Love songs. They're a dime a dozen, sure, but the best love songs? They are in history for a reason. Whether you are planning your weddingPut together your engagement partyWhether looking for the perfect improv to kick off your bachelorette party, or just daydreaming about being on a dance floor somewhere with your one and only, consider this your ultimate guide to love songs. We've even broken them down by decade for you because, yeah, we love you. So grab your hairbrush microphone and let's get started: the greatest love songs of all time.
The best love songs of the 50s
This is Dean Martin's Love (1953)
You know this one! Infused with old New York vibes and big band drama, featuring Mr. Martin, it's perfect for any formal outfit (or pizza party). (Romantic pizza party, I mean).
"Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley (1956)
I may not be the first person that comes to mind when you think of "classy love song," but when you hear that Elvis hit and an old love song for the second time, you realize that's the coolest vibe. Rockabilly. Would you like your boyfriend to wear a white leather suit? He just asks.
You Send Me by Sam Cooke (1957)
Long before people tweeted that they were being "sent" really good memes, Sam Cooke was serenading soda fountains (and besidestudollllgraphics) with this sweet doo-wop hit. You can't help but smile when you hear it.
"I Only Have Eyes For You" by The Flamingos (1959)
This is a truly timeless pick on our list of the best love songs - at nearly 60, it still sounds fresh, cool and undeniably romantic. And it has the perfect tempo for a sweet and easy waltz. And maybe a milkshake.
The best love songs of the 60s
"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers (1965)
Probably her parents' first high school dance, this beautiful doo-wop ballad has the word "love" in the lyrics some 1,385 times. That's how you know you're romantic.
"(Your Love Keeps Lift Me) Higher and Higher" de Jackie Wilson (1967)
Upbeat and full of fun, this song will make even the shyest of couples get up out of their seats and onto the dance floor. It is the best "film montage of a couple in love having fun". (What if it's not yours?thematic boda, should be.)
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" de Marvin Gaye y Tammi Terrell (1967)
This upbeat love song has all the makings of an all-time favorite: It's a duet between two absolute legends, there's call and response, and Julia Roberts danced.stepmother. In fact, triple threat.
"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli (1967)
One of the greatest love songs of all time, this masterpiece has one of those choruses that make you just scream. But other than that, it's honestly pretty hot, at least for the sixties. For example, tell me again that I'm too good to be true, Frankie.
"(You make me feel) like a natural woman" by Aretha Franklin (1968)
Speaking of one of those choirs you can't help but scream with, this one? The most. If you are looking for one of the best love songs of all time, then tooFestival,to sweepmiEpic, Stop here. Dona Aretha sings.
The best love songs of the 1970s
Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" (1971)
One of the most enduring rock ballads of all time, this beautiful masterpiece will evoke every emotion. Are you trying to find out if you love someone? Sing this track in your car and think about it to find out.
"A Case of You" by Joni Mitchell (1971)
Sweet and eccentric as only Joni can, this song (actually more of a musical poem) served just that.first dance songat your wedding. And five years later we're still married. Bode well!
"I'll Always Love You" by Dolly Parton (1974)
No disrespect to Ms. Houston (more on that later, Queen!), but sometimes you just can't beat the original. Especially if the original is by Dolly Parton. If you're used to Whitney's version of this epic, check out Dolly's for a more vibrant, laid-back vibe.
"Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton (1977)
It was the song our moms always imagined our dads would sing to them, and even at 40, all of us women now want to hear our partners soothe us (if only they had Clapton whistles). Bonus points: The pace is perfect for slow changes.
"How Deep Is Your Love" by The Bee Gees (1977)
Hello disco! It wouldn't be the 1970s without this iconic hit from one of the most iconic bands of the 1970s. Even as Barry Gibb sings, "We live in a world of fools...and everyone should leave us alone...." . - that isTRUERomance, dear.
"I want to be your lover" by Prince (1979)
Listening to this while writing and reading is the best music out there. Perfect rhythm, perfect voice, perfect lyrics. Timeless, but with a touch of late seventies style that we could all use. Listen now, propose to your lover, go out, repeat.
The best love songs of the 80's
"Keep Loving You" by REO Speedwagon (1980)
The eighties live in this song. All About It: The dramatic lyrics ("I don't want to eat / I don't want to sleep / I just want to keep loving you"), the power, the hair. If you like synths, this is your love song.
"Waiting for a Girl Like You" by Foreigner (1981)
Ever since I was a child, my mother tells me this story about this song: "I wanted it to be my and your father's first dance at our wedding, but Grandma said it was too sexy." That's all you need to know about this song (theYsexy ehe listenedat your wedding.)
"Your love is king" by Sade (1984)
If you're not familiar with Sade, the smooth jazz pop of the '80s and '90s, let me introduce you to this super sexy song that is 100%vibrations. Pro Tip: Sing (wrongly) to your partner when they ask, "Should we have wings tonight?" you will love
"Take My Breath Away" from Berlin (1986)
This song is just delicate. There is no other word for it. Smooth, delicate, but still synthetic, it's the love ballad of the 80s. And sure, it sounds very old-fashioned, but it's still great. Not everything has to be timeless to work. Take deep pile rugs, for example.
"(I've Had) The Time of my Life" de Bill Medley y Jennifer Warnes (1987)
The signature tune of the most romantic movie of all time, Dirty Dancing, this quintessential '80s song might just inspire you to suddenly lift your fiancé high above your head. I hope you have strength in the biceps!
The best love songs of the 90s
"The love of my life" by Ricky Martin (1991)
The title translates to "Love of My Life," and one of our favorite songs from Martin's early songs.
"I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't)" by Meatloaf (1993)
First…what you won't do, Mister. Bread? Ushave questions. Second, while we're talking to you, thanks for making this banger, whose music video is also a cinematic masterpiece. Lovers, if you need date night inspiration, check out this video ASAP.
"I'm Gonna Love You" by Boyz II Men (1994)
In the '90s, music (finally) got very, very sexy. The buttery-smooth style of this iconic group is sure to make you feel like you're out with your significant other (and/or your 9th grade prom date).
"Crash Into Me" de Dave Matthews (1996)
If that puppy's lyrics were in your 2005 outgoing message because you were "into vintage rock" and had a crush on this guy wearing Birkenstocks with socks, congratulations, you're me. Of course it's not "cool", but it's a safe place, so let's be honest:This is hot music and always will be.
"Kiss Me" de Sixpence None the Richer (1997)
I bet Sixpence, you've got this catchy song stuck in your head non-stop for 23 years... and you're not even mad about it. because this is acategorically excellentlove song It is still not clear what "Bearded Barley" is, but anyway, kiss me!
"I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith (1998)
This was the title track to Armageddon, the most romantic sci-fi movie ever made (lots of credit), and reader Steven Tyler does not disappoint. The yearning in his voice when he's serenading her…it's almost like it's his girl trying to detonate an asteroid to save the world.
"You" by Shakira (1998)
Alatin love song, this hit was the scene of the first dance of many couples. What a sexy vibe!
"My love is your love" by Whitney Houston (1998)
I said yes, we would make it to Whitney. Not only is this song a complete vibe and wonderfully danceable, but the lyrics are also (not even funny here) so unbelievably beautiful. It is built into it like a complete history book. instructivemiRomantic? What more could you need?
The best love songs of the 2000s
"A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson (2002)
We have one of the most romantic love songs of all time to thank, from one of the baddest singer-songwriters of all time.at leastromantic person of all time: simon cowell. Thanks for discovering Kelly the Rude King!
"My Boo" de Usher y Alicia Keys (2004)
Before any of us were baes, we were boos. Or at least the boo-wannabes who dream of having this song from the prince of 2000s R&B who dedicate our radio passions to us while our moms take us to soccer. PSA Boos: Usher still makes hits to this day. Lend him your ear.
"We Belong" by Mariah Carey (2005)
I squealed audibly when I realized that Mariah hadn't made that list yet. But let's wait until the perfect moment, as this is, IMHO, the crown jewel of her incredible work of love songs. And I can recite each text with 96% accuracy 92% of the time.
"Mad In Love" by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z (2003)
I have this theory that this is the best pop song of all time. It's got it all: incredible energy, sexy lyrics, a Jay-Z rap, Beyoncé, an incredible video. I mean, sure, that goes for all Beyoncé songs, but this is the original!
"Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis (2007)
Another screaming song. (Music that sounds good when you sing it while crying.) But be careful: don't try tostrictly speakingGet into a relationship that makes you feel like this song because it sounds like a medical emergency.
"Love Story" by Taylor Swift (2008)
Remember when we were all young and naive and Taylor Swift made simple, easy, algorithmically perfect love songs about princesses and princes? And they released albums that didn't come with matching cardigans? Nor I.
The best love songs of the 2010s
"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri (2011)
This song was created in a lab to sell more weddings.
"Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey (2013)
Not everyone's cup of tea, but damn.MeinThe best songs ever! And even the less Lana-licious of us have to admit this soulful ballad fromgrande gatsbyThe soundtrack makes the heart beat faster.
"All of Me" by John Legend (2013)
John wrote this to Chrissy Teigen, but was kind enough to share it with all of us. And we're so lucky, because that voice and those deeply beautiful lyrics might be the closest thing to being married to any of them. (No, seriously, I would marry any of them.)
"Think Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran (2014)
When I mentioned my mission to select the best love songs of all time for my husband, he said, "Oh yeah, Ed Sheeran." And he's right:Ed Sheeran.The red-haired ballroom hero walks and dances first everywhere. We salute you.
"Like I'm Losing You" by Meghan Trainor (2016)
Do not wait,OThe song was created in a lab to sell more weddings!
"7 Rings" by Ariana Grande (2019)
After thinking about how to end this all-important list of the best love songs of all time, I came across this song and was jolted:Is that. It's the last perfect song, I told myself. Because, dear reader, it's not just about uncompromising music, but above all, it's about the most important love of all: loving yourself. Amen Ari!