) "Take My Breath Away" would reach #1 on the Hot 100. Now, I think you and your fiance should go watch the movie and begin a makeout session of your own.
"For Your Eyes Only" | Sheena Easton
"For Your Eyes Only" was the name of a James Bond movie, released in 1981. Sheena Easton would record this song as the theme song. The song would peak at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" | Air Supply
In the early 80s, Air Supply was ALL over the radio with some of the most popular soft rock songs. "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" was released in the summer of 1983 and would peak at #2 on the Hot 100 and AC charts.
"All This Time" | Tiffany
The Shopping Mall girl got a little more sentimental and heartfelt on her second album. Hold An Old Friend's Hand was released in the fall of 1988 and "All This Time" would peak at #6 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Baby I Love Your Way" / Freebird | Will To Power
You know Peter Frampton is one of my favorite guitarists of all time. While I certainly appreciate his version of this song, I really love the more romantic vibe given off by the cover recorded by Will To Power. Will To Power would take this song (which also featured parts of Lynyrd Skynrd's Freebird) to Number 1 in 1989.
"Somewhere Out There" | Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram
Gosh! I am realizing how much I miss James Ingram as I put this post together for you. In 1986, the movie An American Tail was released and this song would be recorded for the soundtrack. "Somewhere Out There" would peak at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Cherish" | Madonna
1989 was one of the biggest years in Madonna's career. She'd release her album Like A Prayer during the spring and by the fall, "Cherish" would be all over the radio and MTV. I think all beautiful brides should watch the video to this song and live vicariously through Madonna. "Cherish" would make it all the way to #1 on the AC chart, and #2 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Was It Nothing At All" | Michael Damian
In 1989, Michael Damian would release the album Where Do We Go From Here. The album would feature a cover of the 70s hit by David Essex, "Rock On". This song would be released as a single as a follow-up. The song would peak at #7 on the AC chart.
"(I Just) Died In Your Arms" | Cutting Crew
Cutting Crew would release their debut album in the fall of 1986. "(I Just) Died In Your Arms" would be the first song to be released from the album and would peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. I am still to this day trying to figure out "how to love by proxy". :)
"Baby Can I Hold You" | Tracy Chapman
1988 would be the year we were introduced to Tracy Chapman. Released in October of 1988, "Baby Can I Hold You" would peak at #19 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
"I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" | New Kids On The Block
I am not afraid to admit it to you. I am a huge fan of New Kids On The Block. They were a huge part of my 8th and 9th grade and beyond. The song was the third single to be released from their album Hangin Tough in the spring of 1989. It would peak at #1 (as did a lot of NKOTB songs) on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Glory Of Love" | Peter Cetera
Peter Cetera wrote this song with his song, as well as David Foster in 1986. The song would be used in the movie Karate Kid Part 2 and become one of the biggest songs in the summer of 1986. "Glory Of Love" would peak at #1 on the Hot 100 in August of 1986.
"Stuck With You" | Huey Lewis & The News
Songs don't have to be ballads to be love songs. I placed this song on this list of love songs because it's fun and romantic. You'll want to check out the video to see what I am talking about. "Stuck With You" was in the summer of 1986 and would peak at #1 on the Hot 100 and AC charts. For more of the Best Songs From 1986 For Your Wedding Playlist, <---Click HERE
"Right Here Waiting" | Richard Marx
There could not possibly be a list of love songs from the 80s without Richard Marx on it. He's one of my heroes from the 80s. "Right Here Waiting" was the second song to be released from the album Repeat Offender in the summer of 1989. "Right Here Waiting" would become a signature song of Richard Marx, reaching #1 on the Hot 100 chart.
"Hello" | Lionel Richie
"Hello" was released the day before Valentine's Day in 1984, just in time for romantic interludes between couples. The song can be found on the album Can't Slow Down, and can also be added to the long list of love songs recorded by this iconic singer. It should be no surprise that the song would reach #1 on the Hot 100 and AC chart.
"Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" | Glenn Medeiros
Originally recorded by George Benson in 1985, Glenn Medeiros would record his version in 1987. The song would be released in February 1987 and peak at #4 on the adult contemporary chart.
"The Power Of Love" | Jennifer Rush
And I bet you thought that Celine Dion recorded this song! Well she did, but it was a cover of the original that was released in 1984. Air Supply and the late Laura Branigan would also cover the song. While the Jennifer Rush did not do well in America, her version peaked at #1 on the UK chart.
"Lady" | Kenny Rogers
At the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 80s, you could not turn on the radio without hearing Kenny Rogers. This country artist was consistently crossing over from the Country charts to the Hot 100 and AC charts. "Lady" was released in September of 1980 and would peak at #1 on the country, AC, and Hot 100 chart.
"The Sweetest Taboo" | Sade
Sade has produced some of the sexiest music in history, so it's only natural I've added one of her songs into this playlist of 80s Love Songs. For more of the Sexy Songs From Sade, you'll want to click over to this link. "The Sweetest Taboo" was released in October of 1985 as the first single from Sade's album Promise. The song would eventually peak at #1 on the adult contemporary chart.
"I Get Weak" | Belinda Carlisle
I sure hope that Belinda Carlisle makes an appearance on social media when the Go-Go's get inducted into the R&R Hall Of Fame. "I Get Weak" was the follow-up song to her break out hit "Heaven Is A Place On Earth". The song would make it all the way up to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Forever" | Kenny Loggins
In 1985, Kenny Loggins would his album Vox Humana. "Forever" would be the second song to be released as a single and would peak at #5 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
"Can You Stand The Rain" | New Edition
Released at the end of 1988, New Edition would top the R&B charts for the 4th time. Engaged couples who are happy in their relationship should take a listen to the lyrics in this song.
"Sign Your Name" | Sananda Maitreya
Today Terrence Trent Darby is now called Sananda Maitreya. But back in 1987 and 1988, he'd be all over the radio with songs like "Wishing Well", and this slow love song. "Sign Your Name" would peak at #2 on the Hot 100 and the Hot Black singles chart.
"Suddenly" | Billy Ocean
"Suddenly" was featured on Billy Ocean's self titled album, which was released in 1984. "Suddenly" was the third single to be released off the album and would peak at #4 on the Hot 100 chart.
Ready To Speak To Mike Bills About Being Your Wedding DJ?
Well! That was quite a list of some of the best love songs from the 80s, wasn't it? Well, be on the lookout for Volume 2 coming soon! Thank you for making it to the end of this very much needed post. Seeing that you did make it to the end of this post, you must have seen something that intrigued you about me. Well, I am unabashed music lover and that's one of the most important qualities that any reputable, serious DJ you'd want to be hiring at your wedding. I would love to speak with you about your upcoming wedding. I absolutely love speaking to modern brides and grooms about their weddings. Let's set up a time to talk! All you need to do is click over to the contact form and fill out a few basic details. Thanks again for stopping by and I look forward to speaking with you!
One More Thing!