On this day February 4 1989, When Im With You by the Canadian arena rock band Sheriff reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, completing one of the most unexpected chart success stories of the 1980s. Originally released earlier in the decade, the power ballad gained renewed momentum through radio airplay, eventually rising to the top of the charts years after the band had already disbanded.
When Im With You reflected the late 1980s appetite for melodic arena rock songs built around emotional vocals, soaring choruses, and polished production. Its chart topping run demonstrated how strong songwriting and radio support could revive a track well beyond its original release window. The song also stood out as one of the few Canadian rock singles of the era to dominate American pop radio so decisively.
The success of When Im With You highlighted how late 80s charts continued to embrace power ballads that blended rock intensity with heartfelt sentiment, even as musical trends began to shift.
80s insight: The late 1980s proved that emotional rock ballads could still dominate mainstream pop charts.
When Im With You reflected the late 1980s appetite for melodic arena rock songs built around emotional vocals, soaring choruses, and polished production. Its chart topping run demonstrated how strong songwriting and radio support could revive a track well beyond its original release window. The song also stood out as one of the few Canadian rock singles of the era to dominate American pop radio so decisively.
The success of When Im With You highlighted how late 80s charts continued to embrace power ballads that blended rock intensity with heartfelt sentiment, even as musical trends began to shift.
80s insight: The late 1980s proved that emotional rock ballads could still dominate mainstream pop charts.
