Love songs have a way of transporting us right back to the moments we first heard them—the first date, the school dance, or just daydreaming in your room about that special someone. While plenty of romantic hits from the past still dominate playlists, some beautiful love songs have been unfairly overlooked over time. Let’s rewind to those soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that deserve to be remembered. These underrated gems will tug at your heartstrings just like they did back then.
1. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Cliff Richard (1979)
A bittersweet tune about love slipping away, Cliff Richard’s smooth delivery made this song unforgettable. Yet, it somehow got overshadowed by the era’s bigger hits. Listening now reminds you of that aching feeling of drifting apart.
2. “Magnet and Steel” by Walter Egan (1978)
This dreamy tune was the soundtrack for countless summer romances. Its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics captured the pull of love, yet somehow it faded into the background over the years. Hearing it now is like stepping back into a sunlit moment with someone special.
3. “More Love” by Kim Carnes (1980)
Known more for her raspy hit Bette Davis Eyes, Kim Carnes poured pure emotion into this soulful love ballad. It was perfect for slow dances, and it’s a shame it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves today.
4. “I Go Crazy” by Paul Davis (1977)
This song was a quiet anthem for unspoken heartbreak. Paul Davis’s soft, tender vocals made you feel every word, and it became a staple of late-night radio. It still hits home, especially if you’ve ever longed for someone you couldn’t forget.
5. “Suddenly” by Billy Ocean (1984)
Billy Ocean is better known for his upbeat hits, but Suddenly was a heartfelt gem that made every romantic moment feel like it was straight out of a movie. Its sweeping melody deserves to be revisited.
6. “Baby Come Back” by Player (1977)
This song captured the desperation of wanting a second chance in love. Its catchy hook and pleading lyrics made it a favorite for anyone trying to patch up a relationship. It’s still as relatable as ever.
7. “Cool Night” by Paul Davis (1981)
Paul Davis makes another appearance with this breezy, romantic track. The soothing melody felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening, but it never quite got the lasting recognition it deserved.
8. “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” by Chris Rea (1978)
Chris Rea’s soulful delivery made this song a quiet masterpiece. It was one of those tracks that snuck onto mixtapes and lingered in your heart long after the radio stopped playing it.
9. “Lotta Love” by Nicolette Larson (1978)
This Neil Young-penned tune, brought to life by Nicolette Larson’s warm voice, was all about the sweetness of giving love another shot. It had such a hopeful vibe, making it perfect for anyone looking to start over.
10. “Just Remember I Love You” by Firefall (1977)
Firefall had a knack for crafting soft rock love songs, and this one was no exception. It was the kind of song you’d play for someone who needed reassurance—a gentle reminder that love could weather the storm.
11. “The One That You Love” by Air Supply (1981)
While Air Supply has its share of enduring hits, this soaring ballad often gets overlooked. Its raw vulnerability and lush arrangement made it a go-to for anyone yearning for a grand, all-encompassing kind of love.
12. “Love on a Two-Way Street” by Stacy Lattisaw (1981)
This cover of the Moments’ classic gave the song a new level of tenderness. Stacy’s youthful voice captured the bittersweet emotions of lost love, making it unforgettable for anyone who ever felt the same.
13. “Dreamin’” by Cliff Richard (1980)
Cliff Richard struck gold with this romantic, upbeat track. It had the perfect mix of optimism and longing, ideal for a breezy daydream about your crush. Sadly, it’s one of his songs that’s slipped under the radar.
14. “How ’Bout Us” by Champaign (1981)
A simple, heartfelt duet, How ’Bout Us was the ultimate plea for lasting love. Its stripped-down honesty made it a favorite at weddings and anniversaries, but it’s rarely talked about these days.
15. “You Are Everything” by The Stylistics (1971)
Okay, we’re cheating a little with this one—it’s technically from the early 70s, but this silky-smooth classic carried through the 80s on quiet storm radio stations. It’s a timeless ode to being completely enamored with someone.
These love songs might not have stayed in the spotlight, but they captured something special about love’s highs and lows. Hearing them again is like finding an old love letter tucked away in a drawer—bittersweet, nostalgic, and utterly magical. What’s your favorite underrated love song?
