Valentine’s Day is approaching, and for those who prefer guitars over violins and drums over harps, finding the perfect romantic soundtrack can be a challenge. Look no further, rock fans! We’ve curated the ultimate playlist of Rock Love Songs that will set the mood for romance, featuring iconic artists like Freddie Mercury, Jon Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Stevie Nicks. Get ready to turn up the volume and let the power of rock fuel your love.
1. AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
Album: Back In Black (1980)
This high-energy anthem isn’t just about raw power; it’s about the electrifying connection with a partner who leaves you breathless. With lyrics like “The walls start shaking, the Earth was quaking,” AC/DC perfectly captures the earth-shattering feeling of passionate love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Igniting the spark and celebrating a night of unforgettable passion.
AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long (Official Video)
2. Bryan Adams – Heaven
Album: Reckless (1984)
Bryan Adams delivers an enormous power ballad that’s pure romantic sincerity. “Heaven” is the quintessential declaration of love, expressing that feeling of finding paradise in someone’s arms. Its soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless rock love song.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Cherishing an anniversary or any milestone moment in your relationship.
Bryan Adams – Heaven
3. Aerosmith – Crazy
Album: Get A Grip (1993)
Aerosmith brings the intensity of love to the forefront with “Crazy.” This song is about being completely consumed and captivated by someone, to the point of delightful obsession. Steven Tyler’s raw vocals and the song’s driving rhythm perfectly encapsulate the intoxicating nature of love. “I’m never, never, never gonna be the same!” – the lyrics scream devotion.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing how someone drives you wild in the best possible way.
Aerosmith – Crazy (Official Music Video)
4. The Beatles – Something
Album: Abbey Road (1969)
George Harrison penned this masterpiece for his wife Patti, and “Something” is a testament to the quiet, profound admiration in love. It’s a gentle yet powerful declaration of adoration, highlighting the subtle but overwhelming beauty found in a loved one.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing quiet admiration and gazing lovingly at your significant other.
The Beatles – Something
5. Pat Benatar – Love Is A Battlefield
Album: Live From Earth (1983)
Pat Benatar acknowledges the struggles and challenges within love with “Love Is A Battlefield,” but emphasizes the determination to fight for it. This rock anthem recognizes that love isn’t always easy, but it’s a battle worth fighting together. “No one can tell us we’re wrong, searching our hearts for so long” – lyrics that resonate with enduring love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Acknowledging the tough times and celebrating the strength of love that perseveres.
Pat Benatar – Love Is A Battlefield (Official Music Video)
6. Blondie – Call Me
Album: American Gigolo soundtrack (1980)
Blondie’s “Call Me” is pure urgency and desire wrapped in a new wave rock package. It’s about that irresistible pull and the need to connect immediately. Debbie Harry’s iconic vocals deliver lines like “Roll me in designer sheets, I’ll never get enough,” with a cool, confident sensuality.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Setting the pace for a passionate rendezvous.
Blondie – Call me
7. Bon Jovi – In These Arms
Album: Keep The Faith (1992)
Bon Jovi brings arena-rock romance with “In These Arms.” It’s a powerful expression of longing and devotion, using vivid imagery to convey the depth of feeling. “Baby I want you like the roses want the rain” – a classic rock lyric that perfectly captures yearning love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Reaffirming your love and letting your partner know how deeply they are cherished.
Bon Jovi – In These Arms
8. David Bowie – Modern Love
Album: Let’s Dance (1983)
Bowie’s “Modern Love” explores the complexities of love in the modern world, with a driving beat and introspective lyrics. While perhaps a touch cynical, it acknowledges the constant search for connection and the allure of love, even amidst its challenges. “Gets me to the church on time” – a line hinting at the societal pressures around love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Acknowledging the sometimes contradictory nature of love and modern romance.
David Bowie – Modern Love (Official Video)
9. Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love
Album: Love Bites (1978)
Buzzcocks offer a punk-infused take on unrequited love with “Ever Fallen In Love.” It’s raw, honest, and relatable, capturing the vulnerability and confusion that comes with falling for someone perhaps unattainable or unsuitable.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Reflecting on past loves and the bittersweet pang of relationships that didn’t quite work out.
Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve?) (TOTP, 1978)
10. Derek And The Dominos – Layla
Album: Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)
Eric Clapton’s “Layla” is a legendary rock love song, born from intense longing and passion. The song’s iconic guitar riff and heartfelt lyrics, “Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?” express the desperation and yearning of deep infatuation.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing overwhelming passion and a deep, almost desperate love.
Derek And The Dominos – Layla
11. Dire Straits – Romeo And Juliet
Album: Making Movies (1980)
Dire Straits tells a poignant tale of love and loss with “Romeo And Juliet.” Mark Knopfler’s storytelling lyrics and melancholic guitar work paint a picture of a love that doesn’t quite align with fairytale endings, yet remains deeply impactful. “Juliet, the dice was loaded from the start, and I bet, and you exploded into my heart” – a lyric that speaks volumes about destined but perhaps tragic love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Reflecting on loves that were intense but didn’t last, and the lessons learned.
Dire Straits – Romeo And Juliet (Official Music Video)
12. The Doors – Light My Fire
Album: The Doors (1967)
The Doors bring psychedelic passion with “Light My Fire.” It’s an invitation to ignite the senses and embrace desire without hesitation. Jim Morrison’s hypnotic vocals and the song’s fiery energy make it a rock love song that’s both sensual and intense. “The time to hesitate is through, no time to wallow in the mire” – lyrics that urge boldness in love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Setting a passionate and adventurous mood, perfect for sparking desire.
The Doors – Light My Fire
13. Electric Light Orchestra – Sweet Talkin’ Woman
Album: Out Of The Blue (1977)
ELO offers a catchy and charming love song with “Sweet Talkin’ Woman.” It’s about being captivated by someone’s charm and trying to win them over. The upbeat melody and Jeff Lynne’s distinctive vocals create a feeling of lighthearted pursuit in love. “You got me runnin’, you got me searchin'” – lyrics that show the persistence in winning someone’s affection.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing playful pursuit and the joy of chasing after someone you admire.
Electric Light Orchestra – Sweet Talkin' Woman (1978)
14. The Faces – Stay With Me
Album: A Nod Is As Good As A Wink… To A Blind Horse (1971)
The Faces, with Rod Stewart’s raspy vocals, deliver a raw and cheeky love song in “Stay With Me.” It’s about a casual, no-strings-attached kind of affection, perfect for lighthearted moments. “Let’s go upstairs and read my Tarot cards, come on, honey” – lyrics that exemplify playful and unserious romance.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Keeping things light, fun, and not too serious in the early stages of dating.
Rod Stewart and The Faces Stay With Me 1972 HQ
15. Fleetwood Mac – Dreams
Album: Rumours (1977)
Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” is a wistful and introspective love song, reflecting on the complexities and often heartbreaking realities of relationships. Stevie Nicks’ ethereal vocals and the song’s dreamy quality evoke a sense of vulnerability and the delicate nature of love. “Have you any dreams you’d like to sell, dreams of loneliness?” – lyrics that hint at the potential for heartbreak within dreams of love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Navigating relationship crossroads and facing difficult conversations with honesty.
Fleetwood Mac – Dreams (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster]
16. Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is
Album: Agent Provocateur (1984)
Foreigner’s power ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is” is a soul-searching anthem about vulnerability and the desire for true love. It’s about dropping defenses and truly understanding the depth and meaning of love. “I gotta take a little time, a little time to think things over” – lyrics that highlight the introspective journey to understand love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Opening up emotionally and expressing a desire for deeper, more meaningful love.
Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is (Official Music Video)
17. Peter Frampton – Show Me The Way
Album: Frampton/Frampton Comes Alive (1975/6)
Peter Frampton’s “Show Me The Way” is a gentle plea for guidance and commitment in love. It’s about seeking direction and wanting to move forward together on a shared path. “I want you to show me the way…” – a simple yet powerful request for partnership and shared direction.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing readiness to commit and seeking a shared future in a relationship.
Peter Frampton Live 1975 Show Me The Way
18. Guns N’ Roses – November Rain
Album: Use Your Illusion I (1991)
Guns N’ Roses delivers an epic rock ballad with “November Rain.” This sprawling song explores the complexities of love, commitment, and the fear of vulnerability. Axl Rose’s powerful vocals and the song’s dramatic shifts in tempo and intensity make it a rock love song for the ages. “So if you want to love me then darlin’ don’t refrain” – lyrics that plead for open and fearless love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Grand romantic gestures, perhaps even a wedding day, symbolizing enduring and passionate love.
Guns N' Roses – November Rain
19. Billy Idol – White Wedding
Album: Billy idol (1982)
Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” is a rebellious and energetic take on commitment. Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics carry a sense of starting over and perhaps unconventional romance. “It’s a nice day to start again!” – a lyric that suggests a fresh start and a bold approach to love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Celebrating a wedding day with a rock and roll edge, embracing a fresh start together.
Billy Idol – White Wedding (Part 1)
20. Marillion – Kayleigh
Album: Misplaced Childhood (1985)
Marillion’s “Kayleigh” is a tender and melancholic ballad about regret and lost love. It’s a song of apology and reflection, acknowledging mistakes and the pain of hurting someone you cared for. “Please excuse me, I never meant to break your heart” – lyrics filled with remorse and the weight of past actions in love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness after a misstep in a relationship.
Marillion – Kayleigh
21. Meat Loaf – You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth
Album: Bat Out Of Hell (1977)
Meat Loaf brings theatrical rock to romance with “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth.” It’s about those magical moments of connection when words aren’t even needed, and feelings are perfectly understood. “It must have been while you were kissing me” – lyrics that capture the blissful, unspoken understanding in love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Celebrating those spontaneous, perfect moments of unspoken connection in a relationship.
Meat Loaf – You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) (PCM Stereo)
22. Mr. Big – To Be With You
Album: Lean Into It (1991)
Mr. Big’s acoustic ballad “To Be With You” is a heartfelt plea for a chance at love, expressing the belief that you’re the better choice for someone. It’s a song of hope and quiet confidence in your own worthiness. “Deep inside I hope you feel it too” – lyrics that reveal vulnerability and a longing for reciprocation.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Confessing your feelings and expressing why you believe you’re the right partner for someone.
Mr. Big – To Be With You 4K Video
23. Queen – You’re My Best Friend
Album: A Night At The Opera (1975)
Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” is a joyful and straightforward declaration of love and appreciation for a partner who is also a true companion. It’s about the comfort and strength found in a loving friendship that forms the bedrock of romance. “Ooh, you make me live, whenever this world is cruel to me” – lyrics that celebrate the supportive and life-affirming nature of true love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Reiterating the importance of friendship within a romantic relationship and celebrating a partner who is also your best friend.
Queen – You're My Best Friend (Official Video)
24. Robert Palmer – Bad Case Of Loving You
Album: Secrets (1979)
Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case Of Loving You” is a funky, upbeat track about being completely smitten. It’s about the exhilarating and slightly overwhelming feeling of falling hard for someone. “No pill’s gonna cure my ill” – lyrics that express the addictive and all-consuming nature of intense infatuation.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Celebrating the giddy, early stages of love and the delightful “illness” of being head over heels.
Robert Palmer – Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor Doctor) [Official Video]
25. The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Album: Ghost In The Machine (1981)
The Police bring a touch of new wave magic to love songs with “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” It’s about being completely enchanted and captivated by every aspect of someone’s being. Sting’s distinctive vocals and the song’s upbeat rhythm convey the joy and wonder of being in love. “Everything she do just turns me on” – lyrics that celebrate the captivating allure of a loved one.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing adoration and enchantment with every detail about your partner.
The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (Official Music Video)
26. Rainbow – Since You Been Gone
Album: Down To Earth (1979)
Rainbow’s “Since You Been Gone,” while powerful, speaks to the void left by a lost love. It’s about the emptiness and disorientation experienced when someone significant departs, leaving you feeling lost and confined. “These four wall are closing in, look at the fix you put me in” – lyrics that convey the claustrophobic feeling of loneliness after a breakup.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing the ache of missing someone and the impact of their absence.
Rainbow – Since You've Been Gone
27. REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling
Album: Wheels Are Turnin’ (1984)
REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a classic power ballad about finally surrendering to love. It’s about the journey from friendship to romance and the realization that love is inevitable and irresistible. “What started out as friendship has grown stronger” – lyrics that perfectly capture the evolution of love from a platonic bond.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Confessing feelings that have developed over time and admitting that friendship has blossomed into love.
REO Speedwagon – Can't Fight This Feeling (Official HD Video)
28. The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses
Album: Sticky Fingers (1971)
The Rolling Stones deliver a raw and tender ballad with “Wild Horses.” It’s about enduring love, resilience, and the promise of a love that will last through hardships. “We’ll ride them some day” – lyrics that symbolize the enduring nature of love and overcoming obstacles together.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Celebrating a love that has weathered storms and is built to last, promising forever.
The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses (Live)
29. Roxy Music – Love Is The Drug
Album: Siren (1975)
Roxy Music’s “Love Is The Drug” is a sophisticated and seductive exploration of the addictive nature of love and attraction. It’s about the thrill of the chase and the intoxicating allure of romance. “Dim the lights, you can guess the rest” – lyrics that hint at the sensual and mysterious side of attraction.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Setting a mood of sophisticated seduction and playful pursuit in the dating game.
Roxy Music – Love Is The Drug
30. Patti Smith – Because The Night
Album: Easter (1978)
Patti Smith’s “Because The Night,” co-written with Bruce Springsteen, is a passionate and protective declaration of love. It’s about unwavering devotion and shielding your loved one from harm. “Take my hand, come undercover, they can’t hurt you now” – lyrics that express fierce protectiveness and unwavering support in love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Reassuring your partner of your unwavering support and protective love.
Patti Smith Group – Because the Night (Official Audio)
31. Rod Stewart – Maggie May
Album: Every Picture Tells A Story (1971)
Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” is a bittersweet reflection on a past love, tinged with nostalgia and a touch of regret. It’s about the complexities of young love and the lingering memories that remain. “You stole my soul, and that’s a pain I can do without” – lyrics that express the lingering pain and emotional toll of a past relationship.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Reflecting on past loves with a mix of fondness and melancholy, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of memories.
Rod Stewart – Maggie May (1971)
32. U2 – With Or Without You
Album: The Joshua Tree (1987)
U2’s “With Or Without You” is an anthemic exploration of love’s push and pull, the dependence and sometimes painful necessity of a deep connection. It’s about the inescapable nature of love, even when it’s complicated. “You give it all but I want more, and I’m waiting for you” – lyrics that express the constant yearning and sometimes conflicting desires within intense love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing the deep, sometimes complicated, but ultimately undeniable need for a loved one.
U2 – With Or Without You (Official Music Video)
33. Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love
Album: 5150 (1986)
Van Halen’s “Why Can’t This Be Love” is a melodic rock anthem about the confusion and uncertainty of new love. It’s about questioning feelings and trying to understand the nature of a burgeoning romance. “Whoa, here it comes, that funny feeling again” – lyrics that capture the hesitant but exciting uncertainty of new romantic feelings.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Navigating the early stages of attraction and questioning the nature of new feelings.
Van Halen – Why Can't This Be Love (1986) (Music Video) WIDESCREEN 720p
34. Whitesnake – Is This Love
Album: Whitesnake (1987)
Whitesnake’s “Is This Love” is a quintessential power ballad about recognizing true love when it arrives. It’s about the realization that what you’re feeling might be “the one” and the vulnerability of admitting those feelings. “I find I spend my time waiting on your call” – lyrics that express the anticipation and hope that come with realizing you might be falling in love.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Realizing you’re falling deeply in love and contemplating if this could be “the one.”
Whitesnake – Is This Love (Official Music Video)
35. ZZ Top – Gimme All Your Lovin’
Album: Eliminator (1983)
ZZ Top brings their signature blues-rock swagger to romance with “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense demand for affection and physical intimacy. “Like a boomerang I need a repeat” – lyrics that express a direct and playful desire for physical closeness and affection.
Ideal Rock Love Song For: Expressing desire for physical affection and playful intimacy with a direct and rock-and-roll attitude.
