The article highlights three soft-rock songs that it says became closely associated with the summer of 1981 for American radio listeners. It presents them as nostalgic examples of the era’s polished, romantic sound, noting their chart success and enduring appeal.

Air Supply’s “The One That You Love” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in July, becoming the group’s only chart-topper there. The Alan Parsons Project’s “Time”, released in April, peaked at number 15 and featured Eric Woolfson on lead vocals, while Pablo Cruise’s “Cool Love” reached number 13 and became the band’s final Top 40 hit.