According to American Songwriter, three defining soft rock tracks released in 1981—Foreigner’s “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes,” and Christopher Cross’ “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”—captured a major shift in popular music as the decade embraced melodic ballads alongside heavy metal and electronic experimentation.
Foreigner Shifts to a Softer Sound With “Waiting For A Girl Like You”
By 1981, Foreigner was already established for uptempo rock tracks like “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” and “Urgent,” according to American Songwriter. However, the band revealed a softer side with “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” featured on their fourth studio album, 4. Band members Mick Jones and Lou Gramm co-wrote the track, which serves as an open admission of feelings with lyrics like, “I’ve been waiting for someone new / To make me feel alive / Yeah, waiting for a girl like you / To come into my life,” as reported by American Songwriter. The album 4 also features “Juke Box Hero” and stands as the band’s only record nominated for a Grammy Award.
Kim Carnes Earns a Nine-Week No. 1 Hit With “Bette Davis Eyes”
Released on the album Mistaken Identity in 1981, “Bette Davis Eyes” became a nine-week No. 1 hit and the sole No. 1 single of Kim Carnes’ career, according to American Songwriter. NewsBreak notes that the track arrived ten years after Carnes released her debut single, “I Won’t Call You Back.” Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon wrote the song, with DeShannon having recorded the original version in 1974. Paying tribute to the famous movie star, the track opens with the lines, “Her hair is Harlow gold / Her lips sweet surprise / Her hands are never cold / She’s got Bette Davis eyes,” as documented by American Songwriter.
Christopher Cross Scores Oscar and Golden Globe Wins With “Arthur’s Theme”
Christopher Cross co-wrote “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” alongside Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen, according to American Songwriter. The track served as a No. 1 single for Cross and appeared on the soundtrack for the 1981 film Arthur, which starred Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. The romantic song includes the lyrics, “When you get caught between the moon and New York City / I know it’s crazy, but it’s true / If you get caught between the moon and New York City / The best that you can do / The best that you can do / Is fall in love.” American Songwriter reports that the track won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, while NewsBreak notes that director choices initially directed musical duties toward Bacharach before Cross contributed.
Pro Tip: Exploring 1980s Music History
When studying the evolution of 1980s pop and rock charts, cross-referencing album liner notes with Billboard chart archives provides a clearer picture of how artists transitioned between uptempo rock and crossover ballads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote “Waiting For A Girl Like You” by Foreigner?
According to American Songwriter, the song was written by Foreigner band members Mick Jones and Lou Gramm.
How long did Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes” stay at No. 1?
According to American Songwriter, “Bette Davis Eyes” spent nine weeks at the No. 1 spot on the charts.
Which awards did “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” win?
According to American Songwriter, the song won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
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