Most Romantic Songs by
Jennifer Lance (and Max and Todd)
1960’s
1. “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?)
2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Elvis (1961)
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.
1970’s
3. “How Sweet It Is,” by James Taylor (1975)
There’s a reason James Taylor’s decades-long career is stiII 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.
4. “Let’s Stay Together,” by Al Green (1972)
“I-I-1, 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!)
1980’s
5. “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.
6. “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
is a song written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock for the film Top Gun, performed by the band Berlin.ill It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song,ill as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1986.
1990’s
7. “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). FirsCperformed 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.
8. “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!
2000’s
9. “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.
10.”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.
2010’s
11.”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.
12.”Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran (2017)
Nothlng beats Ed Sheeran’s buttery-smooth vocals on thls top-40 pop hit-except maybe the charming lyrics: “When yoµ said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath/But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.” Um, SWOON.
