"Passion" is a song by Rod Stewart that first appeared in 1980 on his album Foolish Behaviour. It was the lead single and biggest hit from the album, reaching number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two in Canada, and a sizeable hit across Europe. The song was also released as a 12-inch promotional single with an extended running time of 7:30.
Background "Passion" describes the ubiquity of the phenomenon, delineating its universality by listing many of the people, places, and situations in which it is found. Passion is described as a powerful but dangerous essential motivator, being so compelling that it is prone to sometimes break outside the boundaries of loving relationships. 'Hear it on the radio' and 'read it in the papers' speaks of the potentially disruptive power of unleashed desire.
Reception Billboard wrote "This up-tempo number has strong pop orchestration effectively pitted against Stewart's throaty vocals" and that the song has a "catchy" hook. Record World said that the song has "menacing guitar runs, percussion fever & [Stewart's] vocal parchment."
Personnel Rod Stewart – lead and backing vocals Jim Cregan – guitar Gary Grainger – guitar Phil Chen – bass Kevin Savigar – keyboards, synthesizers Carmine Appice – drums, Roland CR-78 programming Paulinho da Costa – percussion
Chart performance
Weekly charts Chart (1980–1981)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)David Kent's "Australian Chart Book 1970-1992"16Canada (RPM)2South Africa (Springbok)1US Cash Box Top 1004US Record World6Zimbabwe (ZIMA)* Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 20004
Year-end charts Chart (1980)PositionBelgium (Ultratop Flanders)88 Chart (1981)PositionCanada (RPM)22Italy (FIMI)49South Africa9US Billboard Hot 10038US Cash Box51
Popular culture "Passion" was prominently featured in the 1984 drama film New York Nights (later known as Shackin' Up).
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