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Valentine Love Songs and Lyrics
20 of the Greatest Love Songs
Falling in love has been one of the most popular song subjects since the beginning of recorded history.
People have always used music to woo their lovers, to express their tender feelings, and to help mend broken hearts.
Love songs have not lost their popularity in the modern age, even as everything else about our world changes constantly.
So, in honor of this amazing history of tributes to the emotion of love, here are 20 of the most popular valentine songs of all time.
Elvis Presley – “Love Me Tender” (1956)
“The King” made music history with this 1950s hit, which sold over a million copies in advance of being released. It had been written for a movie Elvis was to appear in, The Reno Brothers, but the song proved to be so popular that the movie was retitled to Love Me Tender instead.
The Beatles – “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963)
One of the Beatles’ early hits, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” smashed previous billboard chart records and held the top spot in both the U.S. and England for several weeks. It is credited with beginning the so-called British Invasion in the 1960s, which would come to revolutionize all of music.
One of the Beatles’ early hits, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” smashed previous billboard chart records and held the top spot in both the U.S. and England for several weeks. It is credited with beginning the so-called British Invasion in the 1960s, which would come to revolutionize all of music.
The Temptations – “My Girl” (1964)
“My Girl” is not only the first song that put the influential Motown group The Temptations at the top of the charts, but remains their signature song to this day. Some works of art are destined to be classics forever, and these smooth sounds are irresistible no matter what decade you happen to be living in!
“My Girl” is not only the first song that put the influential Motown group The Temptations at the top of the charts, but remains their signature song to this day. Some works of art are destined to be classics forever, and these smooth sounds are irresistible no matter what decade you happen to be living in!
Sonny & Cher – “I Got You Babe” (1965)
Sonny & Cher are remembered for this song above and beyond any other. It became a rallying point for the Baby Boomer generation, and would go down forever in the annals of pop culture. The simple expression of a song like “I Got You Babe” needs no interpretation: it’s love, pure and sweet.
Sonny & Cher are remembered for this song above and beyond any other. It became a rallying point for the Baby Boomer generation, and would go down forever in the annals of pop culture. The simple expression of a song like “I Got You Babe” needs no interpretation: it’s love, pure and sweet.
Elton John – “Your Song” (1970)
This gentle song spent weeks at #1 on the charts and helped make Elton John into a legend. Its impact has always been remembered even decades later, and it never fails to make the lists of the best romantic songs ever written. Even Elton John himself has declared that this is his favorite love song!
This gentle song spent weeks at #1 on the charts and helped make Elton John into a legend. Its impact has always been remembered even decades later, and it never fails to make the lists of the best romantic songs ever written. Even Elton John himself has declared that this is his favorite love song!
Roberta Flack – “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1972)
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was originally written by folk artist Ewan MacColl in 1957, dedicated to his future wife Peggy Seeger (also a folk singer). It slowly gained in popularity during the 1960s, being covered by influential artists like Peter, Paul and Mary and Gordon Lightfoot. However, it truly leapt off the charts and into the public consciousness in 1972, with the memorable Roberta Flack version.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was originally written by folk artist Ewan MacColl in 1957, dedicated to his future wife Peggy Seeger (also a folk singer). It slowly gained in popularity during the 1960s, being covered by influential artists like Peter, Paul and Mary and Gordon Lightfoot. However, it truly leapt off the charts and into the public consciousness in 1972, with the memorable Roberta Flack version.
Barry White – “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” (1974)
Barry White’s unforgettable R&B tune is remembered as one of the sexiest songs of all time, and for good reason. His songs were part of a lexicon of music that emerged in the 1970s that promoted sensual relationships, which helped to cement the effects of the social revolutions of the 1960s.
Barry White’s unforgettable R&B tune is remembered as one of the sexiest songs of all time, and for good reason. His songs were part of a lexicon of music that emerged in the 1970s that promoted sensual relationships, which helped to cement the effects of the social revolutions of the 1960s.
Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight” (1977)
This song didn’t smash the charts the way some of the others on this list did, but it has been a permanent part of pop culture and a classic love song since its debut. Eric Clapton famously wrote it for Patty Boyd, who had previously been a muse of Beatle George Harrison. Though the song ended up outlasting their relationship, it has endured as one of the greatest anthems of love ever written.
This song didn’t smash the charts the way some of the others on this list did, but it has been a permanent part of pop culture and a classic love song since its debut. Eric Clapton famously wrote it for Patty Boyd, who had previously been a muse of Beatle George Harrison. Though the song ended up outlasting their relationship, it has endured as one of the greatest anthems of love ever written.
Madonna – “Crazy for You” (1985)
Madonna was already a star when “Crazy for You” was released as her first ballad single, but it was praised worldwide as one of her best songs yet. It was created as a theme song for the movie Vision Quest, a romantic story of love and attraction between two teenagers. “Crazy for You” is emblematic of a 1980s world that felt that its innocence was long gone, with only desire remaining.
Madonna was already a star when “Crazy for You” was released as her first ballad single, but it was praised worldwide as one of her best songs yet. It was created as a theme song for the movie Vision Quest, a romantic story of love and attraction between two teenagers. “Crazy for You” is emblematic of a 1980s world that felt that its innocence was long gone, with only desire remaining.
Anita Baker – “Sweet Love” (1986)
This is the biggest hit single of R&B artist Anita Baker, resulting in a Grammy win for her that year. “Sweet Love” is a classy, mature song that expresses all the depth and passion of a real relationship, making it popular through the years and even up to today.
This is the biggest hit single of R&B artist Anita Baker, resulting in a Grammy win for her that year. “Sweet Love” is a classy, mature song that expresses all the depth and passion of a real relationship, making it popular through the years and even up to today.
Van Morrison – “Have I Told You Lately” (1989)
The most-remembered classic written by Irish singer Van Morrison, “Have I Told You Lately” has been covered by a great many artists since it first arrived on the scene, most famously by Rod Stewart in 1993. It is particularly popular at weddings, where it is often played during the reception as the happy couple dances together.
The most-remembered classic written by Irish singer Van Morrison, “Have I Told You Lately” has been covered by a great many artists since it first arrived on the scene, most famously by Rod Stewart in 1993. It is particularly popular at weddings, where it is often played during the reception as the happy couple dances together.
Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
Though this song was originally created by country artist Dolly Parton in 1974, and covered by other notable singers such as Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition is without a doubt the best-known version. It smashed billboard records at the time of its release and became a hit around the world. Whitney Houston was praised by critics and fans alike for taking a quaint country ballad and transforming it into a powerful mainstay of soul.
Though this song was originally created by country artist Dolly Parton in 1974, and covered by other notable singers such as Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition is without a doubt the best-known version. It smashed billboard records at the time of its release and became a hit around the world. Whitney Houston was praised by critics and fans alike for taking a quaint country ballad and transforming it into a powerful mainstay of soul.
Sting – “Fields of Gold” (1993)
“Fields of Gold” is one of Sting’s best-remembered hits and is now a classic at weddings, proms, and other romantic occasions. The song’s sentiment of a life well-spent together is one of the sweeter and more sincere celebrations of the joys a couple’s love can bring.
“Fields of Gold” is one of Sting’s best-remembered hits and is now a classic at weddings, proms, and other romantic occasions. The song’s sentiment of a life well-spent together is one of the sweeter and more sincere celebrations of the joys a couple’s love can bring.
The Lion King – “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994)
Elton John and Tim Rice’s romantic ballad for Disney’s beloved film achieved great success out of the movie theater as well as in it, reaching high on the charts and even winning an Academy Award. For those who fell in love with the sentimental story as children, this song is popular for playing at wedding dances.
Elton John and Tim Rice’s romantic ballad for Disney’s beloved film achieved great success out of the movie theater as well as in it, reaching high on the charts and even winning an Academy Award. For those who fell in love with the sentimental story as children, this song is popular for playing at wedding dances.
Céline Dion – “My Heart Will Go On” (1997)
This song, the theme song of the blockbuster film Titanic, also became one of the biggest smash hits ever recorded. It topped the charts in every country in 1998, becoming instantly recognizable around the world. It made the career of singer Céline Dion, who is still primarily known for the success of the “My Heart Will Go On” single.
This song, the theme song of the blockbuster film Titanic, also became one of the biggest smash hits ever recorded. It topped the charts in every country in 1998, becoming instantly recognizable around the world. It made the career of singer Céline Dion, who is still primarily known for the success of the “My Heart Will Go On” single.
Kelly Clarkson – “A Moment Like This” (2002)
Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the first American Idol contest, performed “A Moment Like This” for the first time in her finale performance on the famed reality show. After being announced the winner, she performed the song again with tears in her eyes, and it went on to become a hit single. This cemented popularity for the show and helped to define the direction of pop music for the next generation.
Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the first American Idol contest, performed “A Moment Like This” for the first time in her finale performance on the famed reality show. After being announced the winner, she performed the song again with tears in her eyes, and it went on to become a hit single. This cemented popularity for the show and helped to define the direction of pop music for the next generation.
Mariah Carey – “We Belong Together” (2005)
When “We Belong Together” topped all the charts in 2005, it was a major comeback for legendary singer Mariah Carey. Its emotional expression of longing and regret has continued to resonate with audiences, and it has been described as one of Mariah Carey’s finest moments. It led to a number of awards and recognitions for the artist.
When “We Belong Together” topped all the charts in 2005, it was a major comeback for legendary singer Mariah Carey. Its emotional expression of longing and regret has continued to resonate with audiences, and it has been described as one of Mariah Carey’s finest moments. It led to a number of awards and recognitions for the artist.
Alicia Keys – “No One” (2007)
An instant classic all about the endurance of love in the face of outside criticism, Alicia Keys’ “No One” has been her biggest hit yet and was, for a time, the most-listened-to song in the United States. It is frequently covered today on shows such as American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent.
An instant classic all about the endurance of love in the face of outside criticism, Alicia Keys’ “No One” has been her biggest hit yet and was, for a time, the most-listened-to song in the United States. It is frequently covered today on shows such as American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent.
Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours” (2008)
This light, traditionally-influenced song by Jason Mraz is the holder of several popularity records, most notably the largest number of weeks spent on the Hot 100 Chart with seventy-six. Its cute and positive tune is a great expression of all the energizing emotions that love brings!
This light, traditionally-influenced song by Jason Mraz is the holder of several popularity records, most notably the largest number of weeks spent on the Hot 100 Chart with seventy-six. Its cute and positive tune is a great expression of all the energizing emotions that love brings!
Katy Perry – “Teenage Dream” (2010)
Being in love makes anyone feel young no matter their age. That’s the sentiment expressed in Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” which became a number-one single for the artist and also earned her a Grammy nomination. The youthful feeling and nostalgic subject matter of the song has served to give it universal appeal.
Being in love makes anyone feel young no matter their age. That’s the sentiment expressed in Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” which became a number-one single for the artist and also earned her a Grammy nomination. The youthful feeling and nostalgic subject matter of the song has served to give it universal appeal.
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