The 1990s was a decade of iconic moments across fashion, film, and undeniably, music. When it comes to expressing love and longing through song, the 90s delivered an unforgettable soundtrack. From powerful ballads to upbeat anthems, 90s Love Songs captured the hearts of a generation and continue to resonate today. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to explore some of the most memorable 90s love songs that defined romance in the era.
1. Robbie Williams – ‘She’s the One’
Robbie Williams She's The One album cover
Originally penned and released by World Party in 1997, Robbie Williams transformed ‘She’s the One’ into a global phenomenon with his cover just two years later in 1999. This rendition became Robbie’s second chart-topping single in the UK, solidifying his solo career and earning him two prestigious Brit Awards. The emotional delivery and soaring melody made it a staple for weddings and romantic occasions throughout the late 90s and beyond.
2. Simply Red – ‘Stars’
Simply Red Stars album cover
‘Stars’ by Simply Red is the epitome of an upbeat, feel-good love anthem from 1991. This track propelled its namesake album to become the best-selling album for two consecutive years, 1991 and 1992, a truly remarkable achievement. Mick Hucknall’s soulful vocals combined with the catchy melody made it an instant classic. Despite its massive success in many parts of the world, it surprisingly didn’t break into the top 40 in the United States at the time, highlighting the different tastes across the Atlantic.
3. Elton John – ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’
Elton John Something About The Way You Look Tonight single cover
Elton John’s ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ holds a unique place in music history. Released as a double-A side single with ‘Candle in the Wind 1997,’ his heartfelt tribute to Princess Diana, this release became the best-selling single of all time globally. While ‘Candle in the Wind’ carried immense emotional weight, ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ is a tender and classic love song in its own right, showcasing Elton’s enduring talent for crafting beautiful melodies. The music video featured actors from the popular UK TV drama This Life and supermodels Kate Moss and Sophie Dahl, adding to its 90s cultural cachet.
4. Sixpence None the Richer – ‘Kiss Me’
Sixpence None The Richer Kiss Me single cover
‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence None the Richer is undeniably one of the most iconic 90s love songs, thanks in part to its prominent placement in the hit teen films She’s All That and the popular TV series Dawson’s Creek. This song, with its sweet melody and innocent lyrics, perfectly captured the feeling of first love and teenage romance. It became the American band’s biggest hit, achieving international success and becoming one of the best-selling songs of the entire decade.
5. Celine Dion – ‘Because You Loved Me’
Celine Dion Because You Loved Me album cover
Diane Warren penned ‘Because You Loved Me’ specifically as the theme song for the 1996 film Up Close & Personal, and Celine Dion’s powerful vocals brought it to life. The song garnered three Grammy nominations, including the prestigious Song of the Year, though it unfortunately didn’t win. The lyrics are a moving expression of gratitude to a supportive loved one, acknowledging their influence and protection throughout life. Warren herself revealed that the song was a heartfelt tribute to her own father, adding a layer of personal depth to its universal message of love and appreciation.
6. Wet Wet Wet – ‘Love is All Around’
Wet Wet Wet Love Is All Around single cover
Initially a song by The Troggs, ‘Love is All Around’ was transformed into a chart-dominating force by Wet Wet Wet. Director Richard Curtis commissioned the band to record a cover for the film Four Weddings and a Funeral, and it unexpectedly became one of the biggest hits in UK chart history. The song spent an incredible 15 weeks at the number one spot in 1994. Lead singer Marti Pellow later reflected on its immense popularity, acknowledging its simple brilliance and expressing pride in its lasting impact.
7. Sinead O’Connor – ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’
Sinead O'Connor Nothing Compares 2U single cover
‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ is a song with an interesting backstory, written by the legendary Prince. Originally intended for his funk band The Family, a version appeared on their album. However, it was Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting and emotionally charged rendition that catapulted the song to global fame. Her manager, Fachtna O’Kelly, suggested she cover the track, a decision that proved to be transformative for her career. Sinéad’s powerful vocals and the song’s raw emotion resonated deeply with audiences, making it a defining love song of the 90s, albeit one of heartbreak and loss.
8. Extreme – ‘More than Words’
Extreme More Than Words single cover
Known for their funk metal style, Extreme surprised the music world with ‘More than Words’ in 1990. This acoustic ballad was a stark departure from their usual sound, showcasing a softer, more romantic side. The band themselves described its immense success as a “blessing and a curse,” due to its unexpected nature. Despite this, they have embraced the song throughout their career, continuing to perform it at live shows, acknowledging its enduring appeal as a 90s love song classic.
9. LeAnn Rimes – ‘How Do I Live’
LeAnn Rimes How Do I Live single cover
‘How Do I Live’ is recognized as one of the best-selling country ballads of all time, and LeAnn Rimes’ version is the one most are familiar with. Interestingly, Rimes was initially slated to record the song for the Con Air soundtrack, but Trisha Yearwood’s version was ultimately chosen for the film. However, LeAnn’s father and manager ensured her version was released quickly, and it became the bigger hit, showcasing the power of her youthful voice and the song’s universal appeal to love and heartbreak.
10. Toni Braxton – ‘Un-Break My Heart’
Toni Braxton Un-Break My Heart single cover
Toni Braxton’s signature song, ‘Un-Break My Heart,’ was initially met with hesitation by the singer herself. She reportedly didn’t like the song at first, but producer LA Reid convinced her to record it. This persuasion proved to be a stroke of genius, as the song became a massive international hit. In 1998, when Billboard celebrated its 40th anniversary, ‘Un-Break My Heart’ was declared the most successful song by a solo artist in its chart history, cementing its place as a defining ballad of the decade.
11. The Corrs – ‘Runaway’
The Corrs Runaway single cover
‘Runaway’ by The Corrs had a slow-burn trajectory to success. Originally released in 1995, it took four years to finally become a major hit, reaching number two in the UK charts in 1999. Written by sisters Andrea, Sharon, and Caroline Corr, the song’s blend of pop and traditional Irish influences gave it a unique and captivating sound. Andrea Corr later shared a humorous anecdote about being embarrassed to sing the line “make love to me through the night” in front of her parents when she first wrote it, adding a touch of personal charm to the song’s story.
12. Take That – ‘A Million Love Songs’
Take That A Million Love Songs single cover
‘A Million Love Songs’ is a significant track in Take That’s journey to fame. Gary Barlow penned this song at the young age of 15, and it is widely considered the song that helped the group gain credibility as a serious pop act. It provided them with an early UK top 10 hit in 1992, marking a crucial step in their rise to become one of the biggest boybands of the 90s. The song’s sincerity and Gary’s heartfelt vocals resonated with a growing fanbase.
13. Tracy Chapman – ‘Baby Can I Hold You’
Tracy Chapman Baby Can I Hold You single cover
While not a massive chart hit for Tracy Chapman upon its release, ‘Baby Can I Hold You’ has grown to become one of her most recognizable and beloved signature songs. Its simple yet powerful lyrics and Tracy’s distinctive voice create an intimate and emotional listening experience. Boyzone later covered the song in 1997, scoring a number two hit and further popularizing this poignant ballad to a new generation, cementing its status as a 90s love song staple.
14. Roxette – ‘It Must Have Been Love’
Roxette It Must Have Been Love single cover
It’s a lesser-known fact that ‘It Must Have Been Love’ by Roxette was originally conceived as a Christmas song, initially titled ‘It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)’. Released in 1987, it wasn’t until 1990 that it achieved global fame. An updated version, without the festive references, was recorded for the Pretty Woman soundtrack. The movie’s immense success propelled the song to number one worldwide, becoming Roxette’s biggest hit and an enduring power ballad of the 90s.
15. Tina Arena – ‘Chains’
Tina Arena Chains single cover
‘Chains’ is a powerful ballad that became Australian singer Tina Arena’s biggest hit outside of her home country, reaching number six in the UK in 1995. The song showcased her impressive vocal range and emotional delivery. Its impact was further celebrated when she was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2015. During the ceremony, she performed ‘Chains’ alongside The Veronicas and Jessica Mauboy, and this collaborative performance itself became a hit later that year, proving the song’s lasting appeal.
16. Boyz II Men – ‘End of the Road’
Boyz II Men End Of The Road single cover
‘End of the Road’ by Boyz II Men dominated the US charts in 1992, holding the number one position for an astounding 13 weeks. This incredible success solidified Boyz II Men’s position as the leading vocal group of the 90s era and beyond. The song’s smooth harmonies, emotional lyrics, and soulful delivery made it not only a massive hit but also easily one of the greatest R&B love songs of all time, setting a benchmark for vocal groups in the decade.
17. All-4-One – ‘I Swear’
All-4-One I Swear single cover
‘I Swear’ has an interesting history of success across different genres. John Michael Montgomery first recorded this ballad in 1993, and it topped the country charts in the United States. Just a year later, R&B vocal group All-4-One released their cover version, which became an even bigger hit. All-4-One’s rendition topped the US charts for 11 weeks and reached number two in the UK, famously kept from the top spot by Wet Wet Wet’s ‘Love is All Around’. Notably, Montgomery and All-4-One later collaborated on a duet version for All-4-One’s album Twenty+, bridging the country and R&B versions of this popular love song.
18. Savage Garden – ‘Truly Madly Deeply’
Savage Garden Truly Madly Deeply single cover
‘Truly Madly Deeply’ by Savage Garden is a classic ballad that actually evolved from an earlier song called ‘Magical Kisses’, which the duo had written long before their debut album. This reworking transformed it into a global hit. It reached the top of the charts in their native Australia and in the US, and peaked at number four in the UK. The song’s romantic lyrics and Darren Hayes’ distinctive vocals made it a favorite for dedications and romantic moments throughout the late 90s and beyond.
19. Shania Twain – ‘You’re Still the One’
Shania Twain You're Still The One single cover
‘You’re Still the One’ is a song co-written by Shania Twain and her then-husband, Mutt Lange, marking a creative partnership that produced many hits. While Shania was already a recognized name in country music, this song transcended genres and helped propel her to international superstardom. Its crossover appeal, blending country and pop elements, resonated with a wide audience, making it one of the most beloved 90s love songs and a defining track of her career.
20. Elton John – ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’
Elton John Can You Feel the Love Tonight single cover
‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, penned by Elton John and Tim Rice for Disney’s The Lion King, is a song that achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. It won the Academy Award for Best Song in 1994 and earned Elton a Grammy Award. While originally written for animated lions, its universal themes of love and connection resonated deeply with human audiences worldwide. The song’s beautiful melody and emotional lyrics made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions, proving its appeal beyond its Disney origins.
21. Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Iris’
Goo Goo Dolls Iris single cover
‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls was written for the 1998 romantic drama City of Angels, starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. The song is sung from the perspective of Nicolas Cage’s angel character, who contemplates giving up immortality for human love. John Rzeznik, the songwriter, explained that he was inspired by the character’s willingness to sacrifice everything for love, a sentiment that clearly resonated with listeners. ‘Iris’ became one of the Goo Goo Dolls’ biggest hits and a signature 90s ballad associated with intense and selfless love.
22. En Vogue – ‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’
En Vogue Don't Let Go (Love) single cover
‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’ holds a significant place in En Vogue’s history as the last single to feature founding member Dawn Robinson and became their biggest international hit. Initially recorded for the soundtrack of the 1996 movie Set It Off, starring Queen Latifah, the song showcases En Vogue’s signature harmonies and powerful vocals. Despite its success, it marked a turning point for the group as Dawn Robinson left for a solo career shortly after its release, beginning a period of member changes for En Vogue.
23. Take That – ‘Back for Good’
Take That Back for Good single cover
‘Back for Good’ is another Gary Barlow-penned ballad for Take That, where he also takes lead vocals. Remarkably, Gary has stated that he wrote this iconic song in just 15 minutes, highlighting his songwriting talent. The song’s emotional depth and Gary’s heartfelt performance made it an instant classic. Interestingly, Robbie Williams, after leaving Take That and embracing a rockier image, often performed a Sex Pistols-esque version of ‘Back for Good’, even including it as a B-side on his single ‘Angels’ in 1997, showcasing the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.
24. Bon Jovi – ‘Always’
Bon Jovi Always single cover
‘Always’ became one of Bon Jovi’s most commercially successful singles, selling over 3 million copies worldwide in 1994 and demonstrating their enduring appeal beyond rock anthems. The song was originally written for the soundtrack of the 1993 film Romeo Is Bleeding. However, after the band disliked the movie, they decided against lending the song. Jon Bon Jovi reportedly forgot about ‘Always’ until a friend rediscovered it and convinced him to re-record and release it – a fortunate turn of events that gifted the world another classic power ballad.
25. Aerosmith – ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’
Aerosmith I Don't Want to Miss a Thing single cover
‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ was an unexpected hit from veteran stadium rockers Aerosmith, proving their versatility and ability to connect with new audiences in the 90s. Featured in the blockbuster film Armageddon, which starred frontman Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv Tyler, the power ballad became their biggest hit in the UK and a global phenomenon. The song’s emotional resonance and cinematic association solidified its place as a quintessential 90s love song.
26. Robbie Williams – ‘Angels’
Robbie Williams Angels single cover
‘Angels’ is widely considered the song that revitalized Robbie Williams’ solo career after a somewhat lackluster start. Despite only reaching number four on the charts, it became his best-selling single, surpassing a million copies sold after its 1997 release. ‘Angels’ resonated deeply with audiences due to its heartfelt lyrics and anthemic quality, becoming a staple at concerts and a karaoke favorite, cementing its legacy as a defining song of the late 90s.
27. Whitney Houston – ‘I Will Always Love You’
Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You single cover
‘I Will Always Love You’, originally a Dolly Parton ballad, was transformed into an iconic power ballad by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. It was reportedly Kevin Costner, her co-star, who suggested she record the song. Whitney made it definitively her own with her breathtaking vocal performance. The song dominated charts worldwide, spending 14 weeks at number one in the US and 10 weeks in the UK, selling millions of copies and becoming the ultimate power ballad of the 90s and beyond.
28. Celine Dion – ‘Think Twice’
Céline Dion Think Twice single cover
‘Think Twice’ by Celine Dion boasts an interesting songwriting collaboration. Co-writer Andy Hill was known for his association with pop group Bucks Fizz, while Peter Sinfield was a former member of the progressive rock band King Crimson – a surprising mix of musical backgrounds. Released in late 1994, ‘Think Twice’ had a slow climb to the top in the UK, spending 12 weeks in the top 40 before finally reaching number one and staying there for seven weeks. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, often considered an underrated gem in Celine Dion’s impressive catalog of hits.
29. Bryan Adams – ‘Everything I Do (I Do it for You)’
Bryan Adams (Everything I Do) I Do It For You single cover
‘Everything I Do (I Do It for You)’ by Bryan Adams is synonymous with chart dominance. Spending an unprecedented 16 weeks at number one in the UK charts, it remains the record holder for consecutive weeks at the top to this day. While some may have experienced ‘power ballad fatigue’ due to its ubiquity at the time, the song perfectly encapsulated the romantic sentiment popular in the early 1990s. Its success solidified Bryan Adams’ place as a global rock icon and a master of the love song.
30. Seal – ‘Kiss from a Rose’
Seal Kiss From A Rose single cover
‘Kiss from a Rose’ by Seal has a surprising origin story. Seal wrote this iconic power ballad way back in 1987, but reportedly felt “embarrassed by it” and even “threw the tape in the corner.” It wasn’t until producer Trevor Horn rediscovered it and included it on Seal’s 1994 album Seal II that the song found new life. A year later, its inclusion on the Batman Forever soundtrack catapulted it to become the biggest hit of Seal’s career. The song’s unique melody and evocative lyrics have made it a timeless 90s love song favorite.
The 90s gifted us with a diverse and deeply emotional collection of love songs. These tracks, ranging from heartfelt ballads to energetic declarations of love, continue to be cherished and revisited, proving the lasting power of 90s romance as expressed through music. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or discovering them for the first time, these 90s love songs are sure to strike a chord.
