Tonight on The Softer Side with Carl Rossi, we open with Hall & Oates’ soulful rendition of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” a timeless ballad that found renewed fame in the 1980s thanks to a memorable scene in the blockbuster film Top Gun.

Few songs have etched themselves into the emotional landscape of pop music quite like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Originally recorded by The Righteous Brothers in 1964, the song was penned by the powerhouse trio of Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. With its sweeping orchestration and dramatic vocal interplay, it became a defining example of Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production style. The single soared to No. 1 in both the U.S. and UK in early 1965 and has since been hailed as one of the greatest pop records ever made.

But the song’s legacy didn’t end in the ’60s. In 1980, Hall & Oates released their own version, which climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their take preserved the emotional weight of the original while infusing it with their signature blue-eyed soul style, making it a perfect fit for tonight’s mellow lineup on The Softer Side.

Then came Top Gun. In 1986, the song was catapulted back into the cultural spotlight when Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick, serenaded Kelly McGillis’s Charlie with a playful, off-key barroom rendition of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” The scene became iconic, not for vocal prowess, but for its charm and chemistry. Later in the film, the original Righteous Brothers version plays on a jukebox, anchoring the emotional tone of the moment.

Thanks to Top Gun’s massive popularity, the song experienced a resurgence in airplay and public affection. By 1999, it had become the most-played song on American radio and television in the 20th century, according to BMI, with over 8 million spins—a number that climbed to nearly 15 million by 2011.

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is more than a breakup ballad—it’s a sonic monument to longing, vulnerability, and the hope of rekindled love. Whether delivered with the raw power of the Righteous Brothers, the smooth stylings of Hall & Oates, or the cinematic charm of Top Gun, its message remains universal.

So as Carl Rossi cues up tonight’s opener, let the familiar strains of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” wash over you. It’s a reminder that even in moments of emotional distance, music has the power to bring us back together.