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!
1
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack
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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.
2
"Love Song" by Sara Bareilles
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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.”
3
"My Girl" by The Temptations
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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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4
"When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge
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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.
5
"Halo" by Beyoncé
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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.
6
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
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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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7
"Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
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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.
8
"Love Story" by Taylor Swift
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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.
9
"She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5
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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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10
"Young and Beautiful" by Lana del Rey
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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.
11
"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton
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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.
12
"Love on Top" by Beyoncé
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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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13
"Lullaby" by The Chicks
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How long do you want to be loved? Is forever enough? That's the heart and soul of this slow, sweet Chicks song.
14
"All of Me" by John Legend
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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.
15
"God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys
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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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16
"At Last" by Etta James
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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.
17
"I'm on Fire" by Bruce Springsteen
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With this moody number, The Boss perfectly captures that feeling of yearning that can only come from forbidden love.
18
"Sea of Love" by Cat Power
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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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19
"Cherish" by Madonna
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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.
20
"This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" by Talking Heads
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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.
Micaela Bahn
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
Nitya Rao
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
