Queue These Sweet Love Songs for the Most Romantic Playlist Ever
Everybody has their signature song (or playlist) for daydreaming about that special someone. We’re talking about those love songs you play on repeat because they pull on your heart strings and evoke those delightful, loving messages that are full of emotion. The songs that miraculously give clichés meaning once again. We all experience love differently, and music written about love mirrors that. The best love songs come in all genres, from country love songs to soulful ballads to upbeat '80s songs that make you want to dance with somebody (can you guess which one we're talking about? 😂).
There are countless beautiful love songs throughout time, so we'll be the first to admit that this simply cannot be a be-all, end-all list. Still, we've gathered some of the sweetest and most romantic love songs that are perfect for every occasion. This selection covers a wide breadth of not only genres but tempos as well. If you need a cute piece to play in the background during Valentine's Day dinner, slow things down and let Etta James croon "At Last" to you and your sweetheart. Look no further for date night ideas and have a dance party that includes Madonna and Whitney Houston. Here, you'll find songs that capture the whole emotional range of love, including sad love songs like Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on one end of the spectrum and euphoric tracks like Beyoncé's "Love on Top" on the other.
So, grab your significant other, press play, and let the dancing and romancing begin!
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s soulful rendition of this folk song is as close as it gets to experiencing love at first sight without actually experiencing it. Her enchanting voice and the lyrics come together in perfect harmony in this timeless love song.
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"Love Song" by Sara Bareilles
We couldn’t have a roundup of the best love songs without Sara Bareilles’ hit piano ballad named just that. Ironic, given her claim in the chorus that she’s “...not gonna write you a love song.”
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"My Girl" by The Temptations
Listening to this retro love song is like experiencing young love all over again. The Temptations’ inaugural hit is best known for its appearance in the namesake movie starring Home Alone alum Macaulay Culkin.
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"When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge
Percy Sledge's heartfelt vocals and the song's emotional orchestration create an irresistible romantic aura in this soulful testament to the intensity of love. It's the kind of classic that not only serenades the ears but also speaks directly to the heart.
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"Halo" by Beyoncé
The leading single from Beyoncé's 2009 I Am...Sasha Fierce album is a modern love anthem that effortlessly blends power and vulnerability. With Queen Bey's powerhouse vocals, the song soars through themes of devotion and admiration.
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“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
Cue the 2000s rom-com wedding scene! Natalie Cole’s song about “Everlasting Love” has left an everlasting impression in our hearts thanks to its upbeat melody and heartfelt message. The jaunty tune has served as the theme song of our favorite romantic scenes in the media (and real life!)
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"Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis's soul-stirring vocals and heart-wrenching lyrics make this powerhouse ballad the go-to anthem for anyone navigating the complexities of love.
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"Love Story" by Taylor Swift
This modern-day fairytale set to music whisks listeners away on a journey of young love, forbidden romance, and happily-ever-afters. With catchy melodies and Swift's storytelling prowess, it's the kind of song that makes you believe in love's magic and dance around your room, reenacting your own love story.
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"She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5
Adam Levine's soulful vocals and the irresistibly melodic backdrop color this musical love letter that was an instant classic in 2002. It's the kind of song that wraps you in a warm, nostalgic embrace, making it a must-have on any love song playlist.
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"Young and Beautiful" by Lana del Rey
Originally written for the film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, "Young and Beautiful" is a hauntingly beautiful ode to the ephemeral nature of youth and love. With Lana Del Rey's melancholic vocals and a cinematic arrangement, the song captures the bittersweet essence of fleeting romance.
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"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton
The Queen of Country always knows how to infuse so much heart into her songs. This timeless tearjerker is about a love that's not meant to be.
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"Love on Top" by Beyoncé
Beyoncé's 2011 banger is an ode to feeling confident in love! It's all about her honey on this upbeat, joyful track.
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"Lullaby" by The Chicks
How long do you want to be loved? Is forever enough? That's the heart and soul of this slow, sweet Chicks song.
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"All of Me" by John Legend
Grab your tissues! John Legend is basically the guy for heartwarming, gorgeous love songs in the last 20 years. The music video for this one features his real-life wife and is about genuine commitment to your love.
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"God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys
The title of this song sums up what everyone feels about the love of their life—God only knows what I'd be without you.
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"At Last" by Etta James
How many movies and wedding soundtracks has this slow, soulful ballad been a part of? Who knows, but Etta James' gorgeous crooning is romance at its finest.
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"I'm on Fire" by Bruce Springsteen
With this moody number, The Boss perfectly captures that feeling of yearning that can only come from forbidden love.
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"Sea of Love" by Cat Power
Slow things down with the soulful sound of Cat Power. The Georgia native crafts a bare-bones cover that's sensitive and full of longing.
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"Cherish" by Madonna
Of course we had to include a song from Ree Drummond's (and everyone's) favorite '80s pop queen! "Cherish" is the perfect word to describe your love.
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"This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" by Talking Heads
Talking Heads' David Byrne wanted to create a love song that wasn't too corny. He hit the nail on the head with this upbeat yet sincere bop about his love being his home.
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"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
Need a love song that makes you want to jump up and dance with your "somebody"? Look no further than Whitney Houston's bubbly '80s classic!
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“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
There's something about the tender way that Elvis sings his original ballad that simply beats out all the covers. It's the perfect slow song to dance to with your sweetheart.
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“How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees
Who said disco music can't be romantic? The Bee Gees wrote this song for Saturday Night Fever, so plenty of wedding DJs have the film to thank!
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“If I Ain't Got You” by Alicia Keys
When it comes to what's really important in life, Alicia Keys' lyrics say it all. The singer lays out all of the material things that people live for, but swears she doesn't want any of it if she can't be with her one true love.
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“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
This is definitely one of the most swoon-worthy songs of all time! Plus, the Righteous Brothers classic is in that sultry scene from the movie Ghost, which really takes the romance to the next level.
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"And I Love Her" by The Beatles
The Beatles have so many sweet love songs to choose from, but this heartfelt tune from the movie A Hard Day's Night stands out from the rest. Paul McCartney plays with beautiful imagery in its lyrics and he's said that the song was the first one he ever "impressed himself with."
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"In Spite of Ourselves" by Iris DeMent and John Prine
This John Prine classic is a sweet and simple duet for two quirky partners in crime. While the lyrics may be cheeky, the true message lies in the chorus: "There won't be nothin' but big old hearts / Dancin' in our eyes."
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"Maps" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The lyrics to this early 2000s alt-rock hit are simple yet moving. Karen O repeats the line, "Wait, they don’t love you like I love you" like a mantra for anyone who's ever been in love.
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"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
A poet and musician, Cohen is considered one of the greatest lyricists of his time. "Hallelujah" is one part religious exultation of love and one part mournful ode to mistakes made.
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"Mystery of Love" by Sufjan Stevens
This sweet, acoustic song is all wide-eyed and full of wonder about falling in love with someone. "Mystery of Love" is a masterful exploration of precisely that—the mystery of love.
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