Songs about love resonate deeply across generations, capturing the universal experiences of romance, heartbreak, and everything in between. From the heartfelt ballads of the 1950s to the contemporary hits of today, the best love songs possess an enduring quality that transcends musical trends. These timeless tunes explore every facet of love, celebrating its joys and navigating its complexities. This curated list delves into the top love anthems that have graced the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing the songs that have not only captured hearts but also dominated the airwaves.
Love is a multifaceted emotion, inspiring a diverse range of musical expressions. This collection encompasses all shades of love, from powerful declarations of devotion to intimate whispers of affection. You’ll find songs about the overwhelming “Power of Love,” the pursuit of “Greatest Love of All,” the promise of “I Love You Always Forever,” and the sensual allure of “Justify My Love.” Music history proves time and again that while genres and styles evolve, the theme of love, and the songs it inspires, remains eternally relevant. In fact, data reveals that a significant portion – 9.6% – of all Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits feature the word “love” in their titles, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Billboard’s definitive ranking of the best love songs of all time is meticulously compiled based on their actual performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 chart from its inception in August 1958 up to February 2025. This list specifically includes songs with the word “love” or its variations in the title, focusing on romantic love and excluding songs about non-romantic affection. The songs are ranked using an inverse point system, rewarding higher chart positions and longevity at the top. To account for changes in chart dynamics over the decades, different eras are weighted to reflect varying chart turnover rates.
The Greatest Love Songs Ever: Exploring the Top Hits
Lovin’ You – Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton’s ethereal “Lovin’ You” is a masterpiece of vocal artistry and tender emotion, reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1975. Before her solo success, Riperton honed her craft with Chess Records’ The Gems and later as a vocalist for Rotary Connection. She further showcased her talent as part of Stevie Wonder’s backing group, Wonderlove, before signing with Epic Records. While her initial single didn’t chart, “Lovin’ You,” produced by Stevie Wonder, became her breakthrough hit, celebrated for its delicate melody and Riperton’s signature whistle register. This iconic love song remains a timeless classic, often featured in romantic playlists and soundtracks.
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ – The Righteous Brothers
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” by The Righteous Brothers, is a powerhouse ballad that topped the Hot 100 for two weeks in 1965 and is considered one of the best breakup songs and iconic love songs of the era. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, the song’s inception was quite spontaneous. Inspired by The Four Tops’ “Baby I Need Your Loving,” they penned it on a rented piano at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. The phrase “You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’,” initially intended as placeholder lyrics, resonated so strongly with producer Phil Spector that it became the song’s defining hook. Together, they crafted a timeless classic, complete with its signature dramatic bridge, at Spector’s home.
This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert’s “This Guy’s In Love With You,” a soft and romantic ballad, charmed its way to No. 1 for four weeks in 1968. Originally a Burt Bacharach and Hal David composition, Alpert initially sang it to his wife on a CBS television special, filmed on a Malibu beach. The impromptu performance sparked immediate public demand. Overwhelmed by viewer inquiries the very next day, CBS’s phones were ringing non-stop, wanting to know where to purchase the song. Responding swiftly to the overwhelming reaction, A&M Records released it as a single just a day later. It quickly soared to the top, becoming the label’s first No. 1 hit and solidifying its place among the best male love songs.
Don’t Let Go (Love) – En Vogue
En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love)” showcased the group’s vocal prowess and reached No. 2 in 1997, becoming their highest-charting single and a defining track of 90s R&B love songs. As the twelfth Hot 100 entry for the Oakland-based female vocal group, it exceeded all expectations, holding the runner-up position for an impressive four weeks. The song was initially created for the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed film Set It Off, starring Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett, further cementing its cultural impact and association with themes of love and loyalty amidst challenging circumstances.
Justify My Love – Madonna
Madonna’s “Justify My Love” is a sexually charged and controversial hit that topped the charts for two weeks in 1991, pushing boundaries and becoming one of the most talked-about love songs and music videos. The music video, deemed too explicit by MTV, was banned from the network, igniting a firestorm of publicity. Within hours of MTV’s decision, Warner/Reprise Video capitalized on the controversy, announcing “Justify My Love” as the first commercially available video single, a groundbreaking move at the time. ABC’s “Nightline” further amplified the sensation by airing the uncensored video in its entirety, turning the song into a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of artistic freedom and provocative expression in love songs.
That’s The Way Love Goes – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s smooth and sensual “That’s The Way Love Goes” dominated the Hot 100 for an impressive eight weeks in 1993, marking a career high and establishing it as one of the best 90s love songs. It was her first single under Virgin Records and ingeniously sampled James Brown’s 1974 R&B hit “Papa Don’t Take No Mess.” Initially, Jackson was not completely convinced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’s track. The producers encouraged her to spend time with it during her two-week Christmas vacation. Upon her return, her opinion had completely shifted; she declared it “the bomb,” recognizing its infectious groove and undeniable appeal, which led to its phenomenal chart success.
The Power of Love – Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s soaring rendition of “The Power of Love” became a signature anthem, reaching No. 1 for four weeks in 1994 and solidifying her status as a vocal powerhouse known for her powerful love songs. Originally written by Jennifer Rush, a Queens, NY native signed in Germany, the song initially struggled to gain traction in America despite versions by Rush, Air Supply, and Laura Branigan. Dion’s powerful delivery transformed the song into a global phenomenon. Reflecting on its impact, Dion told Billboard, “If you want to open up and sing strong, you could not have a better song than ‘Power of Love’,” highlighting its vocal demands and emotional resonance.
I Love You Always Forever – Donna Lewis
Donna Lewis’s “I Love You Always Forever” is a sweet and enduring declaration of love that peaked at No. 2 in 1996, becoming a defining sound of 90s pop love songs. Despite its immense popularity, the Welsh singer’s hit single was kept from the top spot by Los Del Rio’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix).” It spent an impressive nine weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100, demonstrating its widespread appeal and staying power. However, it achieved even greater success on the Radio Songs chart, reigning at No. 1 for an impressive 12 weeks, proving its dominance on airwaves and its status as a beloved 90s love anthem.
I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” is a simple yet profoundly moving ballad that topped the charts for three weeks in 1984, becoming one of the most recognizable and best male love songs of the 80s. The song’s origin is tied to the Gene Wilder film “The Woman in Red.” Dionne Warwick suggested to the film’s producers that they enlist Wonder to create the soundtrack. This collaboration proved incredibly successful, with the film becoming an Oscar winner and “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” written specifically for the movie, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, solidifying its place in both cinematic and musical history.
Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” is a powerful and inspirational anthem of self-love that topped the chart for three weeks in 1986, becoming one of her signature songs and a testament to her vocal prowess in delivering impactful love songs. Originally composed by Michael Masser and Linda Creed for the Muhammad Ali biopic The Greatest, George Benson first recorded it for the film’s soundtrack, reaching No. 24 in 1977. Years later, Houston’s audition for Clive Davis included this song. It initially served as the B-side to her debut single, “You Give Good Love.” However, due to overwhelming radio airplay, it was re-released as the fifth single from her debut album and soared to No. 1, becoming an iconic expression of self-empowerment and love.
The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & the News
Huey Lewis & the News’ “The Power of Love” is an upbeat and energetic track that topped the charts for two weeks in 1985, becoming synonymous with the iconic film Back to the Future and one of the best movie love songs. Initially asked to contribute a song to the Back to the Future soundtrack, Lewis offered “In the Nick of Time.” However, due to prolonged negotiations, he gave that song to another film, Brewster’s Millions. Despite the setback, Lewis presented two more songs: “Back in Time” and “The Power of Love.” “The Power of Love” ultimately became the movie’s breakout hit, perfectly capturing the film’s adventurous and romantic spirit and becoming a defining song of the 80s.
Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s “Dreamlover” is a breezy and optimistic love song that reigned at No. 1 for eight weeks in 1993, becoming one of her longest-running chart-toppers and a quintessential 90s love anthem. Carey and producer Dave Hall began working on the song without a title. According to Hall, Carey often starts with an “untitled song,” focusing on developing the hook first and then using it as the title. This collaborative approach led to “Dreamlover,” which became Carey’s then-longest-reigning No. 1 hit, showcasing her songwriting talent and pop sensibility in crafting memorable love songs.
Love Hangover – Diana Ross
Diana Ross’s “Love Hangover” is a disco-infused track with a dynamic shift in tempo that topped the charts for two weeks in 1976, showcasing her versatility and embracing the disco era with one of the best dance love songs. In 1976, while other labels were heavily invested in disco, Motown was not. Therefore, Ross recording “Love Hangover,” written by Pam Sawyer and Marilyn McLeod, was somewhat unexpected for Motown at the time. Ross initially enjoyed the slow, seductive first half of the song but found herself laughing when the tempo increased, protesting that she couldn’t sing that part. Producer Hal Davis recreated a club atmosphere in the studio to inspire her. Ross embraced the energy, resulting in another No. 1 hit for the former Supreme and a disco classic.
Can’t Help Falling in Love – UB40
UB40’s reggae-infused cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” brought a fresh perspective to a classic, reaching No. 1 for seven weeks in 1993 and introducing the timeless melody to a new generation as one of the best cover love songs. Elvis Presley’s original version reached No. 2 in 1962. Decades later, UB40 was asked to remake the song for the Honeymoon in Vegas soundtrack. Initially, the film producers favored Bono’s version over UB40’s. The UB40 recording might have remained unreleased, but the music supervisor for another film, Sliver, rescued it from Virgin Records, leading to its unexpected resurgence and chart-topping success.
I’d Really Love to See You Tonight – England Dan and John Ford Coley
“I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” by England Dan and John Ford Coley is a soft rock ballad that reached No. 2 in 1976, becoming a defining song of the 70s soft rock era and a popular choice for romantic evenings and mellow love songs playlists. Dan Seals (of England Dan and John Ford Coley) and his brother Jim Seals (of Seals & Crofts) established their own publishing company, Dawnbreaker Music, in the 1970s. When songwriter Parker McGee signed with Dawnbreaker, both duos recorded his material. “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” became a major hit for England Dan and John Ford Coley, spending two weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100 in 1976 and showcasing McGee’s songwriting talent.
I Knew I Loved You – Savage Garden
Savage Garden’s “I Knew I Loved You” is a soaring pop ballad that topped the charts for four weeks in 2000, becoming their second No. 1 hit and a defining love song of the early 2000s. After producer Walter Afanasieff delivered Savage Garden’s new album to Columbia Records, he received feedback requesting another song similar to their first No. 1 hit, “Truly Madly Deeply.” Darren Hayes, fueled by this challenge, collaborated with bandmate Daniel Jones and within just ten minutes, they created “I Knew I Loved You.” This quickly became their second No. 1 hit, proving their ability to consistently produce chart-topping love songs and meet label expectations under pressure.
I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner
Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” is a powerful rock ballad with gospel influences that topped the charts for two weeks in 1985, showcasing a softer side of the band and becoming one of the best power ballads and iconic love songs of the 80s. There was initial disagreement within Foreigner about whether this song was the right single choice for the group. Lou Gramm worried it could damage their rock image, while Rick Willis considered it too “fluffy.” Mick Jones explained to Billboard that it was released “because it was coming out at Christmas and it had the right kind of mood,” suggesting its thematic fit for the holiday season contributed to its release and ultimate success.
What’s Love Got to Do With It – Tina Turner
Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It” is an iconic comeback single that topped the charts for three weeks in 1984, reinventing her image and becoming a defining song of female empowerment and mature love songs. Newly signed to Capitol Records, Turner’s first single was a cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” which reached a modest No. 26 on the Hot 100. The follow-up, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” was an original song, though initially recorded by U.K. pop group Bucks Fizz, whose version remained unreleased. Turner’s rendition became her first No. 1 hit in the U.S., marking a significant turning point in her career and solidifying her status as a solo superstar with a powerful anthem about love and independence.
She Loves You – The Beatles
The Beatles’ “She Loves You” is an early rock and roll anthem that topped the charts for two weeks in 1964, marking the beginning of Beatlemania in America and becoming one of the most iconic and influential love songs of all time. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote “She Loves You” while on tour in Yorkshire, England. Producer George Martin suggested starting the song with the chorus, “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah,” instead of the verse. This unconventional structure proved highly effective, creating an immediate and infectious hook that propelled the song to global success and cemented The Beatles’ place in music history as masters of catchy and innovative love songs.
Love Child – Diana Ross & the Supremes
Diana Ross & the Supremes’ “Love Child” is a socially conscious song that topped the charts for two weeks in 1968, marking a shift towards more mature themes in their music and reflecting the changing social landscape in love songs. After achieving 10 No. 1 hits written and produced by Holland-Dozier-Holland, Diana Ross & the Supremes collaborated with a new team of Motown writers and producers, resulting in their 11th chart-topper, “Love Child.” This song was part of a wave of more socially aware releases from Motown in 1968, including The Temptations’ “Cloud Nine” and Edwin Starr’s “War,” indicating a move towards addressing topical issues in popular music and expanding the themes explored in love songs and beyond.
(Love Is) Thicker Than Water – Andy Gibb
Andy Gibb’s “(Love Is) Thicker Than Water” is a smooth and melodic pop hit that topped the charts for two weeks in 1978, showcasing his solo talent and becoming one of the best-known soft rock love songs of the late 70s. While Robin Gibb was known as the “chart freak” in the family, Andy Gibb was also an avid chart follower, closely monitoring the progress of his second single on the Hot 100. He recalled a moment of anxiety when its chart momentum seemed to slow down. However, its sales and popularity unexpectedly surged again, propelling it to the No. 1 spot and solidifying his status as a successful solo artist in his own right with a classic love song.
I Think I Love You – The Partridge Family
The Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You” is a bubblegum pop classic that topped the charts for three weeks in 1970, capitalizing on the popularity of their TV show and becoming a quintessential teen love song of the era. David Cassidy and his stepmother Shirley Jones were the only cast members from the TV series who actually performed on the group’s recordings. Jones humorously notes her limited contribution, stating, “I did very little…I literally was the backing vocals for David. I never thought I’d have a gold record…it hangs on my wall and I’m very proud of it,” highlighting the unexpected success and iconic status of this TV-show-turned-hit love song.
Love Rollercoaster – Ohio Players
Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster” is a funky and energetic track with a distinctive scream that topped the charts for one week in 1976, becoming one of the most unique and memorable funk love songs and a party anthem. After 15 years of struggle, the group achieved their first No. 1 hit in 1975 with “Fire” from their debut album for Mercury Records. The follow-up LP, Honey, produced the single “Sweet Sticky Thing,” which stalled at No. 33. It was the second single from Honey, “Love Rollercoaster,” that propelled them back to the No. 1 position, proving their ability to innovate within the funk genre and create enduring and unconventional love songs.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is an upbeat and celebratory pop anthem that topped the charts for two weeks in 1987, becoming one of her most iconic and danceable hits and a go-to song for joyous love songs playlists. George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam had previously written “How Will I Know” for Houston. When asked to provide another song, they initially offered “Waiting for a Star to Fall,” which was declined. They then recorded it themselves as Boy Meets Girl. Undeterred, they were encouraged to try again, and within just two days, they wrote “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” This time, Clive Davis immediately approved, recognizing its potential to become another massive hit for Houston and an enduring celebration of love and happiness.
Love Will Keep Us Together – Captain and Tennille
Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” is a sunshine pop classic that topped the charts for four weeks in 1975, becoming their signature song and a beloved representation of 70s pop love songs. Just four months after Neil Sedaka reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 as a performer with “Laughter in the Rain,” he returned to the top spot as a songwriter, thanks to Captain and Tennille’s cover of “Love Will Keep Us Together.” A&M’s Kip Cohen discovered the song on Sedaka’s Sedaka’s Back album. Captain and Tennille’s rendition became a massive hit, showcasing Sedaka’s songwriting prowess and the duo’s charming performance style in delivering uplifting love songs.
Roses Are Red (My Love) – Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton’s “Roses Are Red (My Love)” is a classic ballad that topped the charts for four weeks in 1962, saving his career and becoming one of the most enduring and sentimental love songs of the early 60s. On the verge of being dropped by Epic Records due to a lack of hits, Vinton discovered “Roses Are Red” in a reject pile and requested one last chance. His initial recording of the song as an R&B tune was deemed unsuccessful. However, the label agreed to a second session with a new arrangement, incorporating strings and a vocal choir. This revised version transformed the song into a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100, revitalizing Vinton’s career and establishing “Roses Are Red” as a timeless expression of romantic love and devotion.
Crazy in Love – Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z’s “Crazy in Love” is a high-energy R&B and hip-hop anthem that topped the charts for eight weeks in 2003, launching Beyoncé’s solo career and becoming one of the most iconic and powerful modern love songs. The first single from Beyoncé’s debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, marked her first No. 1 as a solo artist. Beyoncé revealed that she asked Jay-Z to collaborate on the song the night before her album was due. His contribution proved crucial to its success. “Thank God he did. It still never gets old, no matter how many times I sing it,” Beyoncé told Billboard, acknowledging the song’s enduring appeal and its pivotal role in her solo career.
Love the Way You Lie – Eminem feat. Rihanna
Eminem featuring Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that topped the charts for seven weeks in 2010, addressing a complex and dark side of love and becoming one of the most impactful and best-selling love songs of the 21st century. The collaboration between Eminem’s rap verses and Rihanna’s vocals, both artists drawing from personal experiences with abusive relationships, created a potent and resonant track. This raw honesty and vulnerability resonated deeply with audiences, propelling the song to No. 1 for seven weeks in the summer of 2010. Certified 12x platinum, it stands as the best-selling song for both Eminem and Rihanna, highlighting its significant cultural and commercial impact.
To Sir With Love – Lulu
Lulu’s “To Sir With Love” is a heartfelt ballad from the film of the same name that topped the charts for five weeks in 1967, becoming a classic movie theme song and a touching tribute to teachers and mentorship, often included in best movie love songs lists. Lulu was dissatisfied with the songs initially considered for the To Sir With Love soundtrack. She asked her friend Mark London to write a title song specifically for her to sing. He composed the music in just five minutes, and the next day, Don Black wrote the lyrics. Lulu expressed her delight, saying, “I was over the moon,” about the song that perfectly captured the film’s emotional core and became a lasting hit.
Vision of Love – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” is her debut single that topped the charts for four weeks in 1990, introducing her incredible vocal range and becoming a defining song of 90s pop and a benchmark for vocal love songs. Shortly after signing with Columbia Records, Carey co-wrote her debut single with Ben Margulies. She described the song not merely as a love song in the traditional sense, but as a celebration of her life and personal journey at that time. “Vision of Love” launched her career, showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities and marking the arrival of a major new talent in the music industry with a song that resonated deeply with audiences.
It Must Have Been Love – Roxette
Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” is a power ballad that topped the charts for two weeks in 1990, becoming internationally famous through the Pretty Woman soundtrack and becoming one of the most recognizable movie love songs of all time. Originally recorded as a Christmas song in Sweden in 1987, Per Gessle revised the track when asked to update it for the Pretty Woman soundtrack. Gessle recalled hearing that the director deeply loved the song. “I heard he re-edited the movie to get it in there,” Gessle mentioned, emphasizing the song’s impact on the film and its subsequent global success as a quintessential movie love theme.
Love Takes Time – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s “Love Takes Time” is a soulful ballad that topped the charts for three weeks in 1990, further establishing her dominance in the early 90s pop scene and showcasing her versatility in delivering both upbeat and emotional love songs. Her debut album was in the mastering phase when Carey played a demo of “Love Takes Time” for label president Don Ienner on a plane. Ienner immediately recognized the song’s potential, declaring it a “career-maker.” Despite Carey’s initial protests, production was halted, and “Love Takes Time” was added to her debut release, proving to be another massive hit and solidifying her early success.
Woman in Love – Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s “Woman in Love” is a soft rock ballad that topped the charts for three weeks in 1980, showcasing her vocal power and becoming one of the best-selling love songs of her career and a staple in adult contemporary love songs playlists. Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees wrote “Woman in Love” specifically for Streisand. However, Barry Gibb humbly credited the artist for the song’s overwhelming success. “At least 80 percent of the success of the record belongs to her,” he told Billboard, acknowledging Streisand’s exceptional vocal delivery and star power in transforming the song into a chart-topping hit.
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” is a heartfelt piano ballad that topped the charts for three weeks in 2019, becoming a global phenomenon and one of the most emotionally resonant and relatable love songs of recent years. Though Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi had initial success in the U.K. in 2017, he was relatively unknown in the U.S. when “Someone You Loved” was released. The piano ballad proved to be a sleeper hit, gradually climbing the charts over 24 weeks to reach No. 1. Capaldi wrote the song about his late grandmother, adding a layer of personal depth and emotional authenticity that resonated with listeners worldwide and made it a modern classic among love songs.
Love Is Blue – Paul Mauriat
Paul Mauriat’s instrumental “Love Is Blue” topped the charts for five weeks in 1968, showcasing the power of instrumental music and becoming a surprise hit and a popular easy listening love theme. Five years prior, Mauriat co-wrote Peggy March’s No. 1 hit “I Will Follow Him.” He returned to the top of the Hot 100 with an instrumental cover of “L’Amour Est Bleu,” originally Luxembourg’s entry in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest. Vicki Leandros performed the vocal version, which placed fourth in the competition. Mauriat’s instrumental rendition became a global hit, demonstrating the universal appeal of its melody and its ability to transcend language barriers as a love song.
To Know Him Is to Love Him – The Teddy Bears
The Teddy Bears’ “To Know Him Is to Love Him” topped the charts for three weeks in 1958, marking Phil Spector’s early songwriting success and becoming one of the first iconic love songs of the rock and roll era and a classic example of early 60s teen love songs. Phil Spector drew inspiration for the song from a photograph of his father’s tombstone in Beth David Cemetery in New York. The tombstone’s inscription, “To Know Him Was to Love Him,” became the basis for the song’s title and central theme. This personal and poignant inspiration contributed to the song’s lasting appeal and its place in music history as a significant early work by the influential producer.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is a rockabilly-inspired hit that topped the charts for four weeks in 1980, showcasing their versatility and becoming a fun and energetic love song and a staple in rock love songs playlists. Freddie Mercury wrote “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” while relaxing in his bathtub at the Munich Hilton. He spontaneously jumped out of the tub, grabbed his guitar and piano to capture the melody. Despite initial reluctance from their label to release it in the U.S., radio stations began playing imported U.K. singles, forcing an American release. This unexpected demand propelled the song to No. 1, demonstrating its immediate appeal and Queen’s ability to conquer diverse genres within rock music.
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” is a powerful ballad from the film Up Close and Personal that topped the charts for six weeks in 1996, becoming another signature song for Dion and a popular choice for expressing gratitude and devotion in love songs. After watching the film Up Close and Personal, songwriter Diane Warren met with director Jon Avnet to discuss her vision for the song she was to compose for the movie. The following morning in her office, she recalled, “The chorus lyrically and musically wrote itself,” highlighting the spontaneous and inspired creation of a song that perfectly captured the film’s emotional themes and became another chart-topping hit for Dion.
My Love – Paul McCartney and Wings
Paul McCartney and Wings’ “My Love” is a tender ballad that topped the charts for four weeks in 1973, written as a heartfelt tribute to his wife Linda and becoming one of the most personal and romantic love songs of his post-Beatles career. McCartney wrote “My Love” about Linda Louise Eastman, a professional photographer from Scarsdale, NY, whom he married on March 12, 1969, and who became a member of his band Wings. The sentimental ballad was directly inspired by his deep affection for Linda, making it a deeply personal and enduring love song that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” is a powerful ballad that topped the charts for four weeks in 2008, launching her international career and becoming a defining pop love song of the late 2000s. Ryan Tedder and Jesse McCartney co-wrote “Bleeding Love,” inspired by McCartney’s long-distance relationship with his girlfriend. McCartney initially intended the song for himself, but his label showed little enthusiasm. It was then given to Leona Lewis, the winner of the third season of The X Factor in the U.K. Her powerful rendition propelled the song to global success, launching her international career and establishing “Bleeding Love” as a modern pop love classic.
I Can’t Stop Loving You – Ray Charles
Ray Charles’s version of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” is a soulful country-infused rendition that topped the charts for five weeks in 1962, showcasing his genre-bending talent and becoming one of the most iconic and timeless love songs ever recorded. Don Gibson originally wrote “I Can’t Stop Loving You” along with “Oh Lonesome Me” on a hot afternoon in Knoxville, TN, in 1958. Four years later, Ray Charles heard only the first two lines of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” before deciding to record it for his groundbreaking album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. Charles’s soulful interpretation transformed the country song into a crossover hit, demonstrating his musical genius and solidifying its status as a timeless love anthem.
Best of My Love – The Emotions
The Emotions’ “Best of My Love” is a disco-era classic that topped the charts for five weeks in 1977, becoming their signature song and a quintessential dance love song of the 70s. Following the collapse of Stax Records, the Hutchinson sisters, who formed The Emotions, signed with a production company run by Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire. White, along with group member Al McKay, specifically wrote “Best of My Love” for them, tailoring it to the lead vocals of Wanda Hutchinson. The song became a massive hit, perfectly capturing the disco sound of the era and showcasing The Emotions’ vocal harmonies and Maurice White’s production expertise in creating enduring love songs.
Because I Love You (The Postman Song) – Stevie B
Stevie B’s “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” is a freestyle dance-pop hit that topped the charts for four weeks in 1990, becoming a defining song of the freestyle genre and a popular choice for romantic dedications in the early 90s. Songwriter Warren Allen Brooks describes his No. 1 hit as a “spiritual song,” even though it’s often interpreted as a romantic love song between a man and a woman. Brooks explains, “It’s really about me and God having a personal relationship,” suggesting a deeper, more profound inspiration behind the lyrics than a typical romantic interpretation, adding an unexpected dimension to this popular love song.
Let Me Love You – Mario
Mario’s “Let Me Love You” is a smooth R&B ballad that topped the charts for nine weeks in 2005, becoming his signature hit and a defining love song of the mid-2000s R&B scene. Mario admitted he didn’t anticipate the immense popularity of “Let Me Love You.” “I didn’t know it would touch so many people,” he said. “But it was an emotional song and those records last forever,” recognizing the song’s emotional depth as the key to its lasting impact and widespread appeal, making it a modern classic among R&B love songs.
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” is a soaring ballad from The Bodyguard that topped the charts for an astounding 14 weeks in 1992, becoming her signature song and one of the best-selling and most iconic love songs of all time. Houston’s definitive version was originally composed and made famous by Dolly Parton, whose rendition topped the Hot Country Songs chart in 1974 and again in 1982. Houston’s powerful vocal performance transformed Parton’s country ballad into a global pop phenomenon, cementing its place in music history as the ultimate expression of enduring love and heartbreak in a love song.
Silly Love Songs – Wings
Wings’ “Silly Love Songs” topped the charts for five weeks in 1976, becoming a playful response to critics and one of the most successful and lighthearted love songs of the 70s. 1976 was a remarkable year for love songs reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100. Among them were “Love Rollercoaster,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Love Machine,” “Let Your Love Flow,” “Love Hangover,” and Wings’ “Silly Love Songs,” which had the longest reign at the top among love songs that year. “Silly Love Songs” became a testament to the enduring popularity and variety of love themes in music during the 1970s.
We Found Love – Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris’s “We Found Love” is an electronic dance anthem that topped the charts for 10 weeks in 2011, becoming Rihanna’s biggest hit and a defining song of the EDM-pop crossover era, exploring themes of love in unexpected places. What could be more romantic than finding love in a “hopeless place”? Rihanna achieved the biggest hit of her career (and the top ‘love’ song of the 21st century so far) with only her fourth Hot 100 entry to feature “love” in the title. Following “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want,” “Hate That I Love You,” and her feature on Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie,” “We Found Love” became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of love themes in dance music.
How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees
Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” is a disco ballad from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack that topped the charts for three weeks in 1977, becoming their signature song and one of the most iconic and romantic disco love songs of all time. Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb wrote “How Deep Is Your Love” for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack without having seen the film script. They were unsure if there was even a love scene in the movie. Originally intended for Yvonne Elliman, their manager Robert Stigwood insisted that the Bee Gees record it themselves. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as the song became a global phenomenon, perfectly capturing the romantic and emotional core of the film and the disco era.
I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You” is a smooth R&B ballad that topped the charts for 14 weeks in 1994, breaking records and becoming one of the most successful and romantic R&B love songs of the 90s. When Boyz II Men first heard Babyface’s composition “I’ll Make Love to You,” they were initially concerned about its similarity to their previous hit, “End of the Road.” Nathan Morris explained, “The record company talked us into doing it and thank God it worked.” Their reluctance turned into gratitude as the song became a massive success, breaking chart records and solidifying Boyz II Men’s status as kings of 90s R&B ballads and masters of creating enduring love songs.
Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love” is a timeless duet that topped the charts for nine weeks in 1981, becoming one of the most iconic and best-selling duets of all time and a classic example of romantic movie theme songs. Producer Jon Peters and director Franco Zeffirelli initially asked Lionel Richie to compose an instrumental piece in the style of the theme from Love Story for the movie Endless Love starring Brooke Shields. Zeffirelli then changed his mind and requested lyrics, which Richie agreed to write. Finally, Zeffirelli suggested adding a female vocalist, specifically someone like Diana Ross. This collaboration resulted in a legendary duet that transcended the film, becoming a cultural touchstone and one of the most beloved love songs ever recorded.
