Love songs come in all shapes and sizes. There’s a love song for every occasion, from soulful ballads to upbeat pop tunes. These songs make us swoon, giggle with excitement and make a permanent smile a fixture on our faces. And the songs on this list are no different.
Here is our list of the best songs about falling in love;
1. “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers
It’s the mushy definition of a love song that becomes all the more powerful for it. ‘Unchained Melody’ has all the corny trappings of a by-the-numbers ballad: the swooning, arpeggiated opening, the crescendo to an epic orchestral finale, lyrics whose blatant emotional manipulation ought to fall right apart under scrutiny. But there’s real, undeniable hunger in Bobby Hatfield’s luminous and raw vocal, the push and pull of the instrumentation is subtler than expected, and the words reveal layers where true fidelity fights to overcome lingering doubt.
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2. “I Wanna Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
The world is a cruel and unpredictable place. We cannot control what happens to us, but we live in the hope that love will be kind to us. That’s the sentiment behind this 1984 power ballad from New York rockers Foreigner, who found huge success in the 80s with a string of top ten hits.
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3. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by UB40
UB40’s cover is a more romantic take on Elvis Presley’s original, which was about a man who wants to be with his love despite the obstacles that come their way. The reggae band’s version is a soulful plea to be allowed to love and be loved in return.
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4. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton’s 1974 ballad is one of the most successful love songs of all time. The song was originally written as a farewell to a lover, but Parton wrote it after she came home from touring and saw her professional success growing. She rewrote the lyrics with an optimistic view of love, which made its way into Houston’s version. She also has other falling in love songs.
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5. “My Girl” by the Temptations
This sugary ’64 chart-topper (the Temptations’ first) might be the best puppy-love song ever. Penned by fellow Motown signees the Miracles, its instantly recognizable guitar riff (right up there with the one from ‘Satisfaction’), peppy finger snaps, unabashed optimism, and comforting-as-a-much-needed-hug harmonies can make even the most jaded downer feel all warm inside.
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6. ‘At Last’ by Etta James
Written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the movie ‘Cabaret’ in 1941, ‘At Last’ was popular by Etta James in 1961. James’ version became a hit, reaching the top of the R&B and pop charts early 1962. It stayed there for five weeks and was her first single to sell a million copies.
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7. “Silly Love Songs” by Wings
Paul McCartney wrote ‘Silly Love Songs’ to deal with the break-up of his first marriage. He has said that the song is “about trying to keep your sense of humor about it all.” The song became a hit for Wings and was their biggest seller in the US.
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8. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
Aerosmith’s 1998 hit ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,’ written by Diane Warren, was originally destined for the singer Celine Dion. When it didn’t work with Dion’s record company, she passed it on to Aerosmith, who recorded the song for their album Armageddon.
9. “Your Song” by Elton John
Written by Sir Elton and Bernie Taupin, the song was originally titled ‘Screw You,’ and it’s about a young man who mocks marriage and love in general but then meets someone special. This is one of Sir Elton John’s most popular love songs.
10. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
The song is about the singer’s unyielding, all-encompassing and selfless love for the person he is singing to. It became a hit in 2008 and has been covered by numerous artists.
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11. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder wrote the song as a Valentine’s Day present for his wife, Syreeta Wright. It is one of Wonder’s most popular songs and has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé, who had a number one hit with his version in 2005.
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12. “To Love Somebody” by Bee Gees
Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb wrote the song as a tribute to their older brother Maurice, who had died of cancer the year before. It is one of the Bee Gees’ most popular songs and has been covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone and Michael Bolton.
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13. “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” by Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s version of the song was a number one hit in 1961. It was written by Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore and was originally recorded by American singer Jesse Belvin in 1960.
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14. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton wrote the song in 1974 as a farewell to her one-time partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner. She rewrote the lyrics with an optimistic view of love, which made its way into Whitney Houston’s version.
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15. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles
The song is about the singer’s reluctance to write a love song because she’s been hurt in the past. It became a hit in 2007 and was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
16. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Written by Dorothy Fields and Jerome Kern for the 1936 movie ‘Swing Time’, ‘The Way You Look Tonight was later made popular by Fred Astaire, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. It became a hit for Sinatra in 1964
17. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker’s version of the song was one of his most successful songs in the UK and around the world. Bruce Fisher and Jim Webb wrote the song. Other artists have recorded this song several times, including Billy Preston (in 1974) and The Beatles (in 1968).
18. “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles
The song, which John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote, was first released in 1967 and later included on the album ‘Magical Mystery Tour.’ It has become an unofficial anthem for the counterculture movement. This song is about looking through someone’s eyes, from the point at which you’re falling in love with them for the first time.
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19. “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston recorded this song as part of the soundtrack for the movie ‘The Bodyguard’, which also became a major success. It was written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond and originally sung by Stevie Wonder. This song is about the aftermath of a broken heart.
20. “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
Released as the theme song for the film’ Top Gun’, written and composed by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock and performed and produced by Berlin, this song was a hit on both the US Billboard Hot 100 list.
21. “Let Me Love You” by Mario
Kristian Lundin wrote the song Savan Kotecha and Max Martin for the singer’s second studio album ‘Italobrothers,’ released in 2006. The song became a major hit in the United States and was nominated for two Grammy Awards. This song is about the initial stages of falling in love.
22. “Love In An Elevator” by Aerosmith
The song, which Steven Tyler and Jim Vallance wrote, was released as a single in 1989 and became a major hit. It was included on the album’ Pump,’ released the same year. The song is about two people stuck in an elevator and starting to fall in love.
23. “Truly Madly Deeply” By Savage Garden
This track is about giving your all to the one you love and being their everything. When you fall in love with someone, you really ‘truly’ mean this sentiment.
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24. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles
Ray Charles recorded this song in 1962, and it was later included on the album ‘Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.’ It became a number one hit, too. It’s about a man who calls a woman who he loves deeply. Elvis Presley also covered this song.
25. “Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves
We all get butterflies from time to time (whenever we’re really nervous, this tends to happen). Here’s a hint: If someone gives you butterflies in your tummy, they definitely could be the one!
26. “Without You” by Mariah Carey
The song, written by Peter Ham and Tom Evans (of the band Badfinger), has been covered many times in different languages. It became a number one hit in several countries when it was recorded by Mariah Carey for her album ‘Music Box.’ The song is about the heartache of being apart from the person you love.
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27. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack recorded this song in 1972 for her album’ First Take’. It was written by Ewan MacColl and first appeared on his album ‘The English Folk Singer.’ The song is about the singer meeting a man and falling in love with him at first sight. Johnny Cash and many other artists also recorded this song.
28. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
When you find the one that you think is “your person” forever and ever, then you’ll certainly feel like you’re walking on sunshine! This 80s classic hit song is one for the ages.
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29. “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella Fitzgerald
Untroubled by the darker themes that complicate so many love songs, Irving Berlin’s 1935 classic—written for Fred Astaire to woo Ginger Rogers with as they dance in the movie Top Hat—is a pure expression of romantic bliss. ‘Heaven, I’m in heaven /, And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak’: When Ella Fitzgerald sings these lines on her 1958 album of Berlin standards, with a confident and good-natured swing of total content, you can’t help joining her in the clouds.
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30. “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledge
Originally recorded in 1966 by songwriter and producer Calvin Lewis and guitarist Andrew Wright for Atlantic Records, it was later covered by Percy Sledge for his album “When a Man Loves a Woman.” It became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 list and was later included in 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The song is about how it hurts when someone you love doesn’t love you back, but how deep your love for him is.
31. “I Love You” by Climax Blues Band
Originally written and performed by the band Crow, English group Climax Blues Band later covered this song on their album ‘Gold Plated’ in 1976. It became a number one hit on the UK singles chart and stayed at the top for four weeks. The song is about a man telling his lover how much he loves her.
There you have it – the best songs about falling in love. These falling in love songs will set you in the right mood for that special person in your life. Did we miss any of the top songs? Let us know by contacting us with your personal favorites today.
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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.