“Holding Out for a Hero” was written by lyricist Dean Pitchford and composer Jim Steinman, and recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler for the soundtrack to the 1984 film Footloose.

Why You Should Listen

The song became a hit in many countries and was later covered by several Japanese artists.

Highlights

• Bonnie Tyler’s powerful, raspy vocals
• Upbeat rock sound

About the Song

“Holding Out for a Hero” was written by lyricist Dean Pitchford, composer and producer Jim Steinman, and recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler for the soundtrack to the 1984 film Footloose.

Paramount Pictures invited Bonnie Tyler to record the song for the film’s soundtrack. She accepted the offer and recorded it.
The song showcases her powerful, raspy voice, which became one of her trademarks.

It peaked at No. 8 on the Finland Singles Chart, No. 12 on the Europarade Top 40, No. 19 on the Canada Top Singles and Austria Singles charts, No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 96 on the UK Singles Chart.
It also charted in several other countries.

The song was later re-recorded by Bonnie Tyler herself and covered by various artists.
In particular, the Japanese lyrics were written by Masao Urino.
It was first released as a single by Takeshi Kitagawa in 1984, and later that year Yuki Katsuragi and Miki Asakura also released their own versions.
Miki Asakura’s version was used as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama School Wars and became very popular in Japan.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

“Keep On Loving You” was written by Kevin Cronin and recorded and released by the American rock band REO Speedwagon in 1980.

It remains one of the greatest power ballads of the 1980s.

Why You Should Listen

This song combines a heartfelt melody with powerful vocals and excellent musicianship.

It became REO Speedwagon’s first No. 1 hit and remains one of the band’s best-known songs.

Highlights

• Kevin Cronin’s powerful vocals and piano performance
• Outstanding guitar work in the bridge
• A memorable melody and emotional lyrics

About the Song

“Keep On Loving You” was written by Kevin Cronin and recorded and released by REO Speedwagon in 1980.

The song features Kevin Cronin’s powerful vocals and piano playing, along with an excellent guitar performance during the bridge section.

It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the US Cash Box chart.

It also reached No. 2 on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart, No. 3 in Australia, No. 6 in Ireland, and No. 7 in the United Kingdom.

The single was certified Platinum by the RIAA and Gold by the BPI. It became REO Speedwagon’s first No. 1 hit and remains one of the band’s signature songs.

The album “Hi Infidelity,” which included the single, became the band’s best-selling album.

About the Artist

REO Speedwagon was an American rock band formed in 1967.

Their debut single, “157 Riverside Avenue,” was released in 1972 but failed to chart. Their first charting single, “Sophisticated Lady,” was released in 1972 and reached No. 122 on the Billboard chart.

The band’s breakthrough success came with “Keep On Loving You.”

They spent more than a decade building their career before finally achieving a major hit. Their debut studio album, “R.E.O. Speedwagon,” was released in 1971 but was not commercially successful.

Following the success of “Keep On Loving You,” the band released many more hit singles throughout the 1980s.

The group remained active, with various lineup changes, until 2024.

Conclusion

“Keep On Loving You” is one of the finest power ballads of the 1980s and remains REO Speedwagon’s best-known song.

Its powerful vocals, memorable melody, and emotional performance continue to attract listeners today.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

As you know, they are a British rock band, formed 1962, have been acted until now.

“Start Me Up” was released in 1981, peaked #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #7 on the UK single chart.

Suprisingly, it topped on some counties of single charts.

“We Built This City” was released as Starship’s first single in 1985, topped on the Billboard Hot 100, in addition to in Canadian and Australian charts, and reached #12 on the UK single chart.

It has been one of their signature songs.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

“Breakout” was relased as their socond single in 1986, topped on the Billboard Adult Comteporary chart, peaked #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and their homeland UK #4.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

Their first single “Fall Out” was released as a non-album one in 1977, but it didn’t hit at all.

Their first studio album “Outlandos d’Amour” was released in 1978, peaked #6 on the UK single chart, #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album was awarded Platinum record in UK, AUS, Canada, New Zealand, and US, Gold record in Germany.

Now, “Every Breath You Take” was released in 1983, topped on the Billboard Hot 100 & UK single both charts, honored UK: 3× Platinum, ITA: 2× Platinum, and US: Gold.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

The lyrics that lists various events in world history from Billy’s birth year, 1949, up to the year 1989 when the song was released.

It topped on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks, was nominated for the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and, in late 1989.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

Her debut single as main artist “My! My! Honeycomb” was released in 1976, but didn’t hit at all.
The second single “Lost in France” was released in the same year of the debut single, peaked #9 on the UK single chart.

Now, “Holding Out for a Hero” was released in 1984, reached #2 on the UK single chart, and won on the Irish single chart.

It has becom her signature song.

In Japan, Miki Asakura covered it with Japanese.

The cover version was used as a TV drama theme, called “School Wars”, has becom popular song.

Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.

His debut single “My Bologna” which is a parody “My Sharona” by the Knack’, was released in 1979, it didn’t hit at all.

His first studio album “Weird Al” Yankovic was released in 1983, ranked #132 on the Billboard album 200 and honored Gold Record from RIAA.

Now, “Like a Surgeon” is a parody Madonna’s hit song, was released in 1985, peaked #47 on the Billboard Hot 100, #19 on the Australian single, and #35 on the Canadian single charts.

He has released many parody songs, and it has been one of his signature songs.

https://youtu.be/notKtAgfwDA?si=Xhg30hZ1weSh7y7s