“The Power of Love” is a song by American singer Jennifer Rush, released in December 1984 with “I See a Shadow (Not a Fantasy)” on the B-side as the fifth single from her self-titled debut album. It became one of her most successful and iconic hits, and is widely regarded as a classic power ballad. The song was later famously covered by artists like Céline Dion, but it was Jennifer Rush’s version that first brought the song to international prominence.
“The Power of Love” is a powerful ballad that features a lush orchestral arrangement, dramatic piano, and soaring vocals by Jennifer Rush. The song builds gradually, starting with soft, emotional verses and growing into a climactic, intense chorus. Rush’s strong vocal delivery and the song’s powerful melody made it a standout track in the 1980s.
“The Power of Love” was a massive hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK, staying at the top of the charts for five weeks in 1985, making it the best-selling single of the year in the UK. It also charted highly across Europe and became a major hit in several other countries. In the United States, the song gained popularity, though Céline Dion’s 1993 version became more famous there.
Jennifer Rush’s “The Power of Love” is considered one of the greatest power ballads of the 1980s. Its emotional intensity, combined with Rush’s powerful vocals, made it a timeless classic. The song has been covered by many artists, most notably Céline Dion, whose version – recorded for her third English-language studio album, The Colour of My Love (1993) – became a worldwide hit. American singer Laura Branigan recorded “The Power of Love” under the title “Power of Love” for her fifth studio album, Touch (1987), and British/Australian duo Air Supply covered “The Power of Love” for their 1985 eponymous album. However, Jennifer Rush’s original remains beloved by fans and is remembered for its raw emotion and sweeping, orchestral production.
The song’s enduring popularity continues to make it a staple on love song playlists and a defining moment in Jennifer Rush’s career.