These Times Are Hard For Lovers

"These Times Are Hard For Lovers" by John Waite

Picture the mid-1980s, when polished rock and emotional ballads filled the airwaves and a British singer with a distinctive, soulful voice was a respected figure in the rock world. John Waite had built a career fronting bands and as a solo artist, known for his passionate vocals and his gift for an emotional rock song. "These Times Are Hard For Lovers" showcased his soulful voice in a heartfelt reflection on the challenges of love in a difficult world.

A Respected Rock Voice

John Waite had established himself as a respected figure in rock music, known for his distinctive, soulful voice and his emotional delivery. He had achieved success both as a band frontman and as a solo artist, scoring a massive hit ballad that became one of the defining songs of its era. His passionate, expressive vocals set him apart, lending emotional weight to his rock songs. By 1987 he was an established solo star, and "These Times Are Hard For Lovers" continued his run of emotional rock. His soulful, passionate voice was his defining strength as an artist.

A Heartfelt Rock Ballad

"These Times Are Hard For Lovers" reflected on the difficulty of sustaining love in a challenging, often cynical world. Waite delivered it with his characteristic soulful passion, bringing genuine emotion to the reflective theme. The arrangement carried the polished rock sound of the mid-1980s, providing a fitting backdrop for his expressive vocals. That soulful, emotional delivery was the song's calling card, a heartfelt meditation on the challenges of love delivered with real feeling.

A Solid Chart Run

On the Billboard Hot 100, "These Times Are Hard For Lovers" performed respectably. It debuted at number 90 on June 20, 1987, then climbed steadily, reaching number 78, then 68, then 63 over successive weeks. The song continued to rise, reaching its peak of number 53 on August 1, 1987. It enjoyed real staying power, spending an impressive 16 weeks on the chart. The strong, lengthy run reflected the song's emotional appeal and Waite's standing as a respected rock vocalist.

Part of a Respected Career

John Waite enjoyed a successful career as a respected rock vocalist, and "These Times Are Hard For Lovers" is a fine example of his soulful, emotional style. The song showcased his passionate voice and his ability to bring genuine feeling to a reflective rock ballad. His reputation as a distinctive rock voice rests on emotional songs exactly like this one. For fans of mid-1980s rock and of Waite's soulful delivery, the song remains a heartfelt and rewarding listen.

Emotional Rock in the 1980s

The song reflects the tradition of emotional, passionate rock that flourished in the 1980s, a style that combined polished production with genuine feeling and powerful vocals. Artists like John Waite specialized in songs that wore their hearts openly, delivering emotional ballads and reflective rock with real conviction. This emotional rock tradition produced many of the era's most enduring songs, connecting with listeners through its sincerity and passion. "These Times Are Hard For Lovers" embodies that tradition, a heartfelt reflection on love delivered with soulful intensity. The song stands as an example of the emotional rock that defined a significant part of the 1980s musical landscape. Waite was particularly well suited to this style, his soulful, slightly weathered voice lending genuine conviction to songs about love and its difficulties. Unlike some of the more polished pop-rock of the era, his work carried a rawer emotional edge, a sense of real feeling beneath the polished production. That authenticity is part of what allowed his songs to connect so deeply with listeners who responded to their sincerity.

Press play and let the soulful, passionate voice of a respected rock singer reflect on love's many challenges. Some voices carry real emotion in every line.

"These Times Are Hard For Lovers" — John Waite's singular moment on the 1980s charts.