The early 2000s were an exciting time for musicians. Many different genres rose in popularity, and each produced fantastic love and romance songs. From pop to R&B to country, there were plenty of great love songs across all important 2000s genres. Shows like “American Idol” also helped produce superstars in the love ballad arena. Here are 23 of the best 2000s love songs:
1. “All of Me” – John Legend
John Legend cites balance as his inspiration for this moving piano ballad. He wrote it for his then-fiancée (now wife), Chrissy Teigen.
Legend’s vocals carry the track entirely with minimal instrumentation and vocal backing. He wrote the song with Toby Gad, the songwriter who wrote “If I Were a Boy” by Beyoncé.
It was his first #1 hit, and is definitely one of the most popular love songs of all time.
2. “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5
“She Will Be Loved” is the third single from Maroon 5’s debut album, “Songs About Jane.” The band eventually performed the song at the Superbowl in 2019.
The music video features Kelly Preston. Its touching lyrics and incredible vocal performance make it a popular love song worldwide.
Next: The best 2000s bands (our list of favorite bands from the decade)
3. “Yellow” – Coldplay
The second single from Coldplay’s debut album, “Parachutes,” “Yellow,” is a song about the simple things in life that make us happy. The song was written by Chris Martin and released in 2000. The song was the first commercial success for the band, and it paved the way to further commercial success.
Next: The best 2000s rock songs (top picks)
4. “Hero” – Enrique Iglesias
The third single from Enrique Iglesias’ second English-language album, “Escape,” “Hero,” is a song about a man in love with a woman who does not reciprocate his feelings. Its good lyrics, melody, and production made it a worldwide phenomenon.
The music video features Jennifer Love Hewitt. The song was written by Iglesias and released in 2001. Notably, it re-entered the Billboard Top 10 a decade after its initial release. In addition, the song has sold more than 8 million copies around the world.
Next: The best songs about letting go of someone and moving on
5. “Come Away with Me” – Norah Jones
The soft, bluesy piano song took the music world by storm. It was the lead single and title track from Jones’ debut album, released in 2002. It has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide. While the album did not have any significant hits, it was certified diamond.
“Come Away with Me” is a love song about taking a chance on love. It features first-person lyrics with an acoustic instrumental. Jones dated her bass player at the time.
The song was written by Jones and produced by Arif Mardin.
Next: Best and most famous female singers of the 2000s
6. “Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
The simple, lighthearted acoustic song is a one-hit-wonder released in 2007. It was a surprise hit and was the artists’ only release to be in the top 10 of the Billboard Charts.
Next: The best 2000s one hit wonders (our favorites list)
7. “Crazy In Love” – Beyoncé feat. Jay Z
The lead single from Beyoncé’s debut solo album, “Dangerously in Love,” “Crazy in Love,” is a song about being head-over-heels in love. Beyoncé, Rich Harrison, and Jay Z wrote the song. It was released in 2003 and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song features a sample of The Chi-Lites’ 1970 song “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)”. The music video for “Crazy In Love” was directed by Jake Nava and featured Beyoncé and Jay-Z dancing around various locations in New York City.
It was her debut single from her first solo album and helped her make her mark on the music world.
Next: The best R&B songs from the 2000s (’00s R&B track list)
8. “Home” – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The first single from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ debut album, “Up From Below,” “Home,” is a song about finding love in unexpected places. Alexander Ebert and Jade Castrinos wrote the track, and they released it in 2009.
The song features a male and female duet. Its lyrics talk about finding a sense of belonging in another person.
Its folk revival and relatable lyrics made it a surprise hit.
9. “A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
The lead single from Vanessa Carlton’s debut album, “Be Not Nobody,” “A Thousand Miles,” is a song about the distance one will go for love. The song was written by Carlton and released in 2002. The music video for “A Thousand Miles” was directed by Peter Zavadil and featured Carlton playing the piano in various locations around New York City.
Next: The best songs about long distance relationships (long distance love songs)
10. “Maps” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The driving anthem from female-led Yeah Yeah Yeahs is one of the best punk love songs of all time. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were quite successful in the 2000s, and this is one of their most popular tracks.
Next: The best rock bands of all time (top bands ever list)
11. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” – Death Cab for Cutie
The lead single from the fifth studio album from the band Death Cab For Cutie, titled “Plans,” “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” is a song about being willing to do anything for love. Ben Gibbard wrote the music and released it in 2005.
Next: The best sad love songs ever recorded (our list of top picks)
12. “Drops of Jupiter” – Train
The lead single from Train’s second album, “Drops of Jupiter,” “Drops of Jupiter,” is a song about love and loss. The song was written by Pat Monahan and released in 2001. The song won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)
13. “You and Me” – Lifehouse
The lead single from Lifehouse’s self-titled album, “You and Me,” is probably the most popular song by Lifehouse. The lead singer, Jason Wade, wrote it about his girlfriend, Braedon.
14. “Best I Ever Had” – Drake
The lead single from Drake’s debut album, “Thank Me Later,” “Best I Ever Had,” is a song about being in love with someone who does not reciprocate your feelings. The song was written by Drake and released in 2009.
Next: The top rap songs from the 2000s (our list)
15. “A Moment Like This” – Kelly Clarkson
The debut single from Kelly Clarkson, “A Moment Like This,” is a song about being in love and feeling like you are the luckiest person in the world. She performed the song after winning the first season of American Idol.
Next: Greatest upbeat love songs (play these at a wedding)
16. “Fallin” – Alicia Keys
“Fallin'” is the song that made Alicia Keys a household name. It’s from Alicia Keys’ album “Songs in A Minor”, released in 2001. It’s a song about being in love with someone who doesn’t return your affections. Keys wrote the music and released it on her debut LP in 2001.
Next: The best female singers of all time (top woman vocalists ever)
17. “Here Without You” – 3 Doors Down
“Here Without You” is from 3 Doors Down’s third album, “Seventeen Days.” This song is about being in love with someone on deployment. The song was written by Brad Arnold and released in 2002.
Next: The top songs for reunited love (getting back together songs)
18. “Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol
Alt-rock had a significant moment in the 2000s, and this unexpected hit from the band Snow Patrol was famous worldwide. It reached a massive audience after being used in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Tree Hill.”
Just listen to the first few seconds of the song and you’ll get transported back in time – that’s real, quality nostalgia!
19. “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
This song is from the album “In Between Dreams,” which he released in 2005. It’s a feel-good love song about being with the one you love. He wrote it for his wife and college sweetheart. Johnson wrote the music, and Mario Caldato Jr produced it.
Next: The best overall songs from the 2000s (top 2000s tracks)
20. “Gravity” – Sara Bareilles
This Grammy-nominated song is from the album “Little Voice,” released in 2007. It’s a beautiful ballad about being in love and feeling like you’re where you’re supposed to be. Bareilles wrote the song, and Eric Rosse produced it.
Next: Best 2000s country songs
21. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
This song is from the album “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things,” which he released in 2008. It’s a feel-good love song about being open to love. He says he wrote it in an afternoon. It features a lighthearted ukulele riff and a tropical feeling. Mraz wrote the music, and Joe Chiccarelli produced it. He rewrote it as “Outdoors” and performed it on Sesame Street in 2009.
Next: Top 2000s dance songs
22. “Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi”- Radiohead
This song is just so great we can’t leave it off the list, even though it’s meaning is a bit distorted. The poetic melody and lyrics are full of questions and contradictions. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi features an arpeggiated guitar riff.
Next: Top songs about new love & relationships
23. “Bless the Broken Road” – Rascal Flatts
This song is from the album “Feels Like Today,” released in 2004. It’s a beautiful ballad that’s all about being grateful for love. It was one of the most popular wedding songs of the 2000s. The songwriters won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
These love songs cover the full spectrum of love from many different perspectives. They are a must-have to add to any heartwarming playlist to reminisce on the sweetness of love. The 2000s had many amazing songs about love and this list covers some of the most popular and award-winning songs (with a few one-hit-wonders sprinkled in). So be sure to listen to a few to relax, unwind, and feel the love.
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.