20 Best Love Songs Of All Time
Music has this uncanny knack of expressing our deepest emotions, often better than we can. Whether you’re wrapped up in the euphoria of new love, nursing a heartbreak, or cherishing the familiar comfort of a long-time romance, there’s probably a love song that gets you right in the feels.
Let’s dive into some of the most iconic love songs ever made and the stories behind them.
1. “Something” by The Beatles
The Gist: Written by George Harrison for The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album, “Something” is one of the Fab Four’s most beautiful love ballads.
Behind the Music: While many thought it was about his wife, Pattie Boyd, George later suggested it was just a generic love song.
Fun fact: Frank Sinatra once declared “Something” as the greatest love song ever written.
2. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
The Gist: Originally penned and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, it was Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition for the movie “The Bodyguard” that took the song to stratospheric heights.
Behind the Music: Dolly wrote this as a farewell to her mentor, Porter Wagoner. When Houston covered it, her powerful vocals turned the song into a poignant anthem of eternal love and heartbreak.
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
The Gist: This ballad, sung by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, is a timeless classic about the inevitability of love.
Behind the Music: The melody is based on a French love song. Elvis’s heartfelt rendition in the movie “Blue Hawaii” left a lasting impression, making it one of his most memorable songs.
4. “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
The Gist: A beautiful duet that celebrates the depth and timelessness of love.
Behind the Music: Written by Lionel Richie, the song was a huge hit in the 80s. Its powerful lyrics and the combined vocal prowess of Richie and Ross made it a favorite for romantic occasions.
5. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
The Gist: An iconic soul track that captures the essence of staying in love and weathering life’s storms together.
Behind the Music: Reverend Al Green’s silky voice combined with lyrics that speak of unwavering commitment makes this a go-to for reaffirming lasting love.
6. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
The Gist: The theme from the movie “Titanic,” this song captures the essence of undying love against all odds.
Behind the Music: Penned by James Horner and Will Jennings, Dion’s soaring vocals matched the film’s epic love story. The song remains synonymous with Jack and Rose’s tragic romance.
7. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge
The Gist: A soulful classic, this track lays bare the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of being deeply in love.
Behind the Music: Allegedly inspired by a heartbreak of Percy’s girlfriend leaving him for another, this song’s raw emotion strikes a chord with anyone who’s ever been in love.
8. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
The Gist: An ode to unconditional love, this song cherishes the imperfections and quirks of a loved one.
Behind the Music: Billy wrote this song for his first wife, Elizabeth. It’s about acceptance and the beauty of enduring love.
9. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
The Gist: A hauntingly beautiful song about longing and anticipation of reuniting with a lover.
Behind the Music: Originally composed for a film called “Unchained” in the 1950s, it gained immense popularity when The Righteous Brothers covered it. Its resurgence in the movie “Ghost” re-established it as a timeless love anthem.
10. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
The Gist: A modern classic, this track celebrates long-term love and growing old together.
Behind the Music: Ed’s soulful voice combined with heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody makes this a favorite wedding song. It talks about lasting love that remains even as the years go by.
11. “Your Song” by Elton John
The Gist: A sweet, simple ballad that celebrates the joy of being in love.
Behind the Music: Penned by Elton’s long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin, at the tender age of 17, this song captures the innocence and purity of young love.
12. “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson
The Gist: A touching song about regret and the desire to make amends in a relationship.
Behind the Music: Though originally recorded by B.J. Thomas, it was Willie Nelson’s rendition that won the hearts of many. The song’s message is universal: it’s never too late to say sorry and express love.
13. “At Last” by Etta James
The Gist: A soulful classic that celebrates the joy and relief of finding true love.
Behind the Music: Etta James’s powerful and sultry voice turns this song into a heartfelt expression of love finally realized. The song’s bluesy vibe makes it a timeless classic.
14. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen
The Gist: A rockabilly-inspired track about the wild and unpredictable nature of love.
Behind the Music: Written by Freddie Mercury as a tribute to Elvis Presley, this song is a fun and upbeat take on love’s craziness.
15. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
The Gist: A feel-good track about expressing love without any particular reason or occasion.
Behind the Music: Stevie’s distinct voice combined with the song’s cheerful vibe makes it a favorite for all those moments when you want to tell someone they’re special.
16. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack
The Gist: An intimate ballad that captures the depth of emotion felt when falling in love.
Behind the Music: Originally written by Ewan MacColl for his partner, it was Roberta Flack’s version that brought global acclaim. Its raw emotion and Flack’s gentle delivery make it a mesmerizing love song.
17. “All of Me” by John Legend
The Gist: A modern love ballad that’s all about embracing imperfections and total surrender to love.
Behind the Music: Inspired by his then-fiancée, Chrissy Teigen, Legend’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics make this a modern classic.
18. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
The Gist: A song about unconditional love and the lengths one would go to show it.
Behind the Music: Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan, Adele’s rendition brought a fresh and deeply emotional take to the song, making it resonate with a new generation.
19. “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
The Gist: A powerful song about the overwhelming nature of love, even when it hurts.
Behind the Music: With its dramatic melody and Leona’s stunning vocals, this song captures the essence of love’s all-consuming power.
20. “Lovesong” by The Cure
The Gist: A beautifully crafted track that speaks of unwavering love and devotion.
Behind the Music: Robert Smith, The Cure’s frontman, penned this as a wedding gift to his bride. Its lyrics resonate with anyone who’s ever been deeply in love.
