Junior Rasmussen
Music is an integral part of weddings, and choosing the right songs for your wedding reception playlist is crucial. Couples often opt for romantic ballads, soft rock, or pop hits to commemorate their special day. In 1986, several songs topped the charts and became popular choices for weddings. From Whitney Houston's Greatest Love of All to Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer, these timeless hits continue to be associated with love and romance.
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What You'll Learn
Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
"Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer was released in January 1986 and quickly became known as the singer's signature song. The track was the third single from Palmer's eighth studio album, "Riptide", which came out in 1985. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart, and it received a gold certification for shipping half a million copies in the United States. It also reached number one in Australia and number five on the UK Singles Chart.
The popularity of "Addicted to Love" was driven in part by its iconic music video, directed by English photographer Terence Donovan. The video features Palmer performing the song with a group of female models whose appearance and expression follow the style of women in Patrick Nagel paintings. The models' blank, mannequin-like expressions and heavy makeup, combined with their tall stature in contrast to Palmer's shorter figure, created a striking visual that came to define the song.
The concept of the video was recycled by Palmer for three other songs: "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (also from "Riptide"), "Simply Irresistible", and the animated "Change His Ways" (both from "Heavy Nova"). The unique visual style of the "Addicted to Love" video has been widely influential, with parodies and tributes appearing in other music videos, films, and television shows.
The song's lyrics explore the theme of love as an addiction, comparing romantic longing to the cravings of a drug addict. This lyrical trope has been used in various popular songs, including "Love Jones" (1973) and "You're Getting to Be a Habit With Me" (1932). Palmer himself acknowledged that the song was about having an addictive personality, and the idea that 'love' is a drug adds a layer of interpretation to the song's meaning.
"Addicted to Love" has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with various artists releasing their own versions of the song. It remains one of the most recognisable and influential tracks of the 1980s, showcasing Robert Palmer's ability to create captivating music and visuals that resonate with audiences long after their initial release.
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$38
Higher Love by Steve Winwood
"Higher Love" by Steve Winwood was released in June 1986 and quickly became one of the biggest hits of his career. The song topped the charts, reaching #1 on the Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock charts. It was the first single from Winwood's fourth solo album, 'Back in the High Life', and was co-written by Winwood and Will Jennings, with production by Russ Titelman. The track also featured background vocals by Chaka Khan, who appeared in the music video, and an impromptu drum fill by John 'JR' Robinson.
"Higher Love" was Winwood's first Billboard Hot 100 number-one song, spending one week at the top spot beginning August 30, 1986. It also dominated the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for four weeks and earned two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The song peaked at number 13 in the UK and reached number one in Canada for a week.
The success of "Higher Love" cemented its place as a beloved classic, and it has since been covered by several artists. Whitney Houston recorded a posthumous cover with Kygo, which was released in 2019 and became a commercial success in the UK. James Vincent McMorrow also covered the song, which has been used during wedding ceremonies.
"Higher Love" by Steve Winwood is a timeless track that continues to resonate with audiences, whether it's the original version or one of the many covers that have followed. Its uplifting message and catchy melody have made it a staple in popular culture, and it remains a beloved choice for weddings and other special occasions.
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Sara by Starship
"Sara" by Starship was the number-one wedding song in 1986. The song, written by Peter and Ina Wolf, was named after the then-wife of Starship's Mickey Thomas. It was from their first album, "Knee Deep in the Hoopla", and featured Grace Slick on backing vocals.
The song is a ballad with rock elements, led by Mickey Thomas's powerful vocals. It tells a story of a relationship ending and reflects on the pain of losing love. The lyrics encourage moving on and looking to the future, even when it's difficult. The chorus emphasizes the emotional turmoil within the relationship:
> Sara, Sara, storms are brewing in your eyes
> Sara, Sara, no time is a good time for goodbyes
The song's music video, starring Thomas and actress Rebecca De Mornay, brings this narrative to life. It's set on a Dust Bowl farm in the Midwest, with flashbacks to the character's childhood and a tornado that took his mother's life. The video ends with Thomas walking down a dirt road alone as De Mornay drives away, leaving him with a sense of loss and reflection.
"Sara" by Starship is a memorable song from the 1980s that continues to resonate with audiences, especially those who experienced love and loss. It captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and serves as a reminder that sometimes, it's necessary to move forward and leave the past behind.
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Your Love by The Outfield
"Your Love" is a song by the English rock band The Outfield, from their 1985 debut album "Play Deep". The song was released in early 1986 and was written by the band's guitarist, John Spinks.
The song's lyrics revolve around a boy whose girlfriend, Josie, goes away on vacation. In her absence, he tries to persuade another woman to spend the night with him. However, she refuses, encouraging him to remain faithful to Josie. The lyrics are vague, leaving room for interpretation, and the narrative is simple, focusing on this love triangle. The song's narrator expresses his interest in the other woman and attempts to seduce her, using intimate language.
"Your Love" is an uptempo new wave, power pop, and pop-rock song with a hard rock edge. The initial demo was softer, but producer William Wittman encouraged the band to embrace a harder sound, drawing inspiration from bands like The Who and The Police. The song's opening lyrics were written by John Spinks on the porch of his flat in East London, with vocalist Tony Lewis contributing to the vocal arrangement.
"Your Love" was a major hit in the United States, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending 22 weeks on the chart. It sold over 3 million copies in the US, though it did not achieve the same level of success in the UK or other European countries. The song's music video, directed by Jon Jopson, features a painting motif similar to the album cover and depicts the band filming a music video for the song.
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Glory of Love by Peter Cetera
Although I could not find specific information on the number one wedding song in 1986, "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera is a popular romantic ballad released that year. The song's heartfelt lyrics express a deep love and dedication to a partner:
> "Tonight, it's very clear / 'Cause we're both lying here / There's so many things I wanna say / I will always love you / I would never leave you alone / Sometimes, I just forget."
The chorus emphasizes the idea of fighting for love and being the hero in the relationship:
> "I am a man who will fight for your honour / I'll be the hero you're dreaming of / We'll live forever / Knowing together / That we did it all for the glory of love."
The song also acknowledges the strength and support found in a loving partnership:
> "You keep me standing tall / You help me through it all / I'm always strong when you're beside me / I have always needed you / I could never make it alone."
With its romantic lyrics and emotional melody, "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera has endured as a beloved choice for weddings and continues to be a popular song for couples to include in their special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There was no definitive number one wedding song in 1986, but here are some songs that were popular that year:
- "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera
- "Stuck with You" by Huey Lewis
- "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin
- "Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer
- "Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston
Many popular songs from 1986 could be played at weddings, including:
- "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood
- "Sara" by Starship
- "Human" by Human League
- "Your Love" by The Outfield
- "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates
- "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners
- "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats
- "Word Up" by Cameo
- "Hangin' Tough" by New Kids on the Block
- "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
Some romantic ballads from 1986 that could be played at weddings include:
- "Anyone Can Fall in Love" by Anita Dobson
- "Let it Be Me" by Anne Murray
- "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker
Some upbeat songs from 1986 that could be played at weddings include:
- "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera
- "Stuck with You" by Huey Lewis
- "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin
- "Kiss" by Prince
- "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel
Modern alternatives to the traditional wedding songs of 1986 could include songs from a variety of genres such as indie, pop, and R&B. Here are some examples:
- "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
- "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
- "Like a Prayer" by Madonna
