The 50 most romantic love songs of all time (2023)

Romance comes in many forms. It can take the form of aCandlelight dinner, snuggle up to watch a movie together, or just let someone else do the dishes for you. It can also come in the form of music, as any couple who's met can tell when the jukebox played just the right song. The power of love songs is scientifically proven. A studyPublished inmusic psychologyfound that women who were exposed to love songs were much more likely to give their phone number to a potential suitor than those who weren't. So when you really need to set the mood, you need to turn to some of the most soulful and sensual music ever recorded. We've got 50 of them right here - a ready playlist for your next date night.

Contrary to popular belief,Whitney HoustonShe wasn't the first artist to achieve this mighty chart success (although some would argue she's done better). Written and premiered as a country ballad bygood partIn 1974, Houston recorded her own stunning version of the song for the soundtrackThe bodyguard, a film he starred in that same year. Houston's unrivaled high-register belt gave the song epic prominence, making it one of the biggest hits of the artist's short career.

Chrissy Teigen, happy, happy girl. If you need to know what love is, look no further than this romantic song from her brilliant singer-songwriter husband.John Legend. There's a reason it's so popular at weddings.

"God knows what I would be without you," the Beach Boys sing in this 1966 hit about a man who feels lost without his wife.

Bruce SpringsteenHe's known for many things, but writing cheesy love songs isn't one of them. Luckily, the rock icon released this slow, guitar-driven song in 1984, and the world ate it up.

In the 90's when the singerCeline DionHe didn't make us cry with the soundtrack ofTitanic, she made our hearts ache with the lyrics of "Because You Loved Me". (But in the best sense.)

Covered by everyoneBilly JoelAAdela,This late '90s hit was written and premiered by none other than an American music legend.Bob Dylan. And while Dylan is famous for his signature songwriting style, in which his lyrics have been interpreted multiple times, many claim this song is about Dylan's ex-wife,Caroline denis, which the artist parted ways with just prior to the release of this late '90s hit.

If you've been to a wedding at least once in the last 60 years, chances are you've heard this classic love song from the celebrated blues singer.Etta James. And if you haven't already...wait!

nothing beatsEd SheeranThis Top 40 pop hit's buttery-smooth voice, except perhaps for the delightful lyrics: "When you said you sounded like a mess I whispered softly / But you heard baby you're perfect tonight." Hey,fainting.

Some songs just stand out for the movies they're in, and "Kiss Me" is one of those songs. Sixpence's late '90s hit None the Richer became synonymous with romance after its releaseFreddie Prince jr.- directed romantic comedy,she is all of that, and honestly, as much as we love Prinze Jr.chemistry on screenimpostorRaquel Leigh Koch- Without him the film would have been lost.

IfNorah JonesEmerging in the early 2000s, he captured listeners' attention with his smooth, jazzy sound and smoky voice. But it was undoubtedly that song that put the artist on the map, not just as a talented artist, but as someone whoyou knewHow to write a love song And keep writing love songs, she's done it.

If someone can sing a love song, yesThomas Rhett. (See: "Star Of The Show" and "When You Look Like That" for proof.) But Rhett's resistance pieces? This beautiful hit of 2015. SoloattemptDon't smile while listening to this one, we challenge you!

If you don't think about it right awaymoving raft scene(thinks, "I'll never let you go, Jack!") between screen loveLeonardo DicapriojKate WinsletemTitanicIf you like that '90s hit by the legendary Mrs. Dion, we need to talk. Well, not really, but you should probably check again.Titanicand boost your memory!

"If you realize what I just realized, we would be perfect for each other and we would never find each other again," she sings.Colbie Caillatabout this 2007 hit and what seems like an interpretive read of my high school journal. (Ah, to be young and in love.)

Sam CookePerfect vocals paired with line for line of soulful lyrics are the convincing combination behind "You Send Me". This '50s hit truly is a love song for all time.

Guaranteed,free oceanhe wasn't the first to record Moon River. (The song was of course first performed byAudrey Hepburnin the iconic 1961 filmBreakfast at Tiffany's.) But Ocean's unique take on the scene-stealing hit makes it particularly romantic, and its enchanting sound makes it list-worthy.

Recorded by the acclaimed American Tejano singer,Selena Quintanilla, "Dreaming of You" was released on the artist's posthumous crossover album of the same name and is still considered one of her biggest hits and one of the most romantic songs of all time.

Can't you compile a list of the best romantic songs andNOcontain a big Motown hit, The Temptations. Released in 1965, "My Girl" is one of those romantic songs that will melt your heart.jget up at the same time.

"Ho Hey" might not seem like the obvious choice for this list, but if you brush up on the Lumineers' lyrics, you'll be just as stoked as the first time you heard their feet tapping. And if you don't believe us, check out the song's chorus for proof: “I belong to you, you belong to me. You are my love."Oooh.

There's a reasonJames TaylorThe decades-long career is still on the rise: the artist canto sing, and leaves no stone unturned in his interpretation of this 1965 hitmarvin gaye. Gaye's sweet lyrics combined with Taylor's unique sound make this the love song that ends all love songs.

Secure,rama michelleShe might have been the epitome of early 2000s teen angst, but the girl could also pen a catchy hit about love, specifically the "Can't Eat, Can't Sleep" kind of thing. (You know, in true early year songwriting style.)

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Before it has since been covered by everyonebilly vacationAToni Bennett, this timeless melody conquered the audience in the black and white filmrocking time, if it was sung byFred AstaireARogers Gingeras a grand romantic gesture as she got ready in the next room.

"I-I-I, I'm so in love with you..." Don't pretend you didn't sing those lyrics out loud in your head. This single on the wayfor greenis possibly one of the sexiest songs of all time. (And one that's sure to stick in your mind. Sorry!)

Have you ever been so in love that you never wanted to leave your partner's side? Aerosmith can be identified with lyrics like "I don't want to close my eyes / I don't want to fall asleep / Because I'd miss you baby and I don't wanna miss a thing".

"No, it's not easy, it's not fast," said the Augustana trainer.from LaiosSing for love in this beautiful piano ballad and prove that all things worth having come with a price. Well said Dan. Or should we say goodsung.

Percy trainsHe was the first to sing this iconic love song in the '60s, which was later covered by artists such as '80s and '90sBette MidlerjMichael Bolton, respectively. The song is about how far a man will go for the woman he loves. (as heit should.)

Ol' Blue Eyes wasn't the first to sing this hit (originally recorded byCole Porter1936), but the combination ofFrank SinatraThe light-hearted approach to the lyrics and the perfect blues sound make it sound like itthe tune was written just for him. This is music at its finest, in the hands of one of the most romantic singers the world has ever seen.

"Once I fall in love, it's forever..." Need we say more?

Attention: If you have never heard this song beforePeter Gabrielrather, it will likely make him cry. Between the artist's raspy voice and lyrics like "I love it when you sing for me and you can sing me anything," you're sure to feel something. (Just don't text your ex!)

The early 2000s brought us many memorable love songs, but one of the greatest gems was undoubtedly this hit by American rock band Train. The song was hardly romantic for the group (remember "Marry Me"?), but it's certainly one of their most memorable. (Or at least the most requested karaoke).

It's impossible not to fall in lovevanessa boxThe smash hit of "A Thousand Miles" after just one audition. The music is lovely as is the singer/songwriter/musician.

That new country boy hitDevin Dawsonit is romantic in its uniqueness. In the song, the artist asks for a partnership in which not only the good things are shared, but also the bad and ugly. It's a relationship we can really support.

Nothing screams romanceLeon's bridges. Its signature yet familiar sound pairs beautifully with the heartfelt lyrics of this song, making it a real highlight on the artist's second album.

"If You're Gone" is about a man who realizes he is losing the love of his life and begs him to come back. If that doesn't scream "romance," we don't know what will.

IfChristina PerrWhen she burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, the world took notice, thanks not only to her signature looks, but also to her uncanny ability to sing a ballad. "A Thousand Years" is no exception, other than having the power to do soduskbehind.

If romance had a theme song, it would be this 2010 hitBruno Mars. Between the singer's smooth sound, signature catchy beat and heartbreaking lyrics, "Valentine's Day" is found throughout this song.

The end of the 90s came throughdonna lewisworks as both a romantic track and a get-up-and-dance anthem for a night out with your best friend. Either way, it's a win.

The Supremes ruled, well,supremein the land of romantic doo-wop hits, and "Baby Love" is no exception.

cold gameis as emotional to the music as peanut butter is to jelly, and on "Us Against the World" from the band's fifth studio albumMilo Xiloto,Chris Martinand his bandmates reach the hearts of listeners with the union of multiple instrumental solos and deeply seductive lyrics.

Ingrid MichaelsenShe's indescribably charming, and she really delivers on her 2006 hit "The Way I Am," a love song that undoubtedly put the singer on the map.

This contemporary Beyoncé love song wasn't the singer's first romantic rodeo. (See: "Love On Top" or "Smash Into You" for reference.) But this song feels kind of different than the artist's love songs of years past. Perhaps it's the singer's raspy voice and his stylistically unfiltered approach that make this hit so special. Regardless, it's a candid romantic delivery from the singer that can't be overlooked.

Like fine wine, romantic hits from theGoo Goo Munecasnever grow old; especially this hit from 2013.

Gavin de Grawhave oneTendency to write about love, romance and everything in between. "We Belong Together" is one of their heartiest songs and therefore a must-read.

The Dave Matthews Band has been a fixture in the music industry for years, and that's because they know a thing or two about writing an instant hit. "Crush" is no exception, and being an unabashed love song, it helped expand people's ideas of what the band could do.

You can't compile a list of greatest romantic hits without mentioning The King, and this nighttime hit from the artist is arguably one of his most famous.

"You're too good to be true / I can't take my eyes off you." This iconic first dance song is a rock classic for a reason.

Onlybilly vacationHe performed this jazz standard in 1940, setting the stage for acclaimed performers to cover this romantic hit for years to come. But Holiday made it first (and arguably the best).

Romantic ballads are taken to another level when performed as a duet,particularlyin the country genre. This is the case withBrad PaisleyjCarrie underwoodis "remember me". Trust us: this one is worth listening to. (Or five.)

If the first year 2000 brought anything worthwhile, it was this hit by the band Dashboard Confessional with lyrics like "You Stole My Heart" and "You Are the Best of the Best".

"It's okay with me if you never go"Andy GrammerSing along to this instant hit from 2011. Well it's cool for us if you sing this song forever Andy.

Of course, "Your Hand in Mine" is fully instrumental, but listen. While I was writing the soundtrack for the 2004 blockbuster, that wasfriday night lights, Explosions in the Sky wrote "Your Hand in Mine," a song that needs no lyrics to feel. Once you listen to it you will understand why the song deserves to be on par with the rest of these romantic songs.