30 Years Later: Bryan Adams’ “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” Still Strikes a Chord
On June 3, 2025, fans around the world celebrate the 30th anniversary of Bryan Adams’ timeless ballad “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Originally recorded for the 1995 romantic comedy-drama Don Juan DeMarco, the song captured hearts with its poetic lyrics and passionate delivery.
The film, which starred Hollywood legends Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway, featured the track prominently. Adams’ version plays during the credits, while earlier scenes include two separate renditions in Spanish, further embedding the song into the story’s romantic theme.
The Making of a Classic
Co-written by Bryan Adams, iconic producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, and esteemed composer Michael Kamen, “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” was the result of a powerful creative partnership. This same trio had already crafted two previous chart-toppers: “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” in 1991 and “All for Love” in 1994, the latter featuring both Rod Stewart and Sting.
Featuring an unforgettable flamenco guitar solo by Spanish virtuoso Paco de Lucía, the song stood out from typical pop ballads of the time. When it debuted, it swiftly replaced Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” after a seven-week reign at No. 1. Adams’ romantic ballad then held the top spot for five weeks before being succeeded by TLC’s “Waterfalls.”
An Award-Worthy Ballad
“Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” garnered critical recognition, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1996. Although it ultimately lost to “Colors of the Wind” from Disney’s Pocahontas, the nomination marked a high point in Adams’ career and solidified the track’s legacy.
The song later appeared on Adams’ 1996 studio album 18 til I Die, produced by Lange. Kamen contributed to two additional tracks on the album: “Star” and “I’ll Always Be Right There.”
In 2022, Adams revisited the ballad with a new rendition for his Classic Pt. II album, giving the beloved song a fresh sound for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Watch the Classic Version of the Song Here:
A Look Back at Adams’ No. 1 Hits
“Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” became Bryan Adams’ fourth—and to date, final—single to top the Billboard Hot 100. His first came in 1985 with “Heaven,” a heartfelt power ballad that stayed at No. 1 for two weeks in June of that year.
His most iconic hit, “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” held the top spot for an impressive seven weeks in 1991. The track was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and remains one of the longest-running No. 1 hits of the decade.
“All for Love,” recorded with Rod Stewart and Sting, topped the chart for three weeks in early 1994 and was featured on the soundtrack of The Three Musketeers.
What’s Next: Bryan Adams’ 2025 Tour
As Adams celebrates the legacy of his greatest hits, he’s also gearing up for an ambitious global tour in support of his forthcoming album, Roll with the Punches, set for release on August 29, 2025.
Currently performing across Europe, Adams’ tour includes more than 75 scheduled dates. The European leg will continue through September 6, wrapping up in Chelmsford, United Kingdom.
Next, Adams will return to his native Canada for a series of concerts starting September 11 in Kamloops, British Columbia, and concluding October 15 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
He’ll close out the year with a highly anticipated U.S. leg featuring rock legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo as special guests. The American tour begins October 25 in Uncasville, Connecticut, and runs through November 26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Final Thoughts
Three decades after its release, “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” still resonates deeply with listeners worldwide. With its poetic lyrics, soulful guitar, and heartfelt vocals, the song stands as a lasting reminder of Bryan Adams’ talent for crafting music that speaks to the heart—and of a moment in film and music history that continues to inspire new generations.
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