Songs about love have resonated with audiences across generations, capturing the myriad emotions associated with romance. From heartfelt ballads of the 1950s to contemporary pop anthems, Romance Songs explore the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of being in love. This article delves into the top Billboard Hot 100 hits that feature a form of the word “love” in their titles, showcasing the enduring power of romance in music.
This curated list spans the entire history of the Hot 100 chart, from The Teddy Bears’ 1958 classic “To Know Him Is to Love Him” to Lewis Capaldi’s poignant 2019 hit “Someone You Loved.” Love, in its diverse and multifaceted forms, is the central theme, encompassing songs about “The Power of Love” (Huey Lewis & The News), “The Greatest Love of All” (Whitney Houston), everlasting love like Donna Lewis’ “I Love You Always Forever,” and even the more suggestive side of love in Madonna’s “Justify My Love.”
Music trends may evolve, but the universal themes of love and romance, and the songs they inspire, remain eternally relevant. Proof of this enduring appeal lies in the statistics: an impressive 9.6% of all Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles include the word “love” in their song titles.
Billboard’s definitive ranking of the Top 50 Romance Songs of All Time is based on song performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 chart from its inception on August 4, 1958, to February 8, 2025. The list includes songs with “love” or variations like “lover” or “loving” in the title, specifically focusing on romantic love. Songs about non-romantic love are excluded. Rankings are determined using an inverse point system, weighting weeks at No. 1 most heavily and lower chart positions accordingly. Chart methodology changes over the years are factored in to ensure fair representation across different eras.
“Lovin’ You” – Minnie Riperton | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1975)
Minnie Riperton’s ethereal “Lovin’ You” is a testament to the power of simplicity and vocal brilliance in romance songs. After honing her craft with Chess Records’ The Gems and Rotary Connection, and contributing vocals to Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, Riperton embarked on a solo career. While her initial single didn’t make waves, “Lovin’ You,” the follow-up, became her signature song. Produced with the gentle touch of Stevie Wonder, this track, with its iconic whistle register and bird song sound effects, evokes the tender and delicate emotions of being deeply in love. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a standout romance anthem of the 1970s.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” – The Righteous Brothers | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1965)
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” by The Righteous Brothers captures the agonizing ache of love fading away, a common theme in many poignant romance songs. Penned by the prolific songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, the song’s genesis was in a rented room at the Chateau Marmont, inspired by The Four Tops’ “Baby I Need Your Loving.” The phrase “You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’,” initially intended as placeholder lyrics, resonated so strongly with producer Phil Spector that he insisted they remain. This powerful ballad, amplified by Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound,” perfectly encapsulates the despair and heartbreak of a love growing cold, making it a timeless classic in the realm of romance-themed music.
“This Guy’s In Love With You” – Herb Alpert | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1968)
Herb Alpert’s “This Guy’s In Love With You” offers a charmingly direct and sincere expression of romantic devotion. Initially sung by Alpert to his wife on a CBS special filmed on a Malibu beach, this Burt Bacharach and Hal David composition was not intended for commercial release. However, the overwhelming viewer response, with countless calls to CBS inquiring about purchasing the song, prompted A&M Records to release it as a single. The song’s simple, heartfelt declaration of love, delivered with Alpert’s warm vocals, resonated deeply, quickly climbing the charts and becoming A&M’s first No. 1 hit, demonstrating the public’s appetite for genuine and uncomplicated romance songs.
“Don’t Let Go (Love)” – En Vogue | Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1997)
En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love)” blends soulful harmonies with a message of holding onto love in the face of adversity. This hit single, the 12th Hot 100 entry for the Oakland-based female vocal group, stands as their most successful, spending four weeks at the runner-up position. Originally created for the soundtrack of the film Set It Off, starring Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett, the song’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics about fighting for love resonated with audiences. It became a signature 90s romance anthem, showcasing the group’s vocal prowess and their ability to deliver songs with both strength and vulnerability in the context of romantic relationships.
“Justify My Love” – Madonna | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1991)
Madonna’s “Justify My Love” explores the sensual and provocative aspects of romance, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation. The music video, deemed too risqué by MTV, was famously banned by the network, only to be released as the first commercially available video single, creating significant buzz. ABC’s “Nightline” then aired the uncensored video, further amplifying its notoriety. The song itself, with its breathy vocals and suggestive lyrics, delves into the realm of desire and physical intimacy within romance. This bold and controversial approach solidified Madonna’s image as a provocateur while topping the charts, demonstrating that romance songs can explore even the most daring facets of love and attraction.
“That’s The Way Love Goes” – Janet Jackson | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1993)
Janet Jackson’s “That’s The Way Love Goes” captures the smooth, sensual, and effortless feeling of falling into new love. As Jackson’s debut single for Virgin Records, it was initially based on a sample from James Brown’s “Papa Don’t Take No Mess.” However, Jackson’s initial reaction to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’s track was lukewarm. The producers encouraged her to live with it during her Christmas vacation. Upon her return, her opinion had transformed, declaring it “the bomb.” This mellow, R&B-infused track, with its understated groove and lyrics about the natural progression of love, became a major hit, spending eight weeks at No. 1 and highlighting the ease and comfort that can be found in romantic connections.
“The Power of Love” – Celine Dion | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1994)
Celine Dion’s rendition of “The Power of Love” is a soaring ballad that celebrates the overwhelming and transformative force of romantic love. Originally written and performed by Jennifer Rush, the song had struggled to gain traction in America despite versions by Rush, Air Supply, and Laura Branigan. However, Dion’s powerful vocal delivery and emotional interpretation propelled it to No. 1. Dion herself recognized the song’s vocal strength, stating, “If you want to open up and sing strong, you could not have a better song than ‘Power of Love.'” Her powerful performance transformed the song into a signature romance anthem, emphasizing the dramatic and all-encompassing nature of love’s power.
“I Love You Always Forever” – Donna Lewis | Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1996)
Donna Lewis’s “I Love You Always Forever” is a sweet and enduring declaration of everlasting love, perfect for expressing timeless romantic commitment. Despite its immense popularity and nine weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100, it was famously blocked from the top spot by Los Del Rio’s “Macarena.” However, it reigned supreme on the Radio Songs chart for 12 weeks, demonstrating its widespread airplay and listener appeal. This catchy and heartfelt song, with its simple yet powerful message of eternal love, became a defining romance song of the 90s, capturing the desire for a love that lasts “always and forever.”
“I Just Called to Say I Love You” – Stevie Wonder | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1984)
Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” is a simple yet profoundly effective expression of love’s everyday importance. Originally created for the Gene Wilder film “The Woman in Red,” the song’s creation came about after Dionne Warwick suggested Wonder for the soundtrack. This seemingly simple ballad, with its straightforward message of love, resonated globally, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to capture the everyday moments of love, reminding listeners that expressing “I love you” can be the most romantic gesture, even without grand pronouncements.
“Greatest Love of All” – Whitney Houston | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1986)
Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” is a powerful ballad that, while interpreted by many as self-love, also carries romantic undertones of finding strength and love within oneself, which can then be extended to romantic relationships. Written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed for the Muhammad Ali biopic The Greatest, it was first recorded by George Benson, reaching No. 24 in 1977. Houston’s audition for Clive Davis included this song, and while initially a B-side, its radio popularity propelled it to become a single in its own right. Houston’s iconic rendition transformed the song into an anthem of self-empowerment and inner strength, qualities that are also vital in navigating the complexities of romance and love.
“The Power of Love” – Huey Lewis & the News | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1985)
Huey Lewis & the News’s “The Power of Love” is an upbeat and energetic romance song, perfectly capturing the exciting and exhilarating aspects of love, especially in the context of the iconic film Back to the Future. Initially approached to contribute “In the Nick of Time” to the soundtrack, delays led Lewis to offer it to another film. For Back to the Future, he then offered “Back in Time,” and finally, “The Power of Love” emerged for another scene. This song, with its catchy melody and driving rhythm, became the movie’s breakout hit, illustrating how romance songs can be fun, energetic, and integral to popular culture, especially in film.
“Dreamlover” – Mariah Carey | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1993)
Mariah Carey’s “Dreamlover” is a breezy and optimistic romance song, expressing the longing for an ideal romantic partner. Carey and producer Dave Hall developed the song organically, starting without a title. Hall explains, “Usually…[I] do an untitled song…We’ll grab the hook and use that as a title.” This collaborative approach resulted in “Dreamlover,” which became Carey’s then-longest-reigning No. 1 hit. The song’s lighthearted melody and lyrics about finding the perfect “dreamlover” resonated with audiences, showcasing the hopeful and aspirational side of romance in music.
“Love Hangover” – Diana Ross | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1976)
Diana Ross’s “Love Hangover” is a dynamic disco track that captures the intoxicating and euphoric feeling of being deeply in love. Uncharacteristically disco for Motown in 1976, Ross initially found the Pam Sawyer/Marilyn McLeod tune unusual. While she embraced the slow, seductive first half, she laughed at the faster tempo, protesting she couldn’t sing that part. Producer Hal Davis created a club atmosphere in the studio, and Ross embraced the energy, resulting in another No. 1 hit. The song’s contrasting tempos mirror the stages of romantic infatuation, from slow burn to exhilarating rush, making it a unique and memorable romance song of the disco era.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – UB40 | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1993)
UB40’s reggae-infused cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” brings a relaxed and heartfelt interpretation to this classic romance song. Elvis Presley’s original version reached No. 2 in 1962. Decades later, UB40 was asked to remake it for the Honeymoon in Vegas soundtrack. Initially passed over for Bono’s version, UB40’s recording was rescued by the music supervisor of Sliver. Their mellow reggae rendition brought a fresh perspective to the timeless melody and lyrics about the inevitability of falling in love, proving the song’s enduring romantic appeal across genres and generations.
“I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” – England Dan and John Ford Coley | Hot 100 Peak: No. 2 (1976)
England Dan and John Ford Coley’s “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” is a gentle and intimate romance song, expressing a simple desire for connection and closeness. Written by Parker McGee, it was recorded by both England Dan and John Ford Coley and Seals & Crofts, both acts connected to the Dawnbreaker Music publishing company founded by Dan and Jim Seals. England Dan and John Ford Coley’s version resonated most strongly, reaching No. 2. The song’s straightforward lyrics and soft rock melody capture the tender longing for romantic company, making it a quintessential soft rock romance ballad of the 70s.
“I Knew I Loved You” – Savage Garden | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2000)
Savage Garden’s “I Knew I Loved You” is a modern romance anthem about the realization of finding true love. After producer Walter Afanasieff delivered their album, the band was challenged to create another hit like “Truly Madly Deeply.” Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones responded swiftly, creating “I Knew I Loved You” in just ten minutes. This song, with its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics about recognizing a destined love, became their second No. 1 hit. It exemplifies the modern pop romance song, capturing the feeling of certainty and destiny in finding “the one.”
“I Want to Know What Love Is” – Foreigner | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1985)
Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” is a powerful rock ballad that explores the yearning for deeper understanding and experience of love. Despite initial hesitation from band members Lou Gramm and Rick Willis, who worried it might damage their rock image, Mick Jones championed its release, citing its timely Christmas release and mood. The song’s anthemic chorus and heartfelt vocals express a universal desire to comprehend the true nature of love. This power ballad became a defining romance song for Foreigner, demonstrating that even rock bands can deliver deeply emotional and romantic messages through their music.
“What’s Love Got to Do With It” – Tina Turner | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1984)
Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It” is a defiant and mature take on romance, questioning the nature of love versus lust and emotional detachment. Initially a cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” underperformed for Turner at Capitol Records. The follow-up, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” originally recorded but unreleased by Bucks Fizz, became Turner’s first No. 1 in the US. Her powerful and raspy vocals, combined with the song’s cynical yet catchy melody, offered a more complex and realistic perspective on romance, questioning societal expectations and exploring love beyond simple sentimentality.
“She Loves You” – The Beatles | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1964)
The Beatles’ “She Loves You” is an early example of the band’s infectious energy and simple yet universal romantic themes. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney on a tour bus in Yorkshire, England, producer George Martin suggested starting with the chorus “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah.” This upbeat and enthusiastic declaration of love, with its iconic “yeah, yeah, yeah” hook, captured the youthful optimism of early 60s romance. It became a defining song of the British Invasion and a testament to the Beatles’ ability to craft simple, powerful, and universally appealing romance songs.
“Love Child” – Diana Ross & the Supremes | Hot 100 Peak: No 1 (1968)
Diana Ross & the Supremes’ “Love Child” tackles a more socially conscious and complex aspect of romance, addressing themes of illegitimacy and societal judgment. After a string of No. 1 hits with Holland-Dozier-Holland, the Supremes collaborated with new Motown writers, resulting in their 11th chart-topper. “Love Child” was part of Motown’s shift towards more socially relevant songs in 1968. This song, with its dramatic narrative and powerful vocals, explored the challenges and prejudices faced in romantic relationships outside societal norms, adding depth and social commentary to the genre of romance songs.
“(Love Is) Thicker Than Water” – Andy Gibb | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1978)
Andy Gibb’s “(Love Is) Thicker Than Water” is a smooth and heartfelt ballad about the resilience of love in overcoming obstacles. While his brother Robin Gibb was known as the “chart freak,” Andy was also an avid chart watcher, closely following his second single’s progress. He recalled initial anxieties as its chart momentum slowed, but it eventually surged to No. 1. This mellow and emotionally resonant song, with its reassuring message that love can withstand hardship, became a signature romance song for Gibb, showcasing his vocal talent and ability to deliver heartfelt ballads.
“I Think I Love You” – The Partridge Family | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1970)
The Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You” is a bubblegum pop romance song, capturing the tentative and exciting early stages of romantic feelings. Despite being a TV series band, David Cassidy and Shirley Jones were genuinely involved in the music. Jones, who considered her vocal contributions minimal, expressed surprise and pride at earning a gold record. This catchy and lighthearted song, with its theme of budding romance and youthful infatuation, became a huge hit, demonstrating the appeal of simple and relatable romance themes in pop music, especially for younger audiences.
“Love Rollercoaster” – Ohio Players | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1976)
Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster” is a funk-infused romance song, using the metaphor of a rollercoaster to describe the exciting ups and downs of love. After 15 years of struggle, they achieved No. 1 with “Fire” in 1975. While the follow-up “Sweet Sticky Thing” stalled, “Love Rollercoaster” returned them to the top. This song, with its distinctive sound effects and playful lyrics, captures the exhilarating and unpredictable nature of love, likening it to an exciting and sometimes turbulent rollercoaster ride, adding a unique funk perspective to romance songs.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1987)
Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is an upbeat and celebratory romance song, expressing the desire for love and companionship on the dance floor. Songwriters George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, who previously wrote “How Will I Know” for Houston, initially had “Waiting for a Star to Fall” rejected before recording it themselves. Encouraged to try again, they quickly wrote “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” This energetic and joyful song, with its infectious chorus and theme of wanting to share happiness with a loving partner, became another signature hit for Houston, highlighting the fun and celebratory aspects of romance.
“Love Will Keep Us Together” – Captain and Tennille | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1975)
Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” is an optimistic and reassuring romance song, emphasizing the strength and durability of love in a relationship. Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, it was originally on Sedaka’s album Sedaka’s Back. Captain and Tennille’s cover, heard by A&M’s Kip Cohen, became a massive hit. This upbeat and positive song, with its catchy melody and message of love’s enduring power, became a signature tune for Captain and Tennille, embodying the optimistic and steadfast nature of romantic commitment.
“Roses Are Red (My Love)” – Bobby Vinton | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1962)
Bobby Vinton’s “Roses Are Red (My Love)” is a classic and sentimental romance song, using the symbolic gesture of red roses to express love and devotion. Facing being dropped by Epic Records, Vinton discovered this song in a reject pile and asked for one more chance. His initial R&B recording was deemed poor, but a second session with a new arrangement, strings, and a choir, resulted in a No. 1 hit. This traditional and heartfelt ballad, with its classic romantic imagery and sincere vocal delivery, became Vinton’s signature song, demonstrating the timeless appeal of classic romance themes in music.
“Crazy in Love,” Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2003)
Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” featuring Jay-Z, is a high-energy and infectious romance song, capturing the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming feeling of being head-over-heels in love. As Beyoncé’s debut solo single post-Destiny’s Child, it became her first solo No. 1. She famously asked Jay-Z to feature on the song the night before her album deadline. This dynamic and powerful track, with its catchy beats and lyrics about the intoxicating nature of love, became a defining song of the early 2000s, showcasing Beyoncé’s solo star power and the exciting energy of new romance.
“Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem feat. Rihanna | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2010)
Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” is a raw and intense romance song, exploring the darker and more complex aspects of love, including abusive relationships. The collaboration, drawing from both artists’ personal experiences, proved incredibly powerful, reaching No. 1 for seven weeks and becoming their best-selling song. This emotionally charged and controversial song, with its stark portrayal of a tumultuous relationship, demonstrated that romance songs can also tackle difficult and uncomfortable themes, resonating with audiences through its honesty and emotional rawness.
“To Sir With Love” – Lulu | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1967)
Lulu’s “To Sir With Love” is a tender and heartfelt romance song, expressing gratitude and affection within a student-teacher dynamic in the film of the same name. Disliking the initial soundtrack song options, Lulu asked her friend Mark London to write a title song. He composed the music quickly, and Don Black added lyrics. This sweet and sentimental ballad, with its theme of appreciation and affection, became a No. 1 hit and is closely associated with the film, showcasing how romance songs can be integral to cinematic storytelling and emotional resonance.
“Vision of Love” – Mariah Carey | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1990)
Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” is a debut single that showcased her incredible vocal talent and a hopeful vision of romance. Co-written with Ben Margulies shortly after signing with Columbia, Carey described it as less a typical love song and more a celebration of her life at the time. This song, with its signature melisma and powerful vocals, became her breakthrough hit, establishing her as a vocal powerhouse and highlighting the aspirational and optimistic aspects of romance in her early music.
“It Must Have Been Love” – Roxette | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1990)
Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” is a power ballad initially conceived as a Christmas song, later revised for the Pretty Woman soundtrack, becoming a global romance anthem. Per Gessle updated the 1987 Swedish Christmas track for the film. The director’s fondness for the song reportedly led to re-editing the movie to include it. This emotionally resonant ballad, with its themes of love and loss, became a defining song of the Pretty Woman soundtrack and a signature romance song for Roxette, illustrating how romance songs can find new life and broader audiences through film associations.
“Love Takes Time” – Mariah Carey | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1990)
Mariah Carey’s “Love Takes Time” is another early hit that showcases her vocal prowess and explores the theme of patience and gradual development in romance. Added to her debut album at the last minute after Carey played a demo for label president Don Ienner on a plane, it was deemed a “career-maker.” This ballad, with its message that love requires patience and nurturing, became another No. 1 hit for Carey, solidifying her early success and showcasing her ability to deliver emotionally resonant romance songs.
“Woman in Love” – Barbra Streisand | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1980)
Barbra Streisand’s “Woman in Love” is a sophisticated and mature romance ballad, exploring the perspective of a woman deeply in love. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb credited Streisand for the song’s success, attributing “at least 80 percent” to her performance. This elegant and emotionally rich ballad, with Streisand’s powerful vocals and the Gibb brothers’ songwriting, became a signature song for Streisand, highlighting her ability to interpret and elevate romance songs with depth and sophistication.
“Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2019)
Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” is a contemporary piano ballad that captures the raw and vulnerable emotions of heartbreak and loss in love. While charting in the UK in 2017, Capaldi was unknown in the US until this single became a sleeper hit, reaching No. 1 in its 24th week. Written about his late grandmother, this poignant and emotionally charged song resonated deeply with listeners, becoming a modern heartbreak anthem and demonstrating the enduring power of vulnerable and honest romance songs.
“Love Is Blue” – Paul Mauriat | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1968)
Paul Mauriat’s instrumental “Love Is Blue” offers a unique take on romance, conveying emotion and atmosphere purely through melody and orchestration. An instrumental cover of “L’Amor Est Bleu,” Luxembourg’s 1967 Eurovision entry, it topped the Hot 100 five years after Mauriat co-wrote Peggy March’s “I Will Follow Him.” This lush and romantic instrumental piece, proving that romance in music can be expressed without lyrics, became a surprise No. 1 hit, highlighting the power of melody and arrangement to evoke romantic feelings.
“To Know Him Is to Love Him” – The Teddy Bears | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1958)
The Teddy Bears’ “To Know Him Is to Love Him” is a classic early romance song, inspired by a poignant personal experience of loss and love. Written by Phil Spector, the title was inspired by his father’s tombstone inscription: “To Know Him Was to Love Him.” This tender and heartfelt ballad, with its simple melody and message of enduring love, became a No. 1 hit and marked an early success for Spector, demonstrating the timeless appeal of romance songs rooted in personal emotion and sincerity.
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen | Hot 100: No. 1 (1980)
Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is an upbeat and rockabilly-inspired romance song, capturing the playful and exciting side of falling in love. Written by Freddie Mercury in his bath at the Munich Hilton, he quickly developed the melody. Despite initial label hesitation in the US, radio play of imported UK singles forced an American release. This energetic and fun song, a departure from Queen’s typical rock anthems, became a No. 1 hit, demonstrating the band’s versatility and their ability to create engaging romance songs across genres.
“Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1996)
Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” is another powerful ballad, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering support and love of a partner. Written by Diane Warren for the film Up Close and Personal, Warren recalls the chorus “lyrically and musically wrote itself” after discussing her vision with the director. This emotionally resonant and grateful song, with Dion’s signature vocal power, became another No. 1 hit for her, emphasizing the theme of appreciation and the transformative power of supportive love in romance songs.
“My Love” – Paul McCartney and Wings | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1973)
Paul McCartney and Wings’ “My Love” is a tender and personal ballad, written by McCartney for his wife Linda Eastman. Inspired by Linda, whom he married in 1969, this sentimental and heartfelt song became a No. 1 hit for Wings. This intimate and personal ballad, with McCartney’s sincere vocals and direct expression of love for his wife, showcases the deeply personal and romantic inspiration behind many enduring love songs.
“Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2008)
Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” is a powerful and emotive ballad about the intense pain and devotion in love, even when it hurts. Written by Ryan Tedder and Jesse McCartney, inspired by McCartney’s long-distance relationship, it was initially intended for McCartney himself. However, his label was uninterested, and it went to Leona Lewis, winner of The X Factor. This dramatic and emotionally charged song, with Lewis’s powerful vocals and themes of passionate but painful love, became a global hit, highlighting the intensity and sacrifice sometimes associated with romance.
“I Can’t Stop Loving You” – Ray Charles | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1962)
Ray Charles’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” is a soulful and deeply emotional rendition of a country song, expressing unwavering and persistent love. Written by Don Gibson in 1958, Charles decided to record it after hearing just the first two lines for his album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. This soulful and heartfelt version, with Charles’s signature vocals and emotional delivery, transformed the country song into a soul classic and a timeless romance song, showcasing the depth and unwavering nature of romantic love.
“Best of My Love” – The Emotions | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1977)
The Emotions’ “Best of My Love” is a disco-infused soul song, celebrating the joy and uplifting power of love. Signed to Maurice White’s production company after Stax Records folded, White and Al McKay wrote this song specifically for them and Wanda Hutchinson’s lead vocals. This upbeat and joyful song, with its infectious disco rhythm and message of giving the best of oneself in love, became a No. 1 hit for The Emotions, highlighting the celebratory and uplifting aspects of romance in the disco era.
“Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” – Stevie B | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1990)
Stevie B’s “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” is a freestyle pop ballad, expressing passionate and devoted love. Songwriter Warren Allen Brooks considers it a “spiritual song,” despite its romantic interpretation, seeing it as a relationship with God. This passionate and synth-driven ballad, with its straightforward declaration of love, became a No. 1 hit for Stevie B, showcasing the enduring appeal of direct and emotional expressions of love in pop music, even with potentially deeper interpretations.
“Let Me Love You” – Mario | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2005)
Mario’s “Let Me Love You” is a smooth and contemporary R&B romance song, offering a heartfelt plea to be given the chance to demonstrate love. Mario himself was surprised by its massive success, noting its emotional depth as a key factor in its lasting appeal. This tender and sincere song, with its smooth R&B production and theme of seeking a chance to prove one’s love, became a major hit for Mario, highlighting the enduring appeal of earnest and emotional romance songs in contemporary R&B.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1992)
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” is a signature power ballad and a definitive romance song about enduring love and letting go. Originally written and performed by Dolly Parton, Houston’s version for The Bodyguard soundtrack became a global phenomenon, spending 14 weeks at No. 1. This iconic and emotionally overwhelming ballad, with Houston’s unparalleled vocal performance and themes of bittersweet farewell and lasting love, became Whitney Houston’s signature song and perhaps the most iconic romance song of the 1990s.
“Silly Love Songs” – Wings | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1976)
Wings’ “Silly Love Songs” is a lighthearted and catchy pop song that playfully defends the concept of simple love songs. 1976 was a banner year for “love” songs reaching No. 1, and “Silly Love Songs” was the longest-running among them. This upbeat and whimsical song, with its self-aware lyrics about the prevalence and appeal of simple love songs, became a No. 1 hit for Wings, demonstrating the enduring popularity of straightforward and joyful romance themes in pop music.
“We Found Love” – Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (2011)
Rihanna and Calvin Harris’s “We Found Love” is a modern dance-pop anthem that explores finding love even in unexpected or “hopeless” places. Becoming Rihanna’s biggest hit and the top “love” song of the 21st century, it was only her fourth Hot 100 entry with “love” in the title. This high-energy and anthemic track, with its themes of finding love amidst chaos and unexpected circumstances, became a defining dance-pop romance song of the 2010s, showcasing the modern interpretation of romance in electronic music.
“How Deep Is Your Love,” Bee Gees | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1977)
Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” is a smooth and soulful disco ballad, exploring the depth and sincerity of romantic love. Written for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack without seeing the script, the Gibb brothers initially intended it for Yvonne Elliman, but their manager insisted they record it. This mellow and emotionally resonant song, with its iconic harmonies and theme of profound romantic inquiry, became a defining song of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and a signature romance song for the Bee Gees, illustrating the power of music to enhance cinematic romance.
“I’ll Make Love to You” – Boyz II Men | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1994)
Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You” is a smooth and sensual R&B ballad, expressing intimate and romantic promises. Initially hesitant about recording a song too similar to “End of the Road,” the group was persuaded by their record company, and it became another massive hit. This tender and seductive song, with Boyz II Men’s signature harmonies and theme of romantic intimacy, became a defining ballad of the 90s and a quintessential romance song for slow dances and romantic moments.
“Endless Love” Diana Ross & Lionel Richie | Hot 100 Peak: No. 1 (1981)
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love” is a classic duet ballad, expressing eternal and unwavering romantic devotion. Originally intended as an instrumental theme for the film Endless Love, Lionel Richie added lyrics and Diana Ross as a duet partner at the director’s request. This timeless and emotionally resonant duet, with its theme of everlasting love, became a No. 1 hit and a classic romance song, showcasing the power of vocal collaboration to amplify romantic themes in music.
