The 1990s was a decade of diverse musical landscapes, from grunge and hip-hop to pop-punk and the resurgence of boy bands and girl groups. Amidst this eclectic mix, love songs reigned supreme, capturing hearts and dominating the charts. These Nineties Love Songs became the soundtrack to countless romances, school dances, and heartfelt mixtapes. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to explore some of the most iconic and unforgettable love anthems of the 90s.
1. Robbie Williams – ‘She’s the One’
Originally penned and released by World Party in 1997, Robbie Williams’ cover of ‘She’s the One’ in 1999 transformed it into a global sensation. This heartwarming ballad, with its soaring chorus and tender lyrics, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. It became Williams’ second UK number-one single and solidified his status as a solo superstar, earning him two prestigious Brit Awards. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful message of finding “the one” and the unwavering devotion that comes with true love.
Robbie Williams She's The One music video still, showcasing Robbie Williams in a black shirt performing the song emotionally.
2. Simply Red – ‘Stars’
Simply Red’s ‘Stars’ is an upbeat, feel-good anthem that became synonymous with the early 90s. Released in 1991, this track, with Mick Hucknall’s soulful vocals and infectious melody, propelled its namesake album to become a phenomenal success. Stars was the best-selling album in both 1991 and 1992 in the UK, an extraordinary achievement. While it surprisingly didn’t break into the US Top 40 at the time, ‘Stars’ remains a beloved classic, embodying the optimistic and energetic spirit of 90s pop love songs.
Simply Red Stars music video still, featuring Mick Hucknall singing passionately in a vibrant, star-lit setting.
3. Elton John – ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’
A double-A side single released alongside the poignant ‘Candle in the Wind 1997’ tribute to Princess Diana, ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ by Elton John is a timeless love song. While ‘Candle in the Wind’ became the best-selling single of all time, ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ held its own as a beautiful and romantic ballad. The music video, featuring actors from the British TV drama This Life and supermodels Kate Moss and Sophie Dahl, further cemented its place in 90s pop culture. This song showcases Elton John’s enduring ability to craft heartfelt and universally appealing love songs.
Elton John Something About The Way You Look Tonight music video still, displaying Elton John playing piano and singing in a candle-lit room.
4. Sixpence None the Richer – ‘Kiss Me’
‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence None the Richer is arguably one of the most iconic 90s love songs, largely thanks to its prominent placement in the hit teen movie She’s All That and the popular TV series Dawson’s Creek. This charming and whimsical track, with its gentle acoustic guitar and Leigh Nash’s sweet vocals, captured the innocence and butterflies of first love. It became the American band’s biggest hit and one of the best-selling songs of the decade, forever associated with youthful romance in the 90s.
5. Celine Dion – ‘Because You Loved Me’
Written by the prolific Diane Warren as the theme song for the film Up Close & Personal, Celine Dion’s ‘Because You Loved Me’ is a powerful ballad of gratitude and devotion. Nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, this song became a signature hit for Celine. The lyrics express deep appreciation for a loved one’s unwavering support and belief, shaping the singer into the person she is today. Warren herself dedicated the song to her father, highlighting its universal theme of love and thankfulness.
Celine Dion Because You Loved Me music video still, featuring Celine Dion in a black dress singing with intense emotion against a dark backdrop.
6. Wet Wet Wet – ‘Love is All Around’
Originally a 1967 hit by The Troggs, ‘Love is All Around’ was given a 90s makeover by Wet Wet Wet for the soundtrack of the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. This cover version, with its soft rock arrangement and Marti Pellow’s smooth vocals, became a chart-topping phenomenon. It spent an incredible 15 weeks at number one in the UK in 1994, becoming one of the longest-reigning number-one singles in UK chart history. Despite its ubiquity that summer, Marti Pellow himself remains proud of the song’s simplicity and enduring appeal.
Wet Wet Wet Love Is All Around music video still, depicting Wet Wet Wet band members performing the song with a backdrop of movie scenes.
7. Sinead O’Connor – ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’
‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, penned by the legendary Prince, reached global recognition through Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting and emotionally charged rendition in 1990. Originally recorded by Prince’s side project, The Family, in 1985, it was O’Connor’s manager who suggested she cover the song. Her powerful vocals and the iconic music video, featuring close-up shots of O’Connor’s expressive face, transformed the song into a timeless ballad of heartbreak and longing. ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ became O’Connor’s signature song and a defining love song of the 90s.
Sinéad O'Connor Nothing Compares 2U music video still, a close-up shot of Sinéad O'Connor singing with raw emotion and tears in her eyes.
8. Extreme – ‘More than Words’
Known for their funk metal style, Extreme surprised audiences with the acoustic ballad ‘More than Words’ in 1990. This stripped-down, heartfelt song, featuring just acoustic guitars and vocals, showcased a different side of the band and became an unexpected massive hit. While the band later described its overwhelming success as a “blessing and a curse,” they still embrace the song at live shows, recognizing its enduring popularity as a 90s power ballad. ‘More than Words’ exemplifies the decade’s range in love song styles, from hard rock bands delivering tender moments.
Extreme More Than Words music video still, showing Extreme band members Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt performing the acoustic ballad intimately.
9. Leann Rimes – ‘How Do I Live’
‘How Do I Live’ is one of the best-selling country ballads of all time, and LeAnn Rimes’ version became a crossover pop sensation in the 90s. Initially intended for the Con Air soundtrack, Trisha Yearwood’s version was chosen for the film. However, LeAnn Rimes’ father and manager ensured her rendition was released, and it ultimately became the bigger hit. This powerful ballad of heartbreak and dependence on a loved one resonated with audiences across genres, solidifying its place as a 90s love song classic.
LeAnn Rimes How Do I Live music video still, portraying a young LeAnn Rimes singing with powerful vocals in a dramatic setting.
10. Toni Braxton – ‘Un-Break My Heart’
Toni Braxton initially disliked ‘Un-Break My Heart’, but producer LA Reid’s persuasion led her to record what would become her signature song and a worldwide smash hit. Released in 1996, this poignant ballad of heartbreak and longing, with Braxton’s rich vocals and the song’s dramatic arrangement, topped charts globally. In 1998, Billboard magazine declared ‘Un-Break My Heart’ the most successful song by a solo artist in its 40-year history, a testament to its enduring impact and popularity as a quintessential 90s love song.
Toni Braxton Un-Break My Heart music video still, featuring Toni Braxton in a flowing white dress singing with deep emotion and vulnerability.
11. The Corrs – ‘Runaway’
‘Runaway’ by The Corrs, initially released in 1995, experienced a delayed but significant surge in popularity, finally reaching number two in the UK charts in 1999. This folk-pop ballad, with its distinctive blend of pop melodies and traditional Irish instrumentation, showcased the Corr sisters’ harmonies and Andrea Corr’s lead vocals. Penned by Andrea, Sharon, and Caroline Corr, the song’s themes of longing and desire connected with listeners, making it a late-90s love song hit.
The Corrs Runaway music video still, showing The Corrs band members performing the song in a scenic outdoor location with Irish landscapes.
12. Take That – ‘A Million Love Songs’
‘A Million Love Songs’ holds a special place in Take That’s history as the song that helped solidify their credibility as a serious pop act. Gary Barlow penned this ballad at just 15 years old, and its release in 1992 gave the boy band an early UK Top 10 hit. This classic 90s boy band love song, with Barlow’s heartfelt vocals and the group’s harmonies, showcased their romantic side and paved the way for their future success as purveyors of popular love songs.
Take That A Million Love Songs music video still, depicting Take That members in a black and white video performing the song with earnest expressions.
13. Tracy Chapman – ‘Baby Can I Hold You’
While not a massive hit upon its initial release, Tracy Chapman’s ‘Baby Can I Hold You’ has become one of her signature songs and a frequently covered ballad. This simple yet deeply moving acoustic track, with Chapman’s distinctive voice and poignant lyrics about vulnerability and the need for physical affection, resonated with its raw honesty. Boyzone’s 1997 cover version reached number two in the UK, further cementing the song’s status as a beloved 90s love song.
Tracy Chapman Baby Can I Hold You music video still, featuring Tracy Chapman playing acoustic guitar and singing with heartfelt sincerity in a simple setting.
14. Roxette – ‘It Must Have Been Love’
‘It Must Have Been Love’ by Roxette achieved global fame after being featured on the Pretty Woman soundtrack in 1990. Originally a Christmas-themed song titled ‘It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)’ released in 1987, it was reworked without the festive references for the movie. The film’s immense success propelled the song to number one worldwide, becoming Roxette’s biggest hit. This power ballad, with Marie Fredriksson’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional intensity, is a definitive 90s movie love song.
Roxette It Must Have Been Love music video still, showing Roxette band members Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson performing the song in a classic music video style.
15. Tina Arena – ‘Chains’
Australian singer Tina Arena’s power ballad ‘Chains’ became her biggest hit outside of her home country, reaching number six in the UK in 1995. This emotionally charged song, with Arena’s soaring vocals and themes of breaking free from emotional constraints in a relationship, resonated with audiences. Her performance of ‘Chains’ with The Veronicas and Jessica Mauboy at her ARIA Hall of Fame induction in 2015 further highlighted the song’s enduring legacy and impact as a 90s female empowerment anthem disguised as a love song.
Tina Arena Chains music video still, featuring Tina Arena singing passionately with dramatic lighting and visual effects in the music video.
16. Boyz II Men – ‘End of the Road’
‘End of the Road’ by Boyz II Men cemented their status as the leading vocal group of the 90s and became one of the greatest R&B love songs of all time. Released in 1992, it dominated the US charts for an astounding 13 weeks, breaking records and showcasing the group’s impeccable harmonies and soulful vocals. This ballad of romantic finality and heartbreak became a defining track of the 90s R&B love song era.
Boyz II Men End Of The Road music video still, showing Boyz II Men group members singing harmoniously in a dimly lit, atmospheric setting.
17. All-4-One – ‘I Swear’
‘I Swear’ achieved chart-topping success in two distinct versions in the 90s. John Michael Montgomery’s country version topped the country charts in 1993, but All-4-One’s R&B cover in 1994 became a massive pop hit. All-4-One’s rendition, with its smooth vocal harmonies and romantic delivery, topped the US charts for 11 weeks. This ballad of unwavering commitment and devotion became a 90s wedding song staple and demonstrated the decade’s crossover appeal of love songs across genres.
All-4-One I Swear music video still, featuring All-4-One group members in suits singing with synchronized movements and heartfelt expressions.
18. Savage Garden – ‘Truly Madly Deeply’
‘Truly Madly Deeply’ by Savage Garden is a quintessential 90s ballad that topped charts in Australia and the US and reached number four in the UK. This song, a reworking of an earlier track called ‘Magical Kisses’, showcases Darren Hayes’ emotive vocals and the song’s sweeping melody. Its themes of profound and unconditional love resonated widely, making it a popular choice for dedications and romantic gestures throughout the 90s and beyond. ‘Truly Madly Deeply’ is a testament to the enduring power of heartfelt 90s love songs.
Savage Garden Truly Madly Deeply music video still, showing Darren Hayes singing passionately amidst a dreamy and ethereal visual setting.
19. Shania Twain – ‘You’re Still the One’
‘You’re Still the One’ was a pivotal song in Shania Twain’s career, catapulting her to international superstardom. Co-written with her then-husband Mutt Lange, this country-pop crossover hit from 1997 blended country sensibilities with pop hooks. Its message of lasting love and overcoming obstacles resonated with a broad audience. While Shania was already popular in country music, ‘You’re Still the One’ introduced her to a global audience, making her a household name and solidifying her place in 90s pop culture.
Shania Twain You're Still The One music video still, depicting Shania Twain in a desert landscape singing with confidence and style.
20. Elton John – ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’
‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, written by Elton John and Tim Rice for Disney’s The Lion King, transcended its animated origins to become a beloved love song for all. Winning an Oscar for Best Song and a Grammy Award for Elton, this ballad’s sweeping melody and romantic lyrics captured the magic of love. While initially written for lion characters, its universal themes of love and connection made it a favorite for human couples as well, proving that even songs written for animated films can become iconic 90s love anthems.
Elton John Can You Feel the Love Tonight music video still, a scene from The Lion King movie showing Simba and Nala in a romantic moment during sunset.
21. Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Iris’
‘Iris’ by Goo Goo Dolls was written for the 1998 romantic drama City of Angels and became one of the band’s signature songs and a defining 90s power ballad. Sung from the perspective of Nicolas Cage’s angel character, the song explores themes of mortality, humanity, and the willingness to sacrifice everything for love. Johnny Rzeznik’s raw vocals and the song’s emotional intensity connected with listeners deeply, making ‘Iris’ a lasting anthem of devotion and longing.
Goo Goo Dolls Iris music video still, featuring Goo Goo Dolls band members performing the song intensely in a dark and moody environment.
22. En Vogue – ‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’
‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’ was En Vogue’s last single to feature Dawn Robinson and became their biggest international hit. Originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1996 movie Set It Off, this song blended R&B harmonies with a powerful message about holding onto love even when it’s challenging. While Dawn Robinson’s departure marked a turning point for the group, ‘Don’t Let Go (Love)’ remains a testament to En Vogue’s vocal prowess and their contribution to 90s girl group love songs.
En Vogue Don't Let Go (Love) music video still, showing En Vogue group members in stylish outfits performing with attitude and powerful vocals.
23. Take That – ‘Back for Good’
‘Back for Good’ is another Gary Barlow-penned ballad that became a signature song for Take That and a defining 90s love anthem. Barlow claimed to have written it in just 15 minutes, showcasing his songwriting talent. This emotionally resonant ballad, with its themes of regret and wanting a second chance at love, topped charts worldwide and solidified Take That’s status as kings of the 90s boy band ballad. Robbie Williams even famously performed a rockier version, highlighting the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.
Take That Back for Good music video still, depicting Take That members in a dimly lit room performing the song with emotional expressions and dramatic lighting.
24. Bon Jovi – ‘Always’
‘Always’ by Bon Jovi became one of their most successful singles, selling 3 million copies worldwide in 1994. Originally written for the Romeo Is Bleeding soundtrack, Bon Jovi initially disliked the film and shelved the song. However, its rediscovery led to its re-recording and release, proving to be a wise decision. This power ballad, with Jon Bon Jovi’s signature vocals and the song’s anthemic chorus, became a stadium rock love song staple of the 90s.
Bon Jovi Always music video still, featuring Bon Jovi band members performing the power ballad in a grand concert setting with dramatic lighting.
25. Aerosmith – ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’
Aerosmith, known for their hard rock anthems, surprised everyone with the power ballad ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ in 1998. Featured in the movie Armageddon, starring Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv Tyler, this song became Aerosmith’s biggest hit in the UK and showcased their ability to deliver a tender and emotional love song. This unexpected crossover success demonstrated the breadth of 90s love songs, reaching across genres and generations.
Aerosmith I Don't Want to Miss a Thing music video still, showing Steven Tyler singing intensely with Liv Tyler in scenes from the Armageddon movie music video.
26. Robbie Williams – ‘Angels’
‘Angels’ is often credited with saving Robbie Williams’ solo career after a somewhat lukewarm start. Despite only reaching number four in the UK charts, this anthemic ballad became his best-selling single, selling over a million copies after its 1997 release. ‘Angels’ resonated deeply with audiences with its spiritual undertones and themes of hope and comfort, becoming a signature song for Robbie and a beloved 90s ballad.
Robbie Williams Angels music video still, depicting Robbie Williams in a white vest singing emotionally in a black and white music video setting.
27. Whitney Houston – ‘I Will Always Love You’
Whitney Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ for The Bodyguard soundtrack is the ultimate 90s power ballad. Suggested by her co-star Kevin Costner, Whitney transformed this country song into a global phenomenon. Her breathtaking vocals and the song’s emotional intensity propelled it to number one for 14 weeks in the US and 10 weeks in the UK, selling millions worldwide. ‘I Will Always Love You’ remains a benchmark for vocal performances and a timeless love song.
Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You music video still, featuring Whitney Houston singing powerfully in a spotlight with scenes from The Bodyguard movie.
28. Celine Dion – ‘Think Twice’
‘Think Twice’ by Celine Dion, co-written by Andy Hill of Bucks Fizz and Peter Sinfield of King Crimson, showcases an unlikely but successful collaboration. Released in late 1994, it steadily climbed the UK charts, eventually reaching number one and staying there for seven weeks. This power ballad, with its dramatic build-up and Dion’s powerful vocals, became one of the best-selling singles of all time and a slightly underrated gem in the pantheon of 90s love songs.
Céline Dion Think Twice music video still, showing Céline Dion singing intensely in a black dress with dramatic lighting and wind effects.
29. Bryan Adams – ‘Everything I Do (I Do it for You)’
Bryan Adams’ ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ from the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves soundtrack holds the record for the longest consecutive weeks at number one in the UK charts – a staggering 16 weeks. This power ballad, with its soaring melody and Adams’ raspy vocals, became a global phenomenon in 1991. While some may have experienced ‘Everything I Do’ fatigue due to its chart dominance, it perfectly encapsulates the grand, sweeping love songs that defined the early 90s.
Bryan Adams (Everything I Do) I Do It For You music video still, depicting Bryan Adams playing guitar and singing passionately in a forest setting with scenes from Robin Hood movie.
30. Seal – ‘Kiss from a Rose’
‘Kiss from a Rose’ by Seal is a unique and enigmatic power ballad that became his signature song after being featured on the Batman Forever soundtrack in 1995. Surprisingly, Seal wrote this song back in 1987 but felt “embarrassed by it” and almost discarded it. Producer Trevor Horn revived the track for Seal’s Seal II album, and its inclusion in the Batman movie propelled it to become the biggest hit of his career. This hauntingly beautiful and unconventional love song is a standout example of 90s musical creativity.
Seal Kiss From A Rose music video still, featuring Seal singing soulfully with rose petals falling around him in a visually artistic music video.
The nineties love songs listed here are just a glimpse into the vast and rich landscape of romantic music from that decade. They represent a time when ballads reigned supreme, and artists poured their hearts into creating songs that resonated with millions. These tracks continue to be cherished and revisited, proving that the power of a great love song, especially from the 90s, is truly timeless.
