Romance comes in many forms. Sometimes, it takes shape as a candlelit dinner for two; other times, it’s a highly-quotable ‘90s romcom like Notting Hill. (“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Hey, don’t even pretend like you don’t have that line memorized.) And while it’s hard to imagine anything more swoon-worthy than Hugh Grant’s British accent, science tells us that listening to love songs is actually the most considerable romantic stimulus out there.
In fact, one study published in Psychology of Music showed that women who were exposed to love songs were much more likely to give their phone number to a prospective suitor than those who weren’t. (Been there, ladies.) Whichever way you slice it, some days, you just want all of the feels. Lucky for you, we have a playlist to get you there. Here, the 50 most romantic songs ever written, from some of the most iconic artists in music history.
“Make You Feel My Love,” by Bob Dylan (1997)
Covered by everyone from Billy Joel to Adele, this late-’90s hit was first written and performed by none other than American music legend Bob Dylan. And while Dylan is celebrated for a signature songwriting style wherein his lyrics have engendered multiple interpretations, many assert that this song is about Dylan’s ex-wife, Carolyn Dennis, with whom the artist separated shortly before this late-’90s hit was released.
“At Last,” by Etta James (1960)
If you’ve been to a wedding even once in the last 60 years, it’s likely you’ve heard this classic love song by lauded blues singer, Etta James. And if you haven’t yet…just wait!
“Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran (2017)
Nothing beats Ed Sheeran’s buttery-smooth vocals on this top-40 pop hit—except maybe the charming lyrics: “When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath/But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.” Um, SWOON.
“I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston (1992)
Contrary to popular belief, Whitney Houston was not the first artist to perform this powerful chart-topper (though some will argue she did it the best). First performed as a country ballad by Dolly Parton in 1974, Houston recorded her own impressive version of the song as part of the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, a film in which she starred that same year. Houston’s unmatched, high-register belt brought an epic significance to the tune, ultimately making it one of the biggest hits of the artist’s far-too-short career.
“Kiss Me,” by Sixpence None The Richer (1997)
Some songs become standouts simply because of the movies they’re featured in, and “Kiss Me” is one of those songs. The late-’90s hit from Sixpence None the Richer became synonymous with romance after it appeared in the Freddie Prinze Jr.-led romcom, She’s All That, and honestly—as much as we love Prinze Jr.’s onscreen chemistry with Rachel Leigh Cook—the film would have been lost without it.
“Come Away With Me,” by Norah Jones (2002)
When Norah Jones came on the scene in the early 2000s, her smooth jazz sound and smoky vocals caught audiences’ attention. But it was arguably this song that put the artist on the map—not only as a talented artist but as somebody who knew how to write a love song. And continue to write love songs, she did.
“Die A Happy Man,” by Thomas Rhett (2015)
If anyone knows how to sing a love song, it’s Thomas Rhett. (See: “Star Of The Show” and “When You Look Like That,” for proof.) But Rhett’s pièces de résistance? This adorable hit from 2015. Just try not to smile while listening to this one, we dare you!
“My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion (1997)
If you don’t immediately think of the heartbreaking raft scene (think: “I’ll never let go, Jack!”) between on-screen loves Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic when you hear this late-’90s hit from the iconic Celine Dion, we need to have a chat. Well, not really—but you should probably just rewatch Titanic and kick your memory back in high gear!
“Realize,” by Colbie Caillat (2007)
“If you just realize what I just realized then we’d be perfect for each other and we’d never find another,” sings Caillat in this 2007 hit and what feels like an interpretive reading of my middle school diary. (Oh, to be young and in love.)
“You Send Me,” by Sam Cooke (1957)
Sam Cooke’s pitch-perfect vocals combined with line-after-line of heartwarming lyrics are the winning combo behind “You Send Me.” This 1950’s hit is truly one of the best romantic songs for the ages.
“Moon River,” by Frank Ocean (2018)
Granted, Frank Ocean wasn’t the first to record “Moon River.” (The song was, of course, first performed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.) But Ocean’s unique take on the scene-stealing hit makes it feel especially romantic, and his enchanting sound makes it list-worthy.
“Dreaming of You,” by Selena (1995)
Recorded by celebrated American Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla, “Dreaming of You” was released on the artist’s posthumous crossover album of the same name, and to this day is still highly regarded as one of her biggest hits, and one of the most romantic songs of all time.
“My Girl,” by The Temptations (1965)
You can’t compile a list of best-ever romantic songs and not include a hit from Motown’s finest, The Temptations. Released in 1965, “My Girl” is one of those romantic songs that will melt your heart and bring you to your feet simultaneously.
“Ho Hey,” by The Lumineers (2012)
“Ho Hey” may not seem like the obvious choice for this list, but hone in on the song’s lyrics and you’ll feel just as enchanted as you were the first time you heard the foot-tapping hit. And if you don’t believe us, look at the song’s chorus, for proof: “I belong with you, you belong with me. You’re my sweetheart.” Aww.
“How Sweet It Is,” by James Taylor (1975)
There’s a reason James Taylor’s decades-long career is still thriving: This artist can sing, and he leaves no vocal stone unturned on his cover of this 1965 hit by Marvin Gaye. Gaye’s sweet lyrics paired with Taylor’s unique sound make this the romantic song to end all romantic songs.
“Everywhere,” by Michelle Branch (2001)
Sure, Michelle Branch may have been the poster child for teenage angst back in the early 2000s, but the girl could also write a catchy hit about love, particularly the can’t-eat-can’t-sleep kind. (You know, in true early-aughts songwriting fashion.)
“The Way You Look Tonight,” by Fred Astaire (1936)
Before it was covered by everyone from Billie Holiday to Tony Bennett, this timeless tune won audiences over in the black-and-white film Swing Time, when it was sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers as a grand romantic gesture to the actress while she got ready in the next room.
“Let’s Stay Together,” by Al Green (1972)
“I-I-I, I’m so in love with you…” Don’t pretend you didn’t just sing those lyrics aloud in your head. This soulful single from Al Green is arguably one of the most romantic tunes of all time. (And one that’s undoubtedly about to get stuck in your head. Sorry!)
“All of Me,” by John Legend (2013)
Chrissy Teigen: you lucky, lucky girl. If you need to know what love is, look no further than this love song by brilliant singer-songwriter, John Legend. Or just check out his ever-hilarious faux Twitter feuds with wife, Chrissy.
“I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing,” by Aerosmith (1998)
Ever been so in love you never want to leave your beau’s side? Aerosmith can relate, with lyrics like “Don’t want to close my eyes/I don’t want to fall asleep/’Cause I’d miss you, babe, and I don’t want to miss a thing.”
“Fire,” by Augustana (2008)
“No it don’t come easy, no it don’t come fast,” Augustana frontman Dan Layus sings of love in this beautiful piano-driven ballad, proving that all things worth having come at a price. Well said, Dan. Or should we say—well sung.
“When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledge (1966)
Percy Sledge was the first to sing this iconic love song in the 1960s, later re-recorded in the ’80s and ’90s by the likes of Bette Midler and Michael Bolton, respectively. The song tells of the extreme lengths a man will go for the woman he loves. (*Cough.* As he should. *Cough.*)
“I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” by Frank Sinatra (1963)
Ol’ Blue Eyes wasn’t the first to sing this hit (initially recorded by Cole Porter in 1936), but the combination of Sinatra’s devil-may-care approach to the lyrics and perfect bluesy sound make it feel as if the tune had been written just for him. It’s music at its finest, at the hands of one of the most romantic crooners of all time.
“When I Fall in Love,” by Nat King Cole (1956)
“When I fall in love it will be forever…” Need we say more?
“Because You Loved Me,” by Celine Dion (1996)
What, did you think Queen Celine would be on this list of best-ever romantic songs only once? As if! When the ’90s songstress wasn’t making us cry our eyes out to the soundtrack from Titanic, she was making our hearts hurt with the lyrics to “Because You Loved Me.” (But in the best way.)
“The Book of Love,” by Peter Gabriel (2004)
Warning: If you’ve never heard this song by Peter Gabriel before, it’ll likely bring you to tears. (We’re not crying, you’re crying!) Between the artist’s raw vocals and lyrics like “I love it when you sing to me, and you can sing me anything,” you’re bound to feel things. (Just don’t text your ex!)
“Drops of Jupiter,” by Train (2001)
The early 2000s brought us a lot of memorable romantic songs, but one of the biggest gems was quite possibly this hit from American rock band, Train. The song was hardly a romantic one-off for the group (remember “Meet Virginia?”), but it certainly stands to be one of the most memorable. (Or at least the most-requested at karaoke.)
“A Thousand Miles,” by Vanessa Carlton (2002)
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Vanessa Carlton’s breakout hit, “A Thousand Miles,” after just one listen. The song is beyond charming, just the like singer, songwriter, and musician herself.
“All On Me,” by Devin Dawson (2018)
This hit from country new-kid Devin Dawson is romantic in its uniqueness. In the song, the artist calls for a partnership where not just the good stuff is shared, but the bad and the ugly, too. Now that’s a real relationship we can get behind.
“Beyond,” by Leon Bridges (2018)
Nothing screams romance quite like Leon Bridges. His signature-yet-familiar sound plays beautifully into this song’s heartfelt lyrics, making this song a true standout on the artist’s sophomore album.
“If You’re Gone,” by Matchbox 20 (2000)
“If You’re Gone” is about a man who realizes he’s losing the love of his life and begs her to come back. If that doesn’t scream “romance,” we don’t know what will. Also, men everywhere: Take notes.
“A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri (2011)
When Christina Perri came on the scene in the early 2000s, the world took notice, thanks not only to her signature look but also to her uncanny ability to belt out a ballad. “A Thousand Years” is no exception.
“Just the Way You Are,” by Bruno Mars (2010)
If romance had a theme song, it would be this 2010 hit by Bruno Mars. Between the singer’s smooth sound, signature catchy beat, and melt-your-heart lyrics, this tune has “Valentine’s Day” written all over it.
“I Love You Always Forever,” by Donna Lewis (1996)
This late-’90s hit by Donna Lewis doubles 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-win.
“Baby Love,” by The Supremes (1964)
The Supremes reigned, well, supreme in the land of romantic doo-wop hits, and “Baby Love” is no exception.
“Us Against the World,” by Coldplay (2011)
Coldplay is to emotional music as peanut butter is to jelly, and in “Us Against the World,” from the band’s fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto, lead singer Chris Martin pulls at the listeners’ heartstrings with the marriage of various instrumental solos and wholly beguiling lyrics.
“The Way I Am,” by Ingrid Michaelson (2006)
Ingrid Michaelson is charming beyond words, and in her 2006 hit “The Way I Am,” a romantic tune that arguably put the singer on the map, she truly delivers.
“XO,” by Beyonce (2013)
This contemporary love song from Beyonce wasn’t the singer’s first romantic rodeo. (See: “Love On Top” or “Smash Into You” for reference.) But this song feels somehow different from the artist’s love songs of years past. Perhaps it’s the singer’s raw vocals and stylistically unfiltered approach that make this hit feel special. Regardless, it’s an honest romantic delivery from the singer that can’t be overlooked.
“Come to Me,” by Goo Goo Dolls (2013)
Like a fine wine, romantic hits from the Goo Goo Dolls never age; particularly this 2013 hit.
“God Only Knows,” by The Beach Boys (1966)
“God only knows what I’d be without you,” sing the Beach Boys in this 1966 hit about a man who feels lost without his woman. (Got that, fellas?)
“We Belong Together,” by Gavin DeGraw (2008)
If you were to Google the name “Gavin DeGraw,” you’d undoubtedly find the words “love song” scribbled nearby. Ok, well maybe not actually, but the artist does have a tendency to write about love, romance, and everything in between. “We Belong Together” is one of his most heartfelt, and therefore a must-listen.
“Crush,” by Dave Matthews Band (1998)
Dave Matthews has been a fixture in the music industry for years, and that’s because the artist knows a thing or two about writing an instant-hit. “Crush” is no exception, and is one of the artist’s first romantic songs that really put him on the map.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Elvis (1969)
You can’t put together a list of top romantic hits and not include The King, and this overnight hit from the artist is arguably one of his most celebrated—not to mention one of his most romantic.
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (1967)
“You’re just too good to be true/Can’t take my eyes off of you.” This iconic first dance song is also one of the most romantic songs out there.
“Crazy He Calls Me,” by Billie Holiday (1949)
The one and only Billie Holiday performed this jazz standard in 1940, setting the stage for storied performers to cover this romantic hit in years to come. But Holiday did it first (and arguably the best).
“Remind Me,” by Brad Paisley ft. Carrie Underwood (2011)
Romantic ballads are brought to another level when they’re performed as a duet, especially in the country music genre. Such is the case for Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood’s “Remind Me.” Trust us: This one’s worth a listen. (Or five.)
“I’m On Fire,” by Bruce Springsteen (1984)
Bruce Springsteen is known for a lot of things, but writing a quintessential love song isn’t one of them. Nevertheless, the rock icon released this slow, guitar-led tune in ’84 and the world ate it up.
“Stolen,” by Dashboard Confessional (2006)
If the early 2000s brought us anything worthwhile, it was this overnight hit from Dashboard Confessional, featuring lyrics like “You have stolen my heart,” and “You are the best one of the best ones,” and the emotional music video, to boot.
“Fine By Me,” by Andy Grammer (2011)
“It’s fine by me if you never leave,” Andy Grammer croons in this 2011 instant-hit. Well, it’s fine by us if you keep singing this song forever, Andy.
“Your Hand in Mine,” by Explosions in the Sky (2003)
Sure, “Your Hand in Mine” is lyricless and wholly instrumental, but hear us out. While writing the soundtrack for the 2004 box-office success that was Friday Night Lights, Explosions in the Sky composed “Your Hand in Mine,” a track so beautiful and emotional, it transforms into something undoubtedly romantic in composition. After one listen you’ll understand why the tune deserves to be on this list of romantic songs and mixed in with big-league showrunners like “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
