Top 10 Pat Benatar Songs

Pat Benatar Songs

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While creating the Top 10 Pat Benatar Songs list, we were constantly reminded of the impact that Pat Benatar had on rock and roll culture. Her arrival at the dawn of the 1980’s broke ground for women not because of her role as a female singer, but because of her insistence that being female should bear no weight in her acceptance in the rock and roll scene. Many women had come before Pat Benatar, who enjoyed incredible success in the music business. Artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Janis Joplin were well-respected artists. However, except for Jani Joplin, most were not viewed as heavy rock singers. Pat Benatar and Joan Jett were pioneers in women’s roles in rock and roll in the 1980s.

Pat Benatar’s well trained powerful and passionate multi-octave voice easily won over true rock and roll fans. Substance and authenticity will always trump glamour and glitz in rock and roll. Pat Benatar was the real deal, and her success in rock and roll history is a tribute to her talent and body of work.

Pat Benatar’s first album was released in 1979, In The Heat of the Night. The album contained her breakout hit “Heartbreaker.” The album was quickly followed up one year later with the Crimes of Passion album in 1980. Pat Benatar dominated the charts for the next five years, releasing an album a year. In 1981, she released her third album entitled Precious Time. In 1982, Pat Benatar released the album Get Nervous, in 1983 Live From Earth, in 1984 Tropico and in 1985 Seven The Hard Way.

Pat Benatar returned in 1988 with the album Wide Awake in Dreamland. A surprising blues album entitled True Love was released in 1991. Pat Benatar’s recorded output would slow down after the release of True Love. Since that album was released in 1991, Pat Benatar has released only three more albums, the last released in 2003 entitled Go.

# 11 – Hell Is For Children

Well, we went to eleven with this one because we really had no choice. There were certain songs we could not leave off this list and this was one of them. Pat Benatar’s hard-hitting song “Hell Is for Children” was recorded in 1980 for her second studio album, Crimes of Passion. Deeply affected by a series of articles on child abuse in The New York Times, Benatar and her husband Neil Giraldo, along with Roger Capps, co-wrote the song. Giraldo also served as the album’s producer. The song resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and charting within the Top 40 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.

“Hell Is for Children” tackles the sensitive and disturbing topic of child abuse. The lyrics paint a harrowing picture of a child experiencing physical and emotional neglect, using stark imagery and raw emotion to convey the gravity of the situation. The song served as a powerful statement against child abuse, raising awareness and encouraging listeners to break the silence. The accompanying music video, directed by Mick Michaeli, further amplifies the song’s emotional weight.

# 10 – We Live For Love

Pat Benatar’s “We Live for Love” opened up side two of Benatar’s debut album, In The Heat of the Night.  While the song’s powerful guitar opening line instantly captured the audience’s attention, Benatar’s’ falsetto charged vocal line on the song’s chorus captivated a new world of fans.

Released on the album “In the Heat of the Night” (1979), Pat Benatar’s “We Live for Love” marked a significant turning point in her career. The song became her first major commercial success, reaching the top 10 in Canada and the top 30 in the US, New Zealand, and Australia. This achievement was particularly notable for Benatar, as it marked her first sizable hit in Australia.

While “Rated X” had previously found some success in France, reaching the top 30, “We Live for Love” managed to surpass it, climbing into the top 40. This song also established Benatar’s presence in the Netherlands and Belgium, where her rendition of “I Need a Lover” charted within the top 30, further solidifying her growing international recognition.

# 9 – Shadows Of The Night

Pat Benatar’s  “Shadows of the Night” was recorded in 1981 for her fourth studio album, Get Nervous. The song features Benatar on vocals, Giraldo on guitar and bass, Myron Grombacher on drums, and Charlie Giordano on keyboards.  The song achieved respectable commercial success, reaching number 3 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and charting within the Top 15 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100.

 The song paints a vivid picture of contrasting realities. Benatar’s powerful vocals narrate the story of a woman working in a factory during the day, who dreams of being a World War II fighter pilot at night. The lyrics, penned by David Leigh Byron, are filled with imagery of flight and combat, juxtaposed with the mundane details of factory life. This duality reflects the yearning for adventure and escape from everyday routine, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences.

 The accompanying music video for “Shadows of the Night” further enhanced the song’s story. Directed by Mick Michaeli, it features Benatar interweaving scenes of her factory work with dream sequences where she embodies the persona of a female pilot. The video also stars actors Judge Reinhold and the late Bill Paxton.

# 8 – Fire and Ice

Well, let’s talk about success. Pat Benatar’s “Fire and Ice” recording was the lead-off single from her third album Precious Time.  The Precious Time album was released in 1982. The single “Fire and Ice” reached Number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts and Number 4 on the Billboard rock charts in 1982. The song also captured a Grammy Award for Benatar, earning her one in the category for  Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

# 7 –  All Fired Up

Pat Benatar’s recording of Kerryn Tolhurst’s “All Fired Up” would become one of her last hits of the 80s decade in which she completely dominated. Her energetic vocals matched the song’s title and reputation. The song was released on her Wide Awake in America LP in 1997.

While the song “All Fired Up” might conjure up images of Pat Benatar’s electrifying rock persona, it actually has a surprising origin story. The track was originally written and performed by Australian country rock group Rattling Sabres in 1987. Their version achieved national recognition Down Under, peaking at number 94 on the Australian Music Report charts.

However, the song’s true destiny arrived in 1988 when Pat Benatar took hold of it. Her powerful vocals and signature rock treatment transformed “All Fired Up” into a global hit. Benatar’s version resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling the song to the top of the charts in several countries. Notably, it achieved a remarkable feat in Australia, reaching number two on the ARIA Singles Chart, surpassing the original version’s success.

# 6 – We Belong

Released in October 1984, “We Belong” served as the lead single for Pat Benatar’s sixth studio album, Tropico. Recorded at the Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles, California, the song was produced by Benatar’s long-time collaborator and husband, Neil Giraldo. Alongside Benatar on vocals, the recording features Giraldo on guitar and bass, Myron Grombacher on drums, and Don Henley and Glenn Frey of the Eagles contributing backing vocals.

“We Belong” marked a stylistic departure for Benatar, showcasing a softer, more melodic side compared to her earlier rock anthems. Commercially, “We Belong” achieved significant success, reaching number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a Top 10 hit in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Switzerland.

Lyrically, “We Belong” transcends the traditional boundaries of romantic love. While it expresses a profound connection between two individuals, it also speaks to the universal yearning for belonging and acceptance. Lines like “Anyway we belong, we try and wash away, I hear your voice inside me, I see your face everywhere” paint a picture of an intrinsic bond that transcends physical presence or circumstance.

David Fincher directed the accompanying music video. Shot against stark white backgrounds, interspersed with cascading white fabric, the video focuses primarily on Benatar’s powerful performance. The simplicity of the visuals allows the focus to remain on her emotional delivery and the universal message of connection. Towards the end, the video incorporates footage of a children’s choir joining Benatar, adding a touch of innocence and reinforcing the theme of belonging across generations.

# 5 – Love is a Battlefield

Origins and Recording: Pat Benatar’s iconic hit, “Love is a Battlefield,” was recorded in 1983 for her live album, Live from Earth released in September of that year. However, the song itself was a studio recording, produced by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, the song’s writers.

 Released as a single in 1984, “Love is a Battlefield” became a defining song for Benatar and a cultural phenomenon. The song achieved immense commercial success, reaching number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a Top 10 hit in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

“Love is a Battlefield” explores the complexities of relationships, specifically highlighting their struggles and conflicts. The lyrics, written by Knight, use the metaphor of war to depict the challenges of love, portraying moments of vulnerability alongside displays of strength. Lines like “We are young, no promises, no one can tell us what’s best” and “Is it love we feel, or is it fear?” capture the confusion and emotional roller coaster that often accompanies romantic relationships. You know what I’m talking about.

 The music video, was directed by Neil Giraldo’s brother Bob Giraldo (, further explores the song’s themes of conflict and power dynamics. It features Benatar and a male counterpart, played by actor Richard Lee Jackson, engaged in a series of physical and emotional confrontations. 

# 4 – You Better Run

The song “You Better Run” was initially released in 1966 by the Young Rascals. It was written by musical legends Eddie Brigati and Felix Cavaliere. However, Pat Benatar paid great tribute to those songwriters with her monster rock version of their iconic song. Benatar’s vocals on the song clearly should be viewed as one of her career’s best rock vocal performances. The song was released on her second album, Crimes of Passion. It was also the second song ever aired on MTV after the Buggles debut of “Video Killed the Radio Star.” The song was chosen as the lead-off single off her second album before the release of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”

# 3 – Promises in the Dark

The second single released from the Precious Time LP was Benatar’s early rock masterpiece  “Promises in the Dark.” The song’s musical introduction, verses, and guitar-laden hooks were clearly representative of Neil Geraldo’s writing style. Once again, Benatar’s wide vocal range jettisoned above the song’s rock groove and changes towards a level of performance that few singers of her time period could match.

The song achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the Top 20 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart. Notably, the song enjoyed greater success overseas, reaching number 16 in France and charting within the Top 40 in several other European countries.

Thematically, “Promises in the Dark” delves into the complexities of trust and betrayal in a romantic relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship riddled with doubt and suspicion, where empty promises and hidden truths create an atmosphere of unease. Lines like “I hear them whisper in the shadows, promises in the dark” and “You say you love me, but I don’t believe you” highlight the narrator’s internal struggle and the breakdown of trust within the relationship.

# 2 – Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Many musical artists hope they may be responsible for releasing a song that becomes part of mainstream culture on a level that exceeds their popularity. We can’t speak personally for Pat Benatar’s feelings on that concept. Still, we can argue that the recording of Eddie Schwartz’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” is regarded as the most popular recording of all the Pat Benatar songs ever released.

Many would argue it is one of the most famous rock songs ever. When a song is utilized in sporting events and other cultural rituals, it becomes forever ingrained in popular culture history. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” was released on the Crimes of Passion album.

The song reached number 9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a Top 10 hit in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, it topped the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart, hitting number one. The accompanying music video wasdirected by David Videoclip,

# 1 – Heartbreaker

Pat Benatar’s breakout song, “Heartbreaker,” remains one of the most exciting rock and roll songs ever. If you were alive and wide awake in America in the late 1970s and first heard this song on the radio in 1979, then you were stopped dead in your tracks while listening to a voice that sounded like no other. Her acapella vocal riff in the middle of the song was one of those rare rock moments that cemented her arrival in rock lore.

Pat Benatar had bigger hits later in her career, but “Heartbreaker” arrived when punk and new wave dominated radio airplay. Ultimately, talent always trumps style, and Benatar kicked the punk performers out of her way. Heartbreaker was released on Pat Benatar’s debut album, In The Heat Of The Night.

Top 10 Pat Benatar Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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