The 1990s was a remarkable decade for music, especially when it comes to love songs. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat romantic anthems, the 90s delivered a soundtrack to love that continues to resonate today. This era produced iconic tracks that not only topped the charts but also became staples at weddings, proms, and romantic mixtapes worldwide. Let’s revisit some of the most unforgettable 90s love songs that still tug at our heartstrings and remind us of the decade’s romantic spirit.
1. Robbie Williams – ‘She’s the One’
Robbie Williams performing 'She's the One' in a live concert, highlighting his passionate delivery of the 90s love song.
Originally released by World Party in 1997, Robbie Williams transformed ‘She’s the One’ into a global sensation with his cover version in 1999. This rendition became his second UK number one single and earned him two prestigious Brit Awards, cementing its place as a quintessential 90s love song. Williams’ emotive vocals and the song’s soaring melody perfectly capture the feeling of finding that special someone, making it a timeless declaration of love.
2. Simply Red – ‘Stars’
Simply Red's Mick Hucknall singing 'Stars' with his signature soulful voice during a 90s performance.
‘Stars’ by Simply Red is an upbeat and feel-good anthem that dominated the early 90s music scene. Released in 1991, this track propelled its namesake album to become the best-selling album in both 1991 and 1992 – an extraordinary achievement. While it surprisingly didn’t break into the top 40 in America at the time, ‘Stars’ remains a beloved 90s love song, celebrated for its infectious rhythm and Mick Hucknall’s smooth, soulful vocals that speak of enduring love and admiration.
3. Elton John – ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’
Elton John playing the piano and singing 'Something About the Way You Look Tonight' in a 90s music video.
‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ by Elton John was released as a double-A side single with ‘Candle in the Wind 1997’, his poignant tribute to Princess Diana. While ‘Candle in the Wind 1997’ became the best-selling single of all time worldwide, ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ also resonated deeply as a classic 90s love song. The music video, featuring actors from the UK TV drama This Life and supermodels Kate Moss and Sophie Dahl, enhanced the song’s romantic and glamorous appeal, making it a perfect serenade for the decade.
4. Sixpence None the Richer – ‘Kiss Me’
Sixpence None the Richer performing 'Kiss Me' in a 90s music video setting with a whimsical, romantic atmosphere.
Thanks to its prominent use in popular 90s teen culture staples like She’s All That and Dawson’s Creek, ‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence None the Richer became one of the most iconic 90s love songs. This was the American band’s biggest hit, and it quickly became one of the best-selling songs of the decade. Its gentle melody, sweet lyrics, and Leigh Nash’s delicate vocals perfectly captured the innocence and charm of first love, making it a quintessential soundtrack for 90s romance.
5. Celine Dion – ‘Because You Loved Me’
Celine Dion powerfully singing 'Because You Loved Me' in a 90s music video, showcasing her vocal prowess.
‘Because You Loved Me’ by Celine Dion was penned by Diane Warren as the theme song for the film Up Close & Personal. This powerful ballad earned three Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year, solidifying its status as a significant 90s love song. The lyrics express deep gratitude to a supportive loved one, reflecting on their unwavering belief and protection throughout life. Warren dedicated the song to her father, adding a personal and heartfelt layer to this already emotionally resonant track from the 90s.
6. Wet Wet Wet – ‘Love is All Around’
Wet Wet Wet performing 'Love Is All Around' live on stage, capturing the energy of their 90s hit.
Initially a Troggs song, ‘Love is All Around’ became a monumental hit in the 90s when Wet Wet Wet recorded their cover version for the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. This rendition became one of the biggest hits in UK chart history, spending an incredible 15 weeks at the top in 1994. Lead singer Marti Pellow acknowledged its simplicity as its strength, recognizing why it became such a defining 90s love song and a source of pride for the band.
7. Sinead O’Connor – ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’
Sinead O'Connor in the iconic music video for 'Nothing Compares 2 U', her raw emotion defining the 90s ballad.
‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ is a song originally written by pop icon Prince. Funk band The Family first released a version, but it was Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition in 1990 that transformed it into a global phenomenon and a deeply moving 90s love song. Suggested by her manager, O’Connor’s powerful and emotive delivery, combined with the song’s raw lyrics of heartbreak and longing, resonated profoundly with audiences worldwide, making it an unforgettable anthem of love and loss from the decade.
8. Extreme – ‘More than Words’
Extreme performing 'More Than Words' acoustically, showcasing the softer side of the 90s rock band.
Known for their funk metal style, Extreme surprised the music world with ‘More than Words’, a purely acoustic ballad released in 1990. This unexpected stylistic shift resulted in a massive hit, becoming both “a blessing and a curse” for the band due to its overwhelming success. Despite their rock roots, ‘More than Words’ became a beloved 90s love song, celebrated for its simple yet powerful expression of love through actions rather than just words, and its enduring appeal in live performances.
9. Leann Rimes – ‘How Do I Live’
Leann Rimes in a 90s music video for 'How Do I Live', capturing the country-pop ballad's emotional intensity.
‘How Do I Live’ by Leann Rimes is recognized as one of the best-selling country ballads of all time and a defining 90s love song. Initially intended for the Con Air soundtrack, a version by Trisha Yearwood was chosen instead. However, Rimes’ father and manager ensured her version was released, and it became the bigger hit. This song, with its powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics about dependency in love, solidified Rimes’ position in the 90s music scene and beyond.
10. Toni Braxton – ‘Un-Break My Heart’
Toni Braxton in the music video for 'Un-Break My Heart', her elegant style matching the song's sophisticated sadness.
Initially, Toni Braxton was not fond of ‘Un-Break My Heart’, but producer LA Reid persuaded her to record it. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as the song became a massive global hit and one of the most iconic 90s love songs about heartbreak. In 1998, when Billboard celebrated its 40th anniversary, ‘Un-Break My Heart’ was declared the most successful song by a solo artist ever, underscoring its immense impact and lasting legacy in 90s music.
11. The Corrs – ‘Runaway’
The Corrs performing 'Runaway' live in the 90s, showcasing their blend of pop and traditional Irish music.
‘Runaway’ by The Corrs was first released in 1995, but it took four years to become a major hit, finally reaching number two in 1999. Written by sisters Andrea, Sharon, and Caroline Corr, this song blends pop sensibilities with traditional Irish music elements, creating a unique and enchanting 90s love song. Andrea Corr’s vocals and the song’s romantic lyrics, though initially embarrassing to perform in front of family, resonated with audiences and became a signature track for the band.
12. Take That – ‘A Million Love Songs’
Gary Barlow of Take That singing 'A Million Love Songs' in a 90s music video, highlighting the boy band's romantic appeal.
Gary Barlow penned ‘A Million Love Songs’ at just 15 years old, and it became a pivotal track for Take That, helping them gain credibility as a serious pop act. This ballad, released in 1992, gave them an early UK top 10 hit and established them as a force in the 90s boy band scene. ‘A Million Love Songs’ is a classic 90s love song, showcasing Barlow’s songwriting talent and the group’s ability to deliver heartfelt ballads that captivated a generation.
13. Tracy Chapman – ‘Baby Can I Hold You’
Tracy Chapman performing 'Baby Can I Hold You' acoustically, her soulful voice defining the 90s track.
‘Baby Can I Hold You’ by Tracy Chapman, though not a massive hit upon its initial release, has grown into one of her signature songs and a quietly powerful 90s love song. Boyzone later scored a number two hit with their cover in 1997, bringing renewed attention to Chapman’s original. Her raw, emotive delivery and the song’s simple yet profound question of intimacy and comfort have made it a lasting favorite for its sincerity and vulnerability.
14. Roxette – ‘It Must Have Been Love’
Roxette's Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle in the 90s music video for 'It Must Have Been Love', a defining power ballad.
‘It Must Have Been Love’ by Roxette, originally Christmas-themed as ‘It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)’, became a global hit after being reworked for the Pretty Woman soundtrack in 1990. This updated version, stripped of its festive references, became Roxette’s biggest hit, reaching number one worldwide. Thanks to the movie’s immense popularity, ‘It Must Have Been Love’ cemented its place as an iconic 90s love song, known for its powerful vocals and emotional depth.
15. Tina Arena – ‘Chains’
Tina Arena performing 'Chains' in the 90s, her dynamic stage presence matching the power ballad's intensity.
‘Chains’ is a power ballad that became Australian singer Tina Arena’s biggest hit outside of her home country, reaching number six in the UK in 1995. This song showcased Arena’s vocal prowess and emotional range, making it a standout 90s love song. Its enduring popularity was further highlighted when she performed it with The Veronicas and Jessica Mauboy at her ARIA Hall of Fame induction in 2015, proving its continued resonance.
16. Boyz II Men – ‘End of the Road’
Boyz II Men in a 90s music video for 'End of the Road', their harmonies defining the R&B love song era.
‘End of the Road’ by Boyz II Men dominated the US charts for a staggering 13 weeks in 1992, solidifying their status as the leading vocal group of the era and icons of 90s R&B love songs. This track is not only one of the greatest R&B love songs of all time but also a defining anthem of the 90s, showcasing their signature harmonies and heartfelt delivery that resonated with millions.
17. All-4-One – ‘I Swear’
All-4-One in a 90s music video for 'I Swear', their smooth vocals capturing the essence of the romantic ballad.
‘I Swear’ was first recorded by John Michael Montgomery in 1993, topping the country charts. However, it was All-4-One’s R&B cover version in 1994 that became a massive crossover hit and a quintessential 90s love song. Their rendition topped the US chart for 11 weeks and was hugely popular worldwide, demonstrating the song’s universal appeal and All-4-One’s harmonious delivery that made it a 90s classic.
18. Savage Garden – ‘Truly Madly Deeply’
Savage Garden's Darren Hayes in a 90s music video for 'Truly Madly Deeply', capturing the song's romantic intensity.
‘Truly Madly Deeply’ by Savage Garden, a reworking of an earlier song called ‘Magical Kisses’, became a global phenomenon and a defining 90s love song. It topped charts in Australia and the US and reached number four in the UK, showcasing the band’s knack for creating sweeping, romantic ballads. Darren Hayes’s passionate vocals and the song’s heartfelt lyrics about unconditional love made it a favorite for couples and a staple of 90s radio.
19. Shania Twain – ‘You’re Still the One’
Shania Twain in the music video for 'You're Still the One', her country-pop style defining 90s crossover hits.
Co-written by Shania Twain and her then-husband Mutt Lange, ‘You’re Still the One’ was the song that catapulted Shania to international superstardom, transcending her country music fanbase and becoming a massive 90s love song. Its blend of country and pop elements, combined with Shania’s charismatic delivery and the song’s message of enduring love against the odds, resonated with a global audience and solidified her place as a 90s icon.
20. Elton John – ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’
Animated scene from Disney's 'The Lion King' featuring 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight', highlighting its cinematic romance.
‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, written by Elton John and Tim Rice for Disney’s The Lion King, won the Oscar for Best Song of 1994 and earned Elton a Grammy Award. While created for animated lions, this ballad transcends its origins to become a universally romantic 90s love song. Its sweeping melody, Elton’s powerful vocals, and the song’s theme of burgeoning love have made it a timeless classic, beloved by both children and adults.
21. Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Iris’
Goo Goo Dolls performing 'Iris' in a 90s concert setting, the song's emotional rock vibe captivating the audience.
‘Iris’ by Goo Goo Dolls was written for the 1998 romantic drama City of Angels, starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. Sung from the perspective of Cage’s angel character, the song captures a profound longing for human connection and feeling. Johnny Rzeznik’s lyrics and the band’s emotive rock performance made ‘Iris’ a defining 90s love song, exploring themes of mortality and the depth of love.
22. En Vogue – ‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’
En Vogue in a 90s music video for 'Don't Let Go (Love)', their harmonies and style defining 90s girl group anthems.
‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’ was En Vogue’s last single to feature founding member Dawn Robinson and became their biggest international hit, initially recorded for the Set It Off soundtrack in 1996. This song showcases the group’s signature harmonies and powerful vocals, blending R&B with a touch of cinematic drama. While marking a transition for the group, ‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’ remains a standout 90s love song, exploring themes of love, loss, and moving on.
23. Take That – ‘Back for Good’
Take That performing 'Back for Good' in a 90s concert, the ballad becoming a signature of their boy band era.
‘Back for Good’, another Gary Barlow-penned ballad for Take That, is a quintessential 90s love song, reportedly written in just 15 minutes. Barlow’s lead vocals and the song’s heartfelt lyrics about wanting a relationship back resonated deeply with fans, making it one of Take That’s signature tracks. Even Robbie Williams, after leaving the band, famously performed a rockier version, highlighting the song’s enduring appeal and adaptability across genres.
24. Bon Jovi – ‘Always’
Bon Jovi performing 'Always' in a 90s concert, the rock ballad becoming a staple of their live shows.
‘Always’ became one of Bon Jovi’s most successful singles, selling 3 million copies worldwide after its release in 1994 and solidifying its place as a 90s rock love song. Originally written for the Romeo Is Bleeding soundtrack, the band decided to release it independently after disliking the film. This decision proved fruitful, as ‘Always’ became a power ballad anthem, showcasing Bon Jovi’s ability to blend rock intensity with heartfelt emotion.
25. Aerosmith – ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler performing 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing', his iconic rock voice embracing the 90s ballad.
‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ marked an unexpected yet successful foray into power ballads for veteran rockers Aerosmith, becoming a major hit and a defining 90s love song. Featured in the film Armageddon, which starred Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv Tyler, the song became Aerosmith’s biggest UK hit. Its emotional depth and Steven Tyler’s raspy yet tender vocals resonated with audiences, proving rock bands could also dominate the 90s ballad scene.
26. Robbie Williams – ‘Angels’
Robbie Williams performing 'Angels' live, the 90s ballad becoming a career-defining song for him.
‘Angels’ was the song that revitalized Robbie Williams’s solo career after a lukewarm start, transforming him into a superstar and delivering one of the most beloved 90s love songs. Despite only reaching number four on the charts, it became his best-selling single, exceeding a million copies sold after its 1997 release. Its anthemic quality, relatable lyrics about hope and love, and Williams’ charismatic performance made it an instant classic.
27. Whitney Houston – ‘I Will Always Love You’
Whitney Houston in the iconic music video for 'I Will Always Love You', her powerful voice defining the ultimate 90s ballad.
‘I Will Always Love You’, originally a Dolly Parton ballad, was reimagined by Whitney Houston for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992 and became the ultimate power ballad and a defining 90s love song. Suggested by her co-star Kevin Costner, Houston’s rendition spent 14 weeks at number one in the US and 10 weeks in the UK, selling millions globally. Her unparalleled vocal performance and the song’s timeless message of enduring love cemented its legendary status.
28. Celine Dion – ‘Think Twice’
Celine Dion performing 'Think Twice' live in the 90s, her vocal strength highlighting the power ballad's drama.
‘Think Twice’ by Celine Dion, co-written by Andy Hill of Bucks Fizz and Peter Sinfield of King Crimson, is a somewhat underrated yet massive 90s love song. Released in late 1994, it steadily climbed the UK charts, spending 12 weeks in the top 40 before finally reaching number one and staying there for seven weeks. Its dramatic build-up, Dion’s powerful vocals, and the song’s emotional intensity made it one of the best-selling singles of all time and a standout 90s ballad.
29. Bryan Adams – ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It for You’
Bryan Adams performing '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' in a 90s concert, the power ballad becoming a record-breaking hit.
‘(Everything I Do) I Do It for You’ by Bryan Adams achieved a record-breaking 16 weeks at number one in the UK charts, a feat that remains unmatched. This power ballad, released in 1991 for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, became synonymous with 90s love songs. While some may have experienced overexposure at the time, its enduring popularity and chart dominance underscore its perfect encapsulation of the era’s love song sensibilities.
30. Seal – ‘Kiss from a Rose’
Seal in the 90s music video for 'Kiss from a Rose', his unique style and voice defining the atmospheric ballad.
‘Kiss from a Rose’ by Seal, surprisingly written back in 1987 but initially dismissed by the artist himself, became a career-defining hit and a unique 90s love song. Producer Trevor Horn revived it for Seal’s 1994 album, and its inclusion on the Batman Forever soundtrack in 1995 propelled it to global success. Seal’s distinctive vocals, the song’s mystical atmosphere, and its poetic lyrics made it a standout track of the decade, proving that sometimes the most unexpected songs become the greatest hits.
The 90s truly gifted us with an array of love songs that continue to soundtrack romantic moments and evoke nostalgic feelings. From pop anthems to heartfelt ballads, these 90s love songs remain timeless treasures in the landscape of music history.
