Top 10 '80s Songs with Harmonies That Give us Chills

The world of 1980s glam metal was chock-full of artists who sought to combine visual style with musical substance. “Ballad of Jayne” by L.A. Guns is a tender song from a band that was otherwise rough, ready and sleazy. Elsewhere, “Heaven” was a huge hit for songwriter Jani Lane and his group Warrant. Lane’s reputation as an underrated composer is thankfully starting to gain traction these days, and a closer listen to “Heaven” reveals that, yes, there’s plenty of opportunities for vocal melodies here on this emotive ballad. Lane hits some memorable ones during the verses and pre-choruses, while the final refrain includes a choir of backing harmonies that makes “Heaven” sound angelic AF.

The musical map of Germany’s Scorpions has sojourned from progressive rock in the 1970s to their headlining arena rock status during the ‘80s. “Still Loving You” sits smack dab in the middle of the group’s most commercially successful period, an era of heavy metal anthems and tender ballads. Klaus Meine’s vocals are a slow burn, subtly harmonizing during the first chorus before taking the opportunity to explore some melodic space. Specifically, the song’s finale hammers home Meine’s ability to connect with Scorpions’ audience on an emotional level. It’s fantastic stuff, and a reminder of this group’s impressive versatility.

This group from Sacramento, California has always been a musical cut above many of their contemporaries from the 1980s. Tesla’s influences melded heavy metal, classic rock and more into a potent sonic stew. Need proof? Check out “Love Song,” one of Tesla’s best tunes, and one that exemplified the band’s guitar pyrotechnics and Jeff Keith’s powerful vocals. Guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch have their time to shine, but it’s the “love will find a way” section that appears after their solos which really tugs at the heartstrings. “Love Song” didn’t need to be both heavy and dramatically melodic, but, at the end of the day? We’re SO thankful that it is.

There are a number of ways vocal harmonies can be executed in the recording studio. Sometimes, a lead singer can record a separate track in order to achieve this aim. Other times, there’s that magical moment when two members of a group work together in…well, harmony! Jon Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora take turns on lead vocals, but the joined singing that begins on the second chorus of “Wanted Dead or Alive” are something to behold. Meanwhile, the final verse and refrain go for broke, with both JBJ and Richie “rockin’ em all” with harmony work that helped cement the group as certified ‘80s icons.

The 1970s may have been a halcyon period for rock gods KISS, but don’t sleep on the group’s ‘80s output. This era saw guitarist and songwriter Paul Stanley taking lead vocals more often, and his more melodic approach allowed songs like “Tears Are Falling” to shine. Don’t let the extravagant video clip fool you, the harmonized chorus to “Tears are Falling” is a certified BANGER. It’s dramatic, even slightly melancholic, and drenched in pristine ‘80s production. KISS even busted out “Tears Are Falling” during some shows on their farewell tour, proving that a great song is a great song…regardless of the era.

The production style of Mutt Lange was one that went hard in the paint. Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” album is full of layered vocal tracks that allowed singer Joe Elliott tons of room to harmonize himself. He did so in wonderful fashion on “Love Bites,” a massively successful single that contains some palpably resonant emotion. Elliott already gives us goosebumps on the song’s pre-chorus, but makes sure to save some solid gold for that main refrain. This trend continues on the second verse, bulking up with more harmonies before the song’s finale melds Elliott’s voice with that killer, emotive guitar melody to create pure metal magic.

The soaring tenor voice of Peter Cetera served the bass player well within the ranks of his former group, Chicago. Cetera’s departure in 1985 allowed him to explore other projects, however, including this soundtrack cut from the smash 1986 film, “The Karate Kid Part II” This second installment in the franchise benefitted from “The Glory of Love,” a polished adult contemporary tune that works as a clinic for Cetera’s one-of-a-kind voice. The singer knows when to harmonize and when to hang back, punctuating the bridge and each chorus with melodic lines that bring us right back to the movie theater each and every time.

The story of “Alone” is a long one. Its history dates all the way back to the 1983 debut from a group called i-Ten, before also being adapted for the TV show “Dreams.” That version was co-performed by John Stamos, believe it or not. It’s the Heart’s take on “Alone”, however, that employs the vocal power of Ann Wilson. Her harmonies with guitarist and sister Nancy are just what “Alone” needs to push it from “good” to “great.” We can tell right from that first harmony this is amazing stuff. “Alone” was certainly a far cry from Heart’s arena rock hits from the 1970s, but we’d argue that this was the group’s best era, full stop.

The English group Cutting Crew probably knew that they had a killer vocal harmony waiting in the wings, but they made us wait for the chorus to deliver the goods. “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” opens with the chorus but waits until the second go ‘round to hit us with the good stuff. Lead vocalist Nick Van Eede isn’t done just yet, though, and adds a phenomenal harmony for the song’s bridge that really solidifies the deal. “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” is one of the best pop tunes of the 1980s, with much of the credit owed to the arrangement of Eede’s enchanting vocals.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions

“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” (1987), Starship
From the Golden Era of ‘80s Film Soundtracks

“Home Sweet Home” (1985), Mötley Crüe
Prototypical Power Ballad Excellence

“Sister Christian” (1984), Night Ranger
Try Listening to This Song Without Thinking of “Boogie Nights”

“I Want to Know What Love Is” (1984), Foreigner
Arena Rockers Get Sensitive

“Eternal Flame” (1989), The Bangles
Sparse Arrangements & a Brilliant Chorus

Let’s face it: we could’ve easily populated this list with dozens of great Aerosmith songs. “Angel” from 1986 just hits us in the feels from note one, as Aerosmith returns with a comeback effort that’s slick and to-the-point. This power-ballad features a career-highlight performance from frontman Steven Tyler, who kicks out fantastic harmonies on the song’s chorus and second verse. It’s the bridge where “Angel” truly shines, however, as Tyler sings his heart out for a section that makes us weep, while we pump our collective fists. We get chills every time, man.

Are you an ‘80s kid? Do you wish you were? Let us know in the comments!