Diane Warren. The name might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, but if you’ve ever been to a wedding, a prom, or a karaoke night, you’ve undoubtedly sung along to her songs. This prolific songwriter has crafted monster hits for a dazzling array of superstars, from Cher to Beyoncé, Mariah Carey to Céline Dion, and Tina Turner to Whitney Houston. After numerous nominations and decades of dominating the pop charts, Diane Warren finally received an honorary Oscar in November 2022, recognizing her indelible contribution to music in film.
While she’s often associated with powerful ballads, Warren’s songwriting prowess extends far beyond tear-jerkers. Her vast catalog is a treasure trove of rock anthems, soulful R&B grooves, and infectious pop gems. In fact, it’s hard to imagine late-90s action blockbusters like Con Air and Armageddon achieving their emotional resonance without the sweeping power of Diane Warren’s ballads amplifying those critical moments.
Some critics might label her style as formulaic – a simple, effective structure akin to a classic burger: verse, chorus, verse, bridge. However, Diane Warren’s phenomenal success and unwavering work ethic are undeniable proof of her genius. Like a modern-day Brill Building powerhouse, she approaches songwriting with a 9-to-5 dedication. In her Los Angeles studio, affectionately known as “The Cave,” she sits at her piano, preferably in solitude, and consistently produces a song a week. This disciplined approach has yielded remarkable results: nine No. 1 hits and an astounding 32 top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. So, dim the lights, turn up the fan (or grab a hair dryer for that wind-swept effect), and join us as we delve into 20 of Diane Warren’s best songs, showcasing the breadth and brilliance of her songwriting career.
1. “Rhythm of the Night” (1985)
One of Diane Warren’s early breakthrough hits, “Rhythm of the Night,” was composed for the Berry Gordy-produced martial arts film The Last Dragon. This track is pure sonic sunshine, radiating tropical vibes and infectious happiness.
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Performed by DeBarge and produced by disco legend Giorgio Moroder, “Rhythm of the Night” is a vibrant tapestry of steel drums, layers of synths, and that unforgettable, sugary-sweet “la, la, la, la” chorus that dominated FM radio throughout the 80s. The song soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart, cementing its place in pop culture history and our hearts.
2. “Don’t Turn Around” (1986)
Tina Turner’s original rendition of “Don’t Turn Around,” a collaboration between Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, is nothing short of a revelation. In Turner’s powerful hands, the song transforms into a dramatic, high-stakes anthem, a fist-pumping slow rocker brimming with raw emotion and electrifying energy. When she belts out “Don’t turn around,” each word emphasized by a thunderous drum beat, the feeling is palpable.
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In 1994, Swedish pop sensation Ace of Base reimagined the song with a cooler, more contemporary approach. They infused it with sweeter melodies, a hint of reggae rhythm, and, most notably, a catchy, bouncing synth flute. If you find yourself humming the chorus late into the night, you can thank (or blame) Diane Warren’s enduring songwriting magic.
3. “I Get Weak” (1987)
“I Get Weak” served as the second single from Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven on Earth album, her successful solo venture after The Go-Go’s. Here, Carlisle, with her signature red hair, perfectly embodies Warren’s classic jukebox love song. Like much of 80s pop, the track subtly echoes the sounds of 50s music. Whether this was a conscious homage from songwriters and producers who grew up in the Happy Days era or simply an aesthetic trend, “I Get Weak” perfectly captures that candy-heart yearning central to so many iconic girl groups.
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Carlisle’s music video, directed by Diane Keaton, is a stylish black-and-white affair showcasing quintessential 80s fashion – trench coat and boots. Her distinctive punk princess vocals, still powerful, bright, and instantly recognizable, truly shine in this Diane Warren gem.
4. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” (1987)
As the theme song for Mannequin, the 80s film starring Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall about a man falling in love with a… mannequin, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” transcends its quirky source material. This Diane Warren and Albert Hammond collaboration earned Warren her first of many Oscar nominations.
This anthemic, optimistic track, featuring Grace Slick’s soaring vocals, embodies a level of pure, unadulterated positivity that feels almost unimaginable in contemporary music. It’s precisely this uplifting quality that makes it such a potent mood booster, perfectly demonstrated in a memorable scene from the film The Skeleton Twins.
5. “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” (1988)
If there truly is a song for every emotion, Chicago’s “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” is undoubtedly the soundtrack to running through a field of wildflowers towards a long-lost love. Unapologetically dramatic, this Diane Warren composition is a prime example of the “muscular, man-in-love” genre. It features a shouted chorus, powerful guitar chords, and layers of echoing drums.
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While not as commercially massive as “Look Away” (another successful Chicago-Warren collaboration), “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” is arguably a superior song. It’s notable for being the first Chicago single sung entirely by Bill Champlin, and it even features a brief but welcome appearance from the band’s iconic horn section.
6. “If I Could Turn Back Time” (1989)
That naval ship! Those sailors! That…thong! “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and its legendary, boundary-pushing music video, served as a potent reminder that Cher, even at 43, still possessed undiminished confidence, swagger, and vocal power.
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Her rebellious spirit shines through in the video, which was initially banned by MTV (later aired only during nighttime hours). “If I Could Turn Back Time,” arguably the catalyst for Cher’s remarkable comeback, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as a defining Diane Warren song and a cultural moment.
7. “Love Will Lead You Back” (1989)
Amidst the deserved praise for Diane Warren’s flair for dramatic songwriting, her talent for lyrical economy often goes unnoticed. Her ability to distill complex, messy emotions into a few perfectly chosen words is a key element of her success. Here, she takes a concept often explored by Sting – loving someone enough to set them free – and gives it a distinctly feminine perspective.
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Warren’s gutsy take on relationships – “I won’t try/To stop you now from leaving/’Cause in my heart I know/Love will lead you back” – found its ideal interpreter in Taylor Dayne (the original Taylor), a strong-willed artist with a powerhouse voice.
8. “If You Asked Me To” (1989)
Originally recorded for the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill, Patti LaBelle infuses “If You Asked Me To” with her unparalleled vocal delivery. She brings a bouncy, almost scat-like spoken phrasing to the beginning of the song, building to a lush, soaring crescendo. Céline Dion later covered the song in 1992, achieving her own significant success with it.
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A live performance featuring Warren on piano showcases LaBelle’s almost superhuman ability to sustain notes, as well as Warren’s evident admiration for LaBelle’s talent. (Bonus: Keep an eye out for Warren’s impressive 80s mullet!).
9. “When I See You Smile” (1989)
No matter your musical tastes, “When I See You Smile,” is an undeniable slice of pure melodic cheese that compels you to stop whatever you’re doing, raise an arm, and belt out the chorus. It might just be one of the sweetest hard-rock anthems ever crafted, and its sheer irresistibility is a testament to Diane Warren’s songwriting powers.
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Let’s be honest: this undeniably corny, Midwest summer concert series-esque power ballad shouldn’t work. Bad English, the band behind it, was actually a glam rock supergroup comprised of former Journey members and British singer John Waite (“Missing You”). Yet, it works brilliantly. Is it magic? Or simply the Diane Warren effect?
10. “Missing You Now” (1991)
When Kenny G graces a Michael Bolton track with his saxophone, you have to ask: “Could this be any more 80s?” “Missing You Now” sounds like Diane Warren fed every overused love song cliché into an 80s computer, and this soft-rock ballad was the output.
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It’s easy to be cynical about something so overtly sentimental. But all Bolton is trying to convey is the simple, universal feeling of missing someone deeply. And judging by the thousands of positive (gushing, sincere, sweet) comments on the song’s music video on YouTube, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s not you, Michael; it’s us.
11. “Un-Break My Heart” (1996)
Perhaps Diane Warren’s most critically acclaimed song, “Un-Break My Heart,” compelled even the most hardened rock critics and ballad detractors to acknowledge its majestic power. The brilliance of this song – beyond Toni Braxton’s breathtaking performance and incredible vocal range – lies in Warren’s unexpected B minor to D minor chord change. Okay, maybe the music video hasn’t aged perfectly.
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Her love interest’s (Tyson Beckford) melodramatic death followed by a series of sentimental moments illustrating their happy times (like playing Twister) might be a bit…cringey? It’s best to simply watch Braxton perform it live, raw and unadorned. Unsurprisingly, the song dominated the number one spot for eleven weeks. Surprisingly, it found a second life when Weezer covered it, a move that Diane Warren publicly applauded.
12. “Because You Loved Me” (1996)
According to Céline Dion herself, this tearjerker is one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite songs. Popular at both weddings and funerals (a rare feat), “Because You Loved Me” was actually written as a heartfelt tribute to Diane Warren’s father.
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Also serving as the theme song for the Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer film Up Close and Personal, this track, another Oscar nomination for Warren, exemplifies her ability to write lyrics so universally relatable that listeners can easily apply them to their own lives. A No. 1 hit in the US, Canada, and Australia, “Because You Loved Me” remains a staple in Dion’s concert setlists (and karaoke bars) worldwide.
13. “How Do I Live” (1997)
The backstory of “How Do I Live” is even more dramatic than the song itself, a saga almost as improbable as the plot of Con Air, the Nicolas Cage film it was written for. Diane Warren initially offered the song to LeAnn Rimes, believing a 14-year-old was the perfect voice for lyrics ripped from a tear-stained middle school diary (“How do I breathe without you?”). So far, so good, until Hollywood commissioned Trisha Yearwood to record another version.
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Brace yourself, it gets even stranger: both versions were nominated for a Grammy that year – a unique occurrence in Grammy history. After a (in retrospect) cruel live Grammy performance by Rimes, backstage tears, a win for Yearwood, and (later) chart success for Rimes, was the song worth all the drama? Unequivocally, yes. Those raw, heartbroken lyrics set against that majestic musical swell captivated fans (and, once again, Oscar voters) and never let go.
14. “Have You Ever” (1998)
Diane Warren’s R&B pop sensibilities are on full display in “Have You Ever,” a lush, shimmering, candlelit ballad. Notable for its a cappella intro and the fact that Brandy performed both the lead and backing vocals, this song marked a transition for the then-19-year-old singer.
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Already known for her acting roles in Moesha and Cinderella, Brandy was eager to demonstrate her artistic growth beyond teen pop. The silky chorus, warm vocal tones, and slow groove of “Have You Ever” all contributed to this move towards maturity. While perhaps not the most electrifying of Warren’s songs, “Have You Ever” is flawlessly smooth and professional, showcasing Brandy’s evolution.
15. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (1998)
Diane Warren’s bold, dramatic songwriting style (and her penchant for grand orchestrations) makes her songs ideal for film soundtracks, and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a perfect example. As the theme song for Armageddon (starring Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv Tyler, along with Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck), this soaring power ballad and slow dance favorite perfectly complemented the film’s intensely emotional climax.
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Like the NASA shuttle in the film, the song skyrocketed to success. Fun fact: it became Aerosmith’s only No. 1 hit in their decades-long career, further testament to Diane Warren’s songwriting magic. This song earned Warren her fourth Oscar nomination.
16. “Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme)” (1999)
1999 was a tumultuous year for Mariah Carey, but it ultimately led to the creation of her beautiful Rainbow album. Recorded in the aftermath of her divorce from her husband (and head of her label) Tommy Mottola, the album reflected her artistic rebirth and quest for freedom. “Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme),” co-written with Diane Warren, perfectly captured this spirit. Like much of Carey’s discography, the song is filled with empowering lyrics about inner strength, self-belief, and unwavering resilience.
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Carey passionately advocated for the song’s release as a single, but her label initially resisted, leading to a public battle. Despite limited promotion, “Mariah’s Theme” resonated deeply with fans and remains a beloved live performance highlight, a personal anthem of perseverance delivered with Mariah’s signature soaring vocals.
17. “I Was Here” (2011)
It’s no surprise that combining Diane Warren’s lyrical power with Beyoncé’s vocal majesty results in a mega-power-ballad that surpasses all others. “I Was Here” isn’t just a stunning song; it carries a profound message. “I was here/I lived, I loved/I was here” exemplifies Warren’s gift for crafting lyrics that are both incredibly simple and overwhelmingly emotional.
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If you can watch Beyoncé’s performance of “I Was Here” at the United Nations World Humanitarian Day, surrounded by IMAX-sized screens displaying images of dramatic rescues, without shedding a tear… you might want to check your pulse.
18. “Til It Happens to You” (2015)
Diane Warren’s first collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Til It Happens to You” (her second being the so-bad-it’s-good A Star Is Born pop track), was written for The Hunting Ground, a 2015 documentary exposing sexual assault on college campuses. Warren, deeply moved by the film’s subject matter, gifted this poignant and powerful song to the filmmakers.
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Gaga’s emotionally charged 2016 Oscar performance, seated at her piano and surrounded by survivors, received a standing ovation and moved many to tears. However, “Til It Happens to You” unfortunately did not win Best Original Song, losing to Sam Smith’s theme from Spectre.
19. “This Is for My Girls” (2016)
Looking at the star-studded lineup for “This Is for My Girls” – Kelly Clarkson, Chloe x Halle, Missy Elliott, Jadagrace, Lea Michele, Janelle Monáe, Kelly Rowland, and Zendaya – you might realize that only a songwriter of Diane Warren’s caliber could orchestrate something so spectacular. And you’d be right – First Lady Michelle Obama spearheaded this empowering track, recorded to raise awareness for her Let Girls Learn initiative.
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This high-energy hip-hop pop anthem showcases Diane Warren’s impressive versatility, demonstrating her range far beyond ballads. Add it to your playlist for marathon runs, mountain climbs, or simply for a morning boost. For an extra dose of happiness, check out Michelle Obama (and Missy Elliott!) promoting the song on Carpool Karaoke.
20. “I’ll Fight” (2018)
Written for the 2018 Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary RBG, “I’ll Fight” powerfully encapsulates the late Supreme Court Justice’s lifelong dedication to equality, women’s rights, and social justice. Jennifer Hudson delivers a masterful, emotionally resonant performance, with the song soaring and sweeping like the best anthems do.
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The music video is equally impactful, interweaving archival footage of Ginsburg’s swearing-in ceremony, alongside appearances from Gloria Steinem, Anita Hill, and imagery from the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Keep an eye out near the end for a cameo by Diane Warren herself, dancing with Hudson in matching RBG shirts.
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