5 Classic Rock Love Songs That Dominated 1980

The 1980s were all about romance, with love songs blasting from every speaker and reminding everyone of the human side amid the decade’s turbulence. Musicians across genres took on love in all its forms—from heartbreak to infatuation—creating some of the most iconic romantic hits of all time. Here are five love songs that defined the ’80s.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
Queen brought a fun, danceable vibe to the ’80s with “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Freddie Mercury’s smooth vocals and rockabilly rhythm created a timeless hit that’s both romantic and irresistibly upbeat. It’s a love song that invites you to let loose, capturing the pure, wild joy of being head over heels.

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
Recorded in an abandoned church in Manchester, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division is as haunting as it is unforgettable. Ian Curtis’s voice captures raw heartbreak, giving listeners a glimpse into love’s darker side. The synths and guitar create a hypnotic sound that perfectly mirrors Curtis’s emotional lyrics, turning this track into an ’80s classic.

You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” is pure rock-and-roll power. With Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals and the band’s high-energy sound, this track is all about the thrill and excitement of love. It’s one of AC/DC’s most popular songs and captures the fiery, fun side of romance, reminding everyone why they fell in love with the band.

Hungry Heart by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen brought his storytelling style to the theme of love with “Hungry Heart.” It’s about longing, connection, and those bittersweet feelings that make love complicated. This track helped catapult Springsteen to international fame, bringing his American working-class perspective to a global audience in one heartfelt anthem.

Let My Love Open The Door by Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend took a solo detour from The Who with “Let My Love Open The Door,” creating a catchy, hopeful love song. With its upbeat melody and positive message, it became an ’80s favorite. Townshend’s lyrics are simple but effective, showing how love really can open doors—even in a fast-paced, ever-changing world.

These songs show how artists captured every angle of love in the ’80s, creating songs that still hit home today.