7 Cheesiest 80s Rock Songs We Can’t Decide If We Love or Hate

The 1980s were a time of big hair, shoulder pads, and some of the cheesiest rock hits to ever hit the airwaves. Despite their over-the-top nature, these songs have burrowed into our minds and hearts, leading to a mix of love and loathing that we still grapple with today. Here’s a look at seven of those rock anthems that encapsulate that polarizing era.

Foreigner – “I Want To Know What Love Is”

The power ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner may make you envision a person who craves attention a tad too much. This individual isn’t shy about bombarding you with messages, showing an intense need for affirmation. Nonetheless, there’s a hook to the song that’s undeniably sticky; its chorus lingers long after the music stops. While it became one of Foreigner’s most enduring hits for a reason, reiterative listening may transform it from a heart-wrenching anthem to something far less charming. The emotional desperation it conveys, though impactful, can eventually grate on the nerves, much like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Poison – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”

Let’s talk about Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” This tune is soaked in emotion, born from a raw and rather personal place for vocalist Bret Michaels. Constructed in the solitude of a laundromat, after hearing a male voice answer his girlfriend’s phone, the song captures that nebulous space at the end of a relationship. It’s an exemplary recipe in the rock ballad cookbook: tender acoustics and a dose of heartache. Despite its heavy-handedness, many of us find it difficult to switch off. Perhaps, at its core, the song’s relatability ties us to it as much as the melody does.

Def Leppard – “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak”

Somewhere in the realm of 80s hard rock, Def Leppard’s “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” finds its place, not without a side of cheese, of course. Yet, this song has an undefinable charm. The British rockers delivered a track that isn’t just catchy but also hits a nostalgic chord. Similar to an ex that you can’t quite forget, the song may initially annoy you, but its absence eventually leaves you pining for one more listen. The admitted cheesiness is no match for the band’s legendary status, ensuring that its rock spirit lives on despite any debate about its lyrical depth.

Toto – “Rosanna”

When discussing gooey layers of 80s cheese, Toto’s “Rosanna” cannot be overlooked. As one of the band’s biggest hits, it likely holds a place in your family’s music collection, recognizable by your relatives across generations. However, the song’s ubiquity has reached a point that might have you scrambling for the off button when it begins to play. Behind the scenes, though, “Rosanna” boasts an interesting origin, weaving together tales of young love and serendipitous circumstances with a catchy melody and the name of a bandmate’s girlfriend at the time – a fine illustration of musical creativity sparked by real-life experiences.

Rick Astley – “Never Gonna Give You Up”

Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” has reached well beyond its status as a chart-topping hit to become an integral element of internet culture. The Rickroll meme may have worn out its welcome, but it’s a testament to the song’s persistent grip on popular consciousness. Having permeated through the 80s and into the modern day, it seems that we can only handle so much of Astley’s signature sound before it tilts from catchy to tiresome. Wrestling with the overexposure is all part of the kitschy fascination we have with this track, which, despite its backlash, remains an iconic piece of the decade’s musical puzzle.

Europe – “The Final Countdown”

Talking about Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” this band has experienced an ebb and flow in public appreciation. Recognizable by its anthem-like introduction, the song has had its fair share of both praise and vehement criticism. Its synth-driven melody might be described as somehow both infectious and vexing. Despite the divisiveness, Europe continues to thrive, their presence on the touring scene unwavering. They’re a reminder of the relentless spirit of the 80s, for better or for worse, and their contribution to the era’s soundscape is undeniable.

Starship – “We Built This City”

Finally, Starship’s “We Built This City” stands out, not necessarily for the reasons a band might hope for. Getting a less than flattering spotlight for its perceived overproduction and departure from Jefferson Airplane’s original rock roots, this song has faced its critics head-on. Some deem it a symbol of the commercialization that permeated the music industry during the 80s, while others can’t help but get caught up in its infectiously triumphant chorus. Arguments aside, the song mirrors a peculiar facet of the decade’s rock – the transformation from counterculture to mainstream musical dominance, leaving a notable mark that still prompts fierce debate to this day.