“We Belong” is a hit song by Pat Benatar, released in October 1984 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, Tropico. The song marked a stylistic shift for Benatar, featuring a softer, more melodic sound compared to her earlier hard rock hits. Written by David Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro, “We Belong” became one of Benatar’s most successful songs, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“We Belong” was written by David Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro, who were both songwriters and musicians. The song was originally a demo that made its way to Pat Benatar, who decided to record it for her Tropico album. The song’s polished production and heartfelt lyrics stood out from Benatar’s usual hard rock style, showcasing her versatility as an artist. At the time of its release, Benatar was already a well-established rock star with hits like “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” and “Heartbreaker.” “We Belong” allowed her to reach a broader audience by appealing to fans of pop rock and adult contemporary music.
The lyrics of “We Belong” explore themes of commitment, love, and the enduring strength of relationships. The song conveys a message of unity and resilience, emphasizing the idea that despite difficulties or conflicts, the bond between two people remains strong. “We Belong” is characterized by a pop rock sound with a melodic, polished arrangement that includes synthesizers, acoustic guitar, and a prominent drum beat. The song’s production features a blend of rock instrumentation and pop sensibilities, making it accessible to a wider audience than some of Benatar’s earlier hard rock hits.
“We Belong” was a major commercial success for Pat Benatar. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1985, making it one of her highest-charting singles in the U.S. The song also performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in countries like Australia, Germany, Canada, and New Zealand, and peaking at No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success helped propel the Tropico album to platinum status in the U.S., further cementing Benatar’s status as one of the leading female rock vocalists of the 1980s.
“We Belong” has endured as one of Pat Benatar’s signature songs and remains a staple of 1980s music. It is often included in greatest hits compilations and continues to receive airplay on classic rock and adult contemporary radio stations. The song’s timeless message and melodic appeal have made it a favorite for fans of 1980s pop rock.