I Want to Know What Love Is

Foreigner's soaring power ballad grapples with the universal mystery of love. A lost soul yearns for connection, questioning if he's ever truly loved. Driving guitars and a soaring chorus build to a passionate plea: "I want to know what love is!" The iconic opening sax solo and gospel choir add depth and emotion. A timeless anthem of longing and hope, it remains one of rock's most beloved songs.

"I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner is a powerful rock ballad released in 1984 that became the band's biggest hit and continues to be a beloved classic. The song delves into the universal human desire to understand and experience true love, with the narrator expressing confusion and longing amidst a search for genuine connection.

The opening lines, "Is it in the air, is it in the sound? / Is it in the scared silence on the ground? / Is it in the stillness after showers fall? / Is it in the questions that never have an answer at all?" set the tone for the introspective journey. The lyrics explore various aspects of love, from physical attraction ("Is it in the color of a dress?") to emotional vulnerability ("Is it in the tear that I cry when I'm down?") and unwavering commitment ("Is it in the promise that only two hearts can make?")

The soaring vocals, Mick Jones's signature guitar riffs, and the gospel choir's uplifting harmonies create a sense of emotional urgency and yearning. The chorus, "I want to know what love is / I want you to show me / I want to feel what love is / I know you can show me," becomes an anthem for anyone who has ever questioned the complexities of love.

The song's success transcends generations and cultural boundaries. It topped the charts in both the US and UK, and has been covered by numerous artists, solidifying its place as a timeless classic. "I Want to Know What Love Is" remains a poignant reminder that the pursuit of love is a universal human experience, filled with both hope and uncertainty.

Big hair, synths galore, and love soaring high like shoulder pads. 80s ballads promised forever in neon, whispered secrets over sax solos, and danced 'til dawn with a touch of heartbreak. From Whitney's power anthems to Michael's smooth whispers, every beat pulsed with passion, chasing dreams on roller skates and holding love closer than a Rubik's Cube solution.

The love songs of the 80s, where big hair met big emotions! These sonic valentines throbbed with synthesizers, soaring power ballads, and a touch of neon-tinged optimism.

First love, innocent and electric, pulsed through songs like Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and Michael Jackson's "The Girl Is Mine." Synthy anthems like Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" and Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" promised forever young devotion, while the power ballad kings like Foreigner ("I Want to Know What Love Is") and REO Speedwagon ("Can't Fight This Feeling") belted out their hearts in epic choruses.

For a touch of melancholy, there were break-up bangers like Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and Tears for Fears' "Shout," where wounded hearts raged against betrayal. But even heartbreak shimmered with hope, exemplified by Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" and Tina Turner's "Simply the Best," anthems of resilience and finding love again.

Beyond the mainstream, alternative love bloomed in The Cure's introspective "Lovesong" and The Smiths' Morrissey crooning about rainy day romance. And who could forget Prince's purple reign of sensuality, from the simmering "Kiss" to the playful "Raspberry Beret?"

Love in the 80s was big, bold, and sometimes cheesy, but always passionate. These songs were the soundtrack to first kisses, prom nights, and mixtapes passed between lockers. They captured the era's vibrant spirit, reminding us that even shoulder pads and leg warmers couldn't contain the power of a good love song.

Step into the neon glow and booming soundscape of the 1980s! This decade wasn't just about big hair and shoulder pads; it was a sonic revolution fueled by synthesizers, gated reverb drums, and the rise of MTV. From infectious synth-pop and rebellious new wave to powerful rock anthems and soaring power ballads, the '80s delivered an eclectic and unforgettable soundtrack. Iconic guitar riffs met electronic experimentation, creating instantly recognizable hits that defined a generation. It was loud, flashy, sometimes excessive, but always bursting with energy and innovation that still echoes in music today.

Many iconic tracks from this era pulsated with raw rock energy, driven by unforgettable, blues-infused guitar hooks and thunderous rhythms. These anthems often blended hard-hitting rock foundations with surprisingly catchy, pop-infused melodies perfect for stadium singalongs. Synthesizers added layers of texture, sometimes subtly, other times taking center stage, defining the decade's signature sound even within rock genres. Lyrically, themes often revolved around love, lust, fast living, and a yearning for freedom, delivered with swagger and confidence that captured the spirit of the times and filled arenas worldwide.

Beyond the high-octane rockers, the era excelled in crafting emotionally charged power ballads and mid-tempo declarations. Powerful vocals conveyed both vulnerability and strength, exploring themes of longing, heartbreak, devotion, and resilience. From swaggering odes to flirtatious encounters and declarations of unwavering love, these songs showcased a dynamic range. Bands mastered the art of shifting from driving beats and intricate guitar solos to heartfelt pleas, often accompanied by keyboard melodies that tugged at the heartstrings, creating enduring classics that remain staples on rock radio and karaoke nights alike.