72 I Love You Songs
From the classic ballads that your parents slow-danced to, to the bops that have us swiping right in hopes of finding the one, “I love you” songs have been the backbone of the music world. They’re the universal language, crossing genres and decades.
So, let’s talk about the cream of these love anthems. We’ve sifted through the archives, debated with friends (and a few strangers), and landed on what we reckon are the top “I love you” songs of all time.
These are the tunes that have set the bar, the ones that you can’t help but sing along to:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Most Iconic I Love You Songs
Let’s take a look at the most iconic “love you” songs, those tracks that hit you in a special way, whether you’re head over heels or nursing a broken heart.
The tracks that when you hear them you’re either reminiscing about the good old days with your high school sweetheart or dreaming about that perfect someone you haven’t met yet.
1. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Originally penned by Dolly Parton, it’s the ultimate love song, filled with emotion, heartbreak, and that eternal promise of love, no matter what.
The way Whitney belts out those high notes is like she’s reaching into your soul, grabbing every feeling you’ve ever had about love, and laying it bare.
2. “I Love You” by Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s “I Love You” is got all the feels you want when you’re deep in your emotions, thinking about that special someone. This song is like the ultimate love letter, set to music.
3. “I Love You” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s take on “I Love You” is a whole different vibe. It’s like she’s whispering a secret in your ear, with her soft, haunting voice. This song feels super intimate, like Billie’s sharing something personal with just you in a dimly lit room. It’s not your typical love song; it’s kinda like the flip side of love, showing that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies but sometimes a bit messy and complicated.
4. “I Love You Much Too Much”
“Ikh Hob Dikh Tsu Fil Lib” (“I love you so much”) is one of the most popular love songs written in Yiddish. Composed by Alexander Olshanetsky with words by Chaim Towber, it was crafted for the musical comedy “Der Katerinshtshik” that hit the stage in the 1933-1934 season at David Kessler’s Second Avenue Theater.
Fast forward to 1940, and Bob Zurke and his Delta Rhythm Orchestra take this Yiddish gem, whip up an English version titled “I Love You Much Too Much,” and bam, it’s a hit. From there, the song went on to be a favorite among a diverse group of artists.
In 1981, Carlos Santana decided to put his legendary guitar skills to work on this track. He ditched the lyrics, let his guitar do the talking, and ended up with an instrumental version that rocked its way onto the Rock & Roll Top 40 charts.
Some notable names that have given “I Love You Much Too Much” their own spin include:
- Gene Krupa jazzed it up with his signature drumming style, adding a swing to the love declaration.
- The Barry Sisters took it back to its Yiddish roots with their harmonious rendition, blending traditional vibes with their unique sound.
- Connie Francis added a pop touch to the song, showcasing its ability to cross genres.
- Dean Martin crooned through the song with his smooth, laid-back style, giving it a classic romantic feel.
- The Andrews Sisters brought their signature harmonies and swing-era charm to the song.
- Alma Cogan added a touch of 1950s British pop elegance to the timeless love song.
- Jerry Vale delivered a smooth, emotive rendition of the song.
- Helen Forrest brought the song’s heartfelt emotions to the forefront with her expressive delivery.
5. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
“I Just Called to Say I Love You” is as straightforward as it gets, and that’s what makes it so endearing. It’s a song about expressing love, pure and simple, without the need for a special occasion or reason.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a phone call, a message, or a look to say “love you,” and that’s enough to make someone’s day, week, or even their life.
Rock Love You Anthems
Rock love anthems are timeless. These are the songs you play on a long drive, thinking about that special someone, or maybe when you’re feeling a bit nostalgic about a love that rocked your world.
These songs have a way of speaking to our souls, reminding us that love, in all its forms, rocks.
- “Still Loving You” by Scorpions – This power ballad is an emotional plea for reconciliation.
- “Love You To” by The Beatles – A unique blend of rock with Indian classical music, expressing a deep, meditative love.
- “I’d Love You to Want Me” by Lobo – A gentle confession of love, wrapped in the soft rock sounds of the 70s.
- “Love You More” by JLS – Pop song, that carries a rock spirit with its intense declaration of growing love.
- “I Love You” by Climax Blues Band – A straightforward, heartfelt rock ballad that speaks directly to the soul.
- “You Know That I Love You” by Santana – A rock ballad with Latin influences by Santana, it’s a powerful expression of love.
- “Love You So” by The King Khan & BBQ Show – A garage rock track that combines raw energy with heartfelt lyrics.
- “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden – A soft rock ballad by Savage Garden, this song is a love confession, ideal for those who have found their soulmate.
- “I Love You” by Avril Lavigne – A pop-rock ballad by Avril Lavigne that expresses deep and genuine love.
Soul & R&B Love Declarations
From the velvety smooth vocals to the lush arrangements, Soul and R&B love songs have a way of reaching deep into the heart’s core. They articulate the complexities of love — its highs and lows, its certainty and doubts—through powerful lyrics and emotive delivery.
- “Let Me Love You” by Mario – A smooth R&B hit where Mario pleads for a chance to show true love, capturing the essence of devotion.
- “Why I Love You” by MAJOR. – A powerful ballad that seamlessly blends R&B soulfulness with hip-hop’s edge to deliver a heartfelt declaration of love.
- “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” by Stevie B – Stevie B delivers a heartfelt serenade, blending classic R&B vibes with soulful declarations of love.
- “I Love You” by Faith Evans – Faith Evans offers a soul-stirring testament to unwavering love.
- “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” by Donny Hathaway – A soul masterpiece, Hathaway’s deep emotional expression and soulful piano accompaniment make this a powerful declaration of love.
- “I Just Want to Make Love to You” by Etta James – A soulful, bluesy declaration of love and desire.
- “Baby, I Love You” by Aretha Franklin – Franklin’s powerful vocals turn this track into an unforgettable soul anthem of love.
- “Loving You” by Minnie Riperton – It’s a lullaby that speaks of contentment and a love so deep, it’s almost spiritual.
- “That’s Why I Love You” by Boyz II Men – An R&B ballad by Boyz II Men, focusing on the reasons behind a deep and abiding love. It’s smooth and soulful.
- “Why I Love You” by B2K – An R&B track by B2K that delves into the reasons behind love, with smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
- “Why I Love You So Much” by Monica – An R&B song by Monica, it’s all about expressing unwavering love and appreciation for a partner.
- “I Wonder Why (I Love You Like I Do)” by Dion & The Belmonts – A doo-wop classic that questions the reasons behind love’s pull.
Acoustic and Singer-Songwriter Love Expressions
The acoustic guitar or piano can turn a simple confession into a profound expression of love. “I love you” here is whispered, crooned, and serenaded with a raw honesty that’s as refreshing as it is profound.
- “I Love You” by Alex Clare – A heartfelt declaration backed by Clare’s soulful voice and minimalistic instrumentation.
- “Love You For A Long Time” by Maggie Rogers – Rogers combines folk influences with pop sensibilities in this uplifting love anthem.
- “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton – The original country version exudes sincerity and depth.
- “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele – Though known for her powerhouse vocals, Adele delivers this Bob Dylan classic with stunning restraint and emotional depth.
Country Love You Tales
Country tunes have this knack for storytelling that makes you feel like you’re living those love stories right alongside them. When a country artist drops an “I love you” in their track, you bet it’s packed with sincerity.
- “Love You Anyway” by Luke Combs – Combs’ rich vocals express enduring affection despite life’s trials.
- “I Love You This Big” by Scotty McCreery – McCreery delivers a declaration of love, marked by country’s simplicity.
- “Lovin’ On You” by Luke Combs – Another hit by Combs that celebrates the joy and exhilaration of being in love.
- “To Love You More” by Celine Dion – Dion’s emotional delivery crosses genres, resonating with the storytelling heart at the core of country music.
- “I Love You” by Faith Hill -This song speaks to the enduring nature of love. It’s tender and sincere, ideal for expressing deep commitment.
- “I Love You” by Martina McBride – This song by Martina McBride is a heartfelt declaration of love, filled with warmth and affection.
Hip-Hop Declarations of Love
Hip-hop takes that raw, unfiltered honesty its known for and channels it into something surprisingly tender and deeply personal. These aren’t just beats and rhymes; they show love’s many faces — from the sweet beginnings to the gritty realities.
- “Love Again” by Dua Lipa – This pop track infuses hip-hop rhythms, showcasing a modern take on love’s rejuvenation.
- “I Love You” by Layton Greene – Greene’s track dives into the intricacies of love and vulnerability, wrapped in a smooth hip-hop production.
- “I Love U” by The Chainsmokers – A blend of EDM and pop with a hip-hop vibe, offering a candid expression of love in the digital age.
- “Why I Love You” by Jay-Z and Kanye West – A powerful collaboration between two hip-hop giants, blending heartfelt lyrics with strong beats.
Folk Love You Songs
There’s something about the simplicity of an acoustic guitar and earnest vocals that can make “I love you” sound like a timeless truth rediscovered.
- “I Love You” by Woodkid – Woodkid brings an indie-folk sensibility to this track.
- “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding – A beautiful, tender ballad that carries the intimate, acoustic quality of classic folk.
- “I Love How You Love Me” by The Paris Sisters – An old-school track that exudes the simplicity and sweetness of early folk and pop.
- “And I Love You So” by Don McLean – McLean’s gentle tribute to everlasting love. It’s a folk classic, rich in emotional depth.
Indie Love You Anthems
The indie tracks often serving as the perfect backdrop for those who find beauty in the unconventional. Indie artists aren’t afraid to experiment, blending genres and bending rules to express love in ways that are fresh and unexpected.
Their “I love you” songs might come with a side of quirk or a dash of melancholy, but they’re always heartfelt.
More I Love You Songs
- “And I Love You So” by Elvis Presley – This ballad is a tender expression of love and devotion. Sung by the iconic Elvis Presley, it’s a heartfelt message to a loved one.
- “Because I Love You” by Shakin’ Stevens – This song is a a catchy, upbeat track that’s all about declaring one’s love openly.
- “Do I Love You?” by Ella Fitzgerald – A classic jazz piece by the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, this song poses the rhetorical question of love.
- “Every Day I Love You” by Boyzone – A soft pop ballad by Boyzone that’s all about the daily reaffirmation of love. It’s gentle and romantic, ideal for those who believe in expressing love every day.
- “How I Love You” by Engelbert Humperdinck – A romantic ballad that speaks to the depth and intensity of one’s love.
- “I Love U So” by Cassius – An electronic dance track by Cassius with a repetitive, catchy chorus, celebrating the joy and simplicity of love in a fun, upbeat way.
- “Why Do I Love You” by Westlife – A pop ballad, focusing on the undying nature of love and the questions it brings.
- “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis – A pop song by Donna Lewis, it’s catchy and upbeat, celebrating enduring love.
- “I Love You Baby” by Frank Sinatra – A classic, swing tune by Frank Sinatra, often used as a romantic declaration.
- “I Get To Love You” by RUELLE – A modern, ethereal song by RUELLE, focusing on the privilege of loving someone. It’s heartfelt and sincere, making it perfect for weddings or significant moments.
- “I Love You Baby” by Paul Anka – A heartfelt pop song by Paul Anka, expressing a simple yet profound love. It’s warm and affectionate, suitable for serenading someone special.
- “I Love You So” by Toni Gonzaga – A pop ballad, filled with sincerity and warmth. It’s a song for those heartfelt moments of love and appreciation.
- “I Love You Too Much” by Maze, Frankie Beverly – A smooth soul track that’s all about the overwhelming feeling of love.
- “I Love You” by Sarah McLachlan – A soft and emotional ballad by Sarah McLachlan, focusing on the profound impact of love.
- “I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family – A classic pop song with catchy tunes, it captures the confusion and excitement of budding love.
- “Love You Like a Love Song” by Selena Gomez & The Scene – A pop song with electronic influences; it’s catchy and celebrates love in a fun, upbeat way.
- “Love You So” by Natalie – A pop ballad with R&B influences, it’s all about expressing deep love and the inability to live without one’s partner.
- “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” by Glenn Medeiros – A pop song known for its promise of eternal love.
- “P.S. I Love You” by The Beatles – A classic Beatles song that’s sweet and simple, conveying love in a straightforward and timeless manner.
- “And I Love You So” by Perry Como – A soothing pop ballad by Perry Como that conveys deep feelings of love and commitment. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to express their everlasting love.
- “I Love You” by Barney – The famous song from the children’s show. It’s a simple and joyful expression of love, aimed at teaching kids about the importance of love and friendship.
- “When I Say I Do, I Love You” by Matthew West – A contemporary Christian song that celebrates marital commitment and love.
- “Why Do I Love You So” by Johnny Tillotson – A pop song from the early 60s that explores the mysteries of love.