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The song expressed hope for a future together despite current obstacles.

You Didn't Have to Be So Nice was a Lovin' Spoonful single before its appearance on Daydream. The Kama Sutra issue credits John Sebastian and Steve Boone as writers and Erik Jacobsen as producer. Sundazed's...

Written by Paul Williams, An Old Fashioned Love Song was the first single from Three Dog Night's 1971 album Harmony. The album also drew on material associated with Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell. The...

Bread's Baby I'm-a Want You was released in 1971 before becoming the title track of the band's fourth album in 1972. David Gates produced that album during the transition from founding member Robb Royer to...

Diary is one of the original songs on Bread's January 1972 album Baby I'm-a Want You. The David Gates-produced record introduced Larry Knechtel into the band's album lineup after Robb Royer's departure. Diary became...

It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference is the second track on Todd Rundgren's 1972 album Something/Anything?, with Rundgren credited as its writer and singer. The Almost Famous soundtrack later included this original...

Springfield's spiritual beliefs

David Gates wrote The Guitar Man, which Bread released as a single in the summer of 1972 before the Guitar Man album. Larry Knechtel played the featured lead guitar, developing its wah-wah phrases after earlier solo...

Haven't Got Time for the Pain closes Carly Simon's 1974 Hotcakes album, produced by Richard Perry. Simon wrote the music and Jacob Brackman the words. The song's official credits identify Simon on piano, James Taylor...

Tin Man is part of Holiday, the 1974 America album that began the trio's studio partnership with George Martin. Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek's vocal blend remained central while the production setting...

Daisy Jane belongs to Hearts, America's 1975 album recorded in Sausalito with producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick. The album's arranged pop setting also included Sister Golden Hair and Woman Tonight,...

Never Gonna Fall in Love Again belongs to Eric Carmen's first solo album, issued by Arista in 1975 after his work with the Raspberries. The same original album introduced All by Myself, establishing his separate solo...

Jigsaw recorded Sky High for the 1975 film The Man from Hong Kong. The British group's songwriting partnership centered on keyboardist Clive Scott and drummer-singer Des Dyer. The song became its first single for...

All by Myself helped introduce Eric Carmen's solo recording career after the Raspberries. It belongs to his original 1975 Arista album, which also contains Never Gonna Fall in Love Again. That album is a separate...

The song was inspired by the frustration of a failing relationship.

The theme song for the television show "Welcome Back, Kotter."

I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You appears on the Alan Parsons Project's 1977 album I Robot. Lenny Zakatek sings the lead, with Ian Bairnson on guitars, Eric Woolfson on keyboards, David Paton on bass and Stuart Tosh on...

Gabriel's decision to leave the band Genesis

Baby Hold On was part of Eddie Money's self-titled 1977 Columbia debut, alongside Two Tickets to Paradise. The publisher's biography places that album at the start of Money's recording breakthrough after Bill Graham...

Springsteen was inspired by the struggles of working-class Americans.

The song was inspired by Rafferty's experiences living in London and his struggles in the music industry.

Bruce Springsteen wrote the music, and Smith added lyrics inspired by her relationship with Fred "Sonic" Smith.

Welch was inspired by a woman he saw at a party with striking dark eyes.

Joe Jackson's debut single Is She Really Going Out with Him? was issued by A&M in October 1978. It preceded the January 1979 Look Sharp album, produced by David Kershenbaum, and became a broader hit after the album...

The song was inspired by the feeling of being ready for a committed relationship.

The song was inspired by the pain of lost love and heartbreak.

Welch wrote this song about his first wife while he was still a member of Fleetwood Mac.

Jones' friend Chuck E. Weiss falling in love

The constant thoughts of a loved one

Hold the Line introduced Toto on the band's 1978 self-titled album. Guitarist Steve Lukather recalls that the album was recorded in 1977 and that hearing the single on Los Angeles radio in 1978 felt like the...

Lotta Love opens Nicolette Larson's 1978 debut album Nicolette. Her work as a backing vocalist had connected her with Neil Young, whose song became a key part of her move into solo recording. Ted Templeman produced...

Bob Seger formed the Silver Bullet Band from Detroit-area musicians after earlier work with the Bob Seger System. The partnership reached a wider audience through Live Bullet and Night Moves in 1976. Seger's raspy...

Ah! Leah! grew from Donnie Iris' writing partnership with Mark Avsec. An official Allegheny County career retrospective connects its sessions with Agnes and the other Back on the Streets recordings, made with...

An early hit for John Mellencamp, then known as John Cougar.

A rock song celebrating nighttime adventures.

Chrissie Hynde's assertion of confidence and individuality.

A song about betrayal in a relationship.

A mysterious narrative song with symbolic imagery.

A rock anthem about a manipulative lover.

A defiant rock song about resilience in the face of challenges.

A cynical take on love and relationships.

Kim Carnes recorded More Love for 1980's Romance Dance. Her official biography identifies it as a new interpretation of a Smokey Robinson song and as her first solo Top 10 hit. This is Carnes's recording, separate...

Written about standing up for oneself in a relationship.

A song questioning loyalty in relationships.

An early hit for John Mellencamp, then known as John Cougar.

Bette Davis Eyes was written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss and became a defining recording on Kim Carnes's 1981 Mistaken Identity album. Carnes's official biography connects it with her Grammy recognition for...

Another hit from the band's hugely successful "Hi Infidelity" album.

A rock hit from Benatar's "Precious Time" album.

A progressive rock track featuring vocals by Lenny Zakatek.

A light-hearted pop-rock song from the band's "Live in the U.K." album.

Written by Eddie Schwartz, this rock anthem became one of Benatar's signature songs.

Originally written for The Ramones, Springsteen kept it for himself at the suggestion of his manager.

Rick Springfield recorded I've Done Everything for You for Working Class Dog in 1981. The licensed credits identify Sammy Hagar as the songwriter and Keith Olsen as the producer; Springfield's performance is retained...

Inspired by Springfield's unrequited crush on a friend's girlfriend.

Written by Kevin Cronin, this power ballad was inspired by his personal relationship struggles.

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around was written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell and became a duet on Stevie Nicks' 1981 solo debut Bella Donna. Producer Jimmy Iovine proposed the collaboration. The release connects Nicks...

Take It on the Run was part of REO Speedwagon's Hi Infidelity when the album was released in 1980. The band's archive credits Kevin Cronin as lead vocalist and Gary Richrath as lead guitarist on that record. Its...

A rock hit with a distinctive drum intro and guitar riff.

A progressive rock track featuring vocals by Eric Woolfson.

Another rock hit from Benatar's "Crimes of Passion" album.

A solo hit for the former Traffic and Blind Faith member.

An upbeat pop-rock song that has become one of the duo's most enduring hits.

Written by David Paich, who had never been to Africa at the time.

Written by Peter Wolf and Seth Justman about a man who discovers his high school crush in a men's magazine.

Written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange about the power of love to change someone's life.

An energetic rock anthem encouraging perseverance.

Springfield wrote the song about the insecurities and jealousies in a relationship.

Edge of Seventeen first appeared on Stevie Nicks's 1981 solo debut Bella Donna. Rhino distinguishes that album release from the song's February 1982 single issue. The album established a separate outlet for Nicks's...

The title was inspired by the Oakland Raiders' defensive coach's use of video footage to analyze games.

Written for the movie Rocky III at the request of Sylvester Stallone.

Written by Seth Justman, using photography as a metaphor for capturing moments in life.

Written by Marv Ross about emotional self-protection in relationships.

Written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes about the impulsive nature of love.

Written about passionate, nocturnal encounters.

Inspired by the energy and heat of urban life.

Written by Mellencamp and George Green about the pleasure and pain of love.

Mellencamp wrote the song about small-town American life and young love.

Written by Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath about maintaining passion in a long-term relationship.

Written by Kim's father Marty Wilde and brother Ricky Wilde about youth culture.

Leather and Lace brings Stevie Nicks and Don Henley together on Bella Donna, Nicks' 1981 solo debut. The folk-oriented duet became one of the album's hit singles. Its place in her catalog continued through...

An upbeat song about living in the moment and enjoying life.

Written by Martha Davis about the isolation and loneliness of touring.

Co-written by Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall about their secret relationship.

A song about the stresses of modern life and expectations.

Often thought to be about actress Rosanna Arquette, but actually named after another band member's high school sweetheart.

Written about the excitement and uncertainty of new love.

Written by Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin about escaping everyday life.

Written by Charlotte Caffey as a fun, energetic song about the power of music.

Written about the anticipation of weekend fun after a long work week.

A song about the randomness of finding love.

A rock ballad that showcased Springfield's more serious side.

Written by David Paich, who had never been to Africa at the time.

Written as a tribute to the band's original guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, who had recently died.

A more polished sound for the band, reflecting the production styles of the early 1980s.

A rock anthem that showcased Mellencamp's evolving sound and socially conscious lyrics.

A critique of sensationalist media and tabloid journalism.

From the supergroup's second album, continuing their blend of progressive rock and pop.

The lead single from their breakthrough album "Sports."

A straightforward rock song that became one of the band's biggest hits.

A soft rock ballad featuring lead vocals by Steve Lukather.

A powerful anthem that became one of Benatar's signature songs.

A continuation of the story from David Bowie's "Space Oddity," sung in both German and English versions.

Written by country singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell.

Inspired by Prince's "Little Red Corvette," with Prince playing synthesizer on the track.

Inspired by the Tennessee Williams play of the same name.

A follow-up to their earlier hit "Harden My Heart."

The band's biggest hit, with a catchy new wave sound.

Written by Jim Steinman, known for his work with Meat Loaf, this power ballad became Tyler's biggest hit.

A love song about the comfort and security found in a relationship.

A power ballad that helped establish Night Ranger as a major act in the 1980s.

Phil Collins is a British singer, drummer and songwriter who worked as a child actor before joining Genesis as a drummer. His solo career developed alongside the band, with In the Air Tonight and albums including...

A song about the randomness of finding love.

Written for the film "Against All Odds," the song was inspired by the movie's themes of lost love and regret.

The song was inspired by the need for protection and support in a harsh world.

The song was inspired by nostalgia for youth and the simplicity of earlier times.

Springsteen wrote the song out of frustration when his manager asked for a hit single for the album "Born in the U.S.A."

The song was inspired by the 1960 French horror film of the same name.

The song was inspired by the overwhelming feelings of falling deeply in love.

Written for the film "Footloose" by Jim Steinman and Dean Pitchford.

Written for the film "Footloose," the song was inspired by the concept of an ideal, heroic partner.

Lewis wrote the song about finding a substitute for the high of being in love.

The song was inspired by the uncertainty and questioning often present in relationships.

The song was inspired by the idea that relationships require struggle and perseverance.

The song was inspired by Springfield's experiences with fame and his desire for genuine connection.

A continuation of the story from David Bowie's "Space Oddity," sung in both German and English versions.

Waite wrote the song about the end of his marriage and the feelings of loss that followed.

Written for the film "Eddie and the Cruisers," the song was inspired by the movie's fictional rock band.

John Mellencamp is an Indiana singer and songwriter whose music connects garage rock with folk traditions and portraits of American life. His early records appeared under the John Cougar name. American Fool brought...

Idol was inspired by a bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon he saw at a party with The Rolling Stones.

The song was inspired by the idea of recurring patterns in troubled relationships.

The song was inspired by Squier's experiences in the rock music scene and his desire to create a catchy, radio-friendly hit.

Frey was inspired by the attractive women he encountered in his rock star lifestyle.

The song was inspired by drummer Kelly Keagy's younger sister, Christy, and her coming of age.

The song was inspired by the feeling of being an outsider in an unfamiliar place.

Sunglasses at Night was included on Corey Hart's 1983 debut First Offense. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame separates that release from the video's 1984 JUNO recognition and its later international exposure. This...

The song was inspired by the idea of revealing secrets while asleep.

Mellencamp was inspired by his rebellious attitude towards authority figures.

Henley was inspired by the passing of youth and the end of an era in American culture.

The song was inspired by the band's experiences touring different cities and their love for rock music.

Lennon was inspired by his experiences at Valotte, a chateau in France where he wrote many songs.

The song was inspired by the power of imagination and dreams.

A song reflecting on a specific date, possibly of personal significance to Mellencamp.

A critique of American foreign policy and its impact on other countries.

A pop-rock song about the impact of falling in love.

Often misinterpreted as patriotic, the song actually critiques the treatment of Vietnam War veterans.

Can't Fight This Feeling appears on REO Speedwagon's 1984 Wheels Are Turnin'. The band's original program credits both words and music to Kevin Cronin. Its narrative moves from friendship toward a declaration of...

Co-written with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, featuring a psychedelic sound and video.

The song's lyrics are intentionally vague, with Collins admitting he didn't know what they meant.

Collaborative effort during the recording of Bailey's Chinese Wall album.

A hard rock track about intense desire and passion.

The barriers people build in relationships and the desire to break them down.

Reflects on the passage of time and nostalgia for one's younger years.

An upbeat rock song about the euphoria of new love.

A rock anthem about giving in to passion and desire.

A haunting, minimalist track about intense desire and longing.

Sting's first solo single after leaving The Police, exploring themes of freedom in relationships.

Written for the film "The Legend of Billie Jean," an anthem of empowerment.

The isolation and monotony of small-town life.

Overheard comments from workers watching MTV in an appliance store.

The importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself.

The pain of a failing relationship and the desire to hold on.

A rock anthem with a controversial music video that allegedly hurt Squier's career.

A power ballad reflecting on past relationships and memories.

Written for the film "White Nights" about the pain of separation.

A tribute to Mellencamp's upbringing in a small Indiana town.

Written for an episode of "Miami Vice," dealing with the drug trade.

A rock ballad about cherishing brief moments of happiness.

Named after a real restaurant in Los Angeles, the song paints a picture of life in the city.

A made-up word that Collins used as a placeholder during songwriting.

A nostalgic look at lost love and the passing of youth.

Written for the film "Beverly Hills Cop" to capture the excitement and energy of the movie.

Written for the film "Back to the Future" to capture the theme of love's power.

A power ballad about finding true love after a long search.

Julian Lennon's debut single, showcasing a style reminiscent of his father, John Lennon.

A cover of Jimmy Cliff's song, recorded live and released as part of the "We Are the World" album.

The title track from Julian Lennon's debut album, named after the chateau where it was recorded.

A celebratory song about a street musician, with a catchy organ riff.

The strength and resilience of love in difficult times.

Written for the TV show "Miami Vice" to capture the city's nightlife and atmosphere.

This song expresses hope for reconciliation in a troubled relationship.

Written for the movie "Rocky IV," this song captures the competitive spirit and determination of the film's protagonist.

Neil Finn wrote this song about maintaining hope in the face of adversity.

This song deals with the fear of being forgotten by a loved one.

This party anthem encourages listeners to enjoy life and have a good time.

Co-written with Will Jennings, this song explores spiritual and romantic love.

Written by Steve Lukather and Randy Goodrum, this song deals with moving on after a breakup.

Gabriel wrote this song about the depth and spirituality of love.

Sting's solo effort explores love as a powerful, recurring force in life.

This song pays homage to the rock music and culture of the 1960s.

This song pays homage to the rock music and culture of the 1960s.

This song, with its post-apocalyptic themes, was inspired by the 1972 sci-fi film of the same name.

Written for the movie "On Dangerous Ground," this song has themes of isolation and perseverance.

This song uses sexual metaphors and was influenced by Otis Redding's style of soul music.

Mellencamp wrote this song about his experiences growing up in a small town in Indiana.

This solo effort by The Cars' bassist explores themes of desire and passion.

A lighthearted look at long-term commitment in relationships.

Phil Collins is a British singer, drummer and songwriter who worked as a child actor before joining Genesis as a drummer. His solo career developed alongside the band, with In the Air Tonight and albums including...

This song features Ronnie Spector and references her 1963 hit "Be My Baby."

Nicks wrote this song about the importance of communication in relationships.

Social and economic inequalities in America

The song celebrates the lives of street musicians and performers.

'Til Tuesday included What About Love on Welcome Home in 1986, with Aimee Mann credited on vocals and bass. This is a separate song and recording from Heart's What About Love, already present in the catalog.

Call for social change and unity

The allure and pitfalls of fame and success

The facades people wear in relationships

T'Pau is an English pop-rock group led by singer Carol Decker, with guitarist Ronnie Rogers central to its early lineup. The band signed to Virgin's Siren label and broke through with Heart and Soul in 1987. Its...

The overwhelming feelings of love

Dedication and sacrifice in relationships

Holding onto hope in difficult times

Mixed feelings and communication in relationships

This party anthem encourages listeners to enjoy life and have a good time.