As people, we need to express our emotions, good and bad. And ever since we’ve been able to, we’ve expressed those emotions through music.
It isn’t a new idea, and as time has gone on, the style of what we do has inevitably changed. With that in mind, I am going to take a look at some of the best 90s love songs.
Contents
Memories
No doubt some of the songs included here will bring back memories. It is important that music can do that because our memories are part of what and who we are. As Paul Simon wrote, “Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.”
The Crooners
At one time, the love song was owned almost solely by the crooner. The Crosby’s, Sinatra’s, and the Nat King Cole’s of this world. There were some girls as well, with Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday singing in differing styles.
That has changed as well. Now, there are some pretty heavy rock bands writing and recording some incredible love songs.
The 90s
For some, the 90s will always be a special time, as other times are for other people. There will be great songs and the inevitable cheesy ones. We shall ignore the latter and just go for the great songs performed well. So, let’s have a look at the best from the decade as I see them.
Top 125 Best 90s Love Songs
1
I’ll Stand by You – The Pretenders
This was a big record for The Pretenders from 1994. They featured Chrissie Hynde on lead vocals, and they were part British and part American.
The original band saw the deaths of two of its members in 82 and 83 through drug-related incidents. Chrissie Hynde says that this was one of the reasons they worked so hard and carried on. Since the band’s inception, she has been the only constant member.
No mincing words…
She was always the driving force behind the band and had a very forthright view on life. Part of that may have been because she was a student at Kent State University when four students were killed by the National Guard for protesting. Neil Young’s song “Ohio” recounts the incident.
Her vocals on the song are excellent and show a great depth of feeling.
2
My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From ”Titanic”) – Celine Dion
This is the first of many songs that have a certain similarity to them. Not similar in the way they sound. Similar in that they were all big movie themes. That seemed to be a common theme in the 90s.
I don’t need to say too much about this song. The song was one of the reasons the film “Titanic” in 1997 was so popular. The true, tragic storyline was embellished by the fictitious relationship between Winslet and DiCaprio’s characters.
This song was designed to be a tear-jerker and was always going to be a big part of the film. And so it turned out to be a huge hit that somehow just says, “the 90s”. Celine Dion did a great job of it, and it remains one of the best love songs of the 1990s. And probably one of the best in any decade.
3
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
Staying with the big song from a movie, this was another that made an impact in and out of the film. It was included in Hollywood’s latest, at the time, comedic interpretation of other countries’ mythologies. I am sure they meant the film as just a bit of fun. At least, I hope they weren’t being serious.
This Bryan Adams song from 1991 was excellent. It was able to capture the emotions people can use when expressing love for another. Doing everything for the benefit of your partner is something maybe we should all consider a little more.
An interesting song…
It was released on two different albums at the same time. It came out on his album Waking Up The Neighbours. And also as part of the soundtrack to the film “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.”
A powerful, very typical Bryan Adams performance with plenty of that growling voice adding plenty of emotion.
4
You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
Shania Twain, in her early days, was portrayed as a home-loving Country artist. That turned out to be not quite the case. She seems to like a bit of rock n roll mixed in as well. “You’re Still The One” was taken from her album, Come On Over, which had some very ‘un-country-like’ songs on it.
This track lifted her from a ‘home’ artist to a ‘worldwide’ attraction. And so it should. Great voice and writing good material, she crossed genres easily and with style.
A Sting In The Tail
Whilst being an affectionate love song that was written to her then-husband, it had a bit of a sting in the tail. He ended up being unfaithful, which caused her plenty of heartbreak. She got over it, though, and came back just as strong.
Nevertheless, a great song and well-sung. Released in 1997, it is one of the best 90s love songs.
5
It Must Have Been Love – Roxette
Swedish duo Roxette featured the stunning voice of Gun-Marie Fredriksson with guitarist Per Gessle. They were well-known for their ‘power ballads,’ and this love song is a good example.
I have to admit that I have cheated a bit with this one. It was first released in 1987 as a “Christmas song.” It was released again in 1990 with the references to Christmas taken out and included in the soundtrack for the film “Pretty Woman.” That is the version here.
That version was certified as either platinum or gold in various countries. Typical Of Roxette and Gessle’s writing, it is powerful with a good message, making it a great 1990s love song.
6
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
The theme of songs in the movies continues with this from Aerosmith. Included in the film “Armageddon” it became a big part of the movie and did very well for the band.
This was a song with some interesting stories attached to it. Firstly, it was a departure from the usual Aerosmith song, given what they had produced before. They weren’t a band you might associate with 90s ‘power ballads’.
Secondly, it was a song written by Diane Warren, a well-known writer in the 90s era. She was already established, having composed “Turn Back Time” for Cher. But add onto that “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes and Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” and others, and you have quite a catalog.
The 90s or the 70s?
I’m not sure she would ever think that a 70s rock band would record her songs. But that is what happened.
Finally, the song appeared in “Armageddon,” as I said, where the lead actress was Liv Tyler. She, of course, is the daughter of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler.
A very powerful song that Aerosmith does a very good job with. Tyler’s vocals are good, with plenty of grit and passion in his voice. If you were looking for the best love song from the 90s, this must be on your list.
7
Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John
This song is a rare commodity in that Elton John didn’t work with his usual lyricist, Bernie Taupin. He wrote the music for all the original songs, but the lyrics came from Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer wrote the soundtrack.
From Disney’s “The Lion King,” released in 1994, it is a song that encourages people not to give up. To keep on searching for love, whoever you might be. It emphasizes that there will be time for everyone, whether you are poor or a king.
It has had plenty of cover versions and certainly made a big impression in the film. But, only made number 14 on the UK chart.
8
How Do I Live – LeAnn Rimes
If you want to find one of the best love songs of the 90s, you could do a lot worse than this by LeAnn Rimes. This is one of those songs that has a great chorus that just stays with you.
Bit of a blockbuster…
It is another song written by Diane Warren, who has, as I have already said, proved herself to be one of the top songwriters of the 90s. This is a song for the 1997 film described as a ‘blockbuster’ called “ConAir.’ Not exactly how I would describe the film at all, but that is another story.
She was originally supposed to sing the song for the film but was dumped by Disney. They thought she was too young to sing the content. Ethics in the film industry? Surely not.
Despite the film and the song being given to Trisha Yearwood instead, the song was rushed on release by her father, so it was first out. It went to No 2 in the US and was in the top 100 for 69 weeks.
9
Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
Some may not see this as, strictly speaking, a love song. It deals more with a breakup and the disappointment of a failed relationship. She sings about how he let her down and wasn’t the perfect man she thought he was. And then wonders if such a man exists.
However, it is a song that is hoping that she will find the love she needs and has been denied. She is “Torn” between disappointment and hope for the future because she feels so let down. It is an indicator of just how important love is to all of us.
Not the first time…
This 1997 release is a cover version. The first release of the song came in 1993 by Lis Sørensen, a Danish singer.
There were also two others before Natalie’s version became an international hit single. It was her first release as a professional singer and taken from her first album, Left Of The Middle.
10
Angels – Robbie Williams
“Angels” was a track taken from his 1997 album, Life Thru A Lens. This was his most successful single. A nice ballad with a great hook, it was a song that gave him plenty of attention.
Contrary to belief, it didn’t reach number 1 in any country, peaking at number 4 in the UK. It was the subject of a lawsuit before its release. Ray Heffernan claimed he had written the song and showed it to Williams in Dublin at a chance meeting.
Williams said he did record a demo in Dublin, but he changed the song at a later date. Williams settled financially out of court to solve any problems. Whatever, it was a good love song and worthy of inclusion here.
11
Runaway – The Corrs
Take a family with great individual musicianship. Add some very good voices, and then an extra addition of great songwriting. What do you get? A sensation. And that is exactly what The Corrs were when they arrived on the music scene.
It was the film “The Commitments” that saw them make an entrance, as well as doing some acting, although they had been playing together for some time. Forty million albums sold, various great philanthropic activities, and their families to raise, caused the material to dry up.
But people still love their music and what they did. Not surprising, really. They are the most talented musicians from one family I have ever seen. And their songwriting is up there with the best.
The First Single
“Runaway” was their first single taken from their first album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten. It was only a moderate success, but it paved the way for the future. A great song with a great chord structure and is well-sung.
It is a simple and very expressive lyric about someone loving someone so much they would just run away with them.
12
Nothing Compares 2 U (2009 Remaster) – Sinead O’Connor
To those that know me, the inclusion of this song is going to raise some eyebrows. Firstly, I don’t like it when music people start pledging allegiance to extremists on whatever side of the fence they sit. Sinead did that early in her career but then retracted it, saying she had been silly. Agreed.
Also, I have a problem with music people who do things for an effect to draw attention to themselves. I mean, what is this “the artist formerly known as” stuff? I was just beginning to appreciate Prince, that’s what I will call him, as a musician and writer. But then he started playing childish games.
Many will not agree with my view, of course, and they are entitled to their opinions. Never mind. Let’s just get on with appreciating this amazing 90s song about love.
Great Song, Great Performance
So, this song was written by him and sung by her in 1990. But… it is a great song, there is no disputing that. And she does a spectacular job of it.
The music video shows her walking through a park in Paris with a tear on each cheek. Real tears, she was lost in thoughts of her mother as she did the take. In fact, she did 11 takes and cried in 7 of them.
She is able to capture the emotion of love lost perfectly, which is a great credit to her abilities. Something else that can’t be argued with. A wonderful, moving song, and outstanding performance. Nothing more needs to be said.
13
Un-Break My Heart – Toni Braxton
Let’s return once more to the songwriting skills of Diana Warren with this great track. A powerful ballad that was performed by the very talented Toni Braxton. Released in 1995, she didn’t want to sing it. She said it was “just another song about breaking up.” But, it is far more than that, of course.
Losing the love of someone due to a breakup is one set of emotions. Losing them through death is different altogether. It is final, and there is no going back. All that is left are just the memories.
It was a brave subject for Diana Warren to take on, but the results are an excellent portrayal of lost love. Toni Braxton’s performance is, as usual, exemplary. You end up with one of the greatest love songs in the modern era, not just in the 90s.
14
From This Moment On (Pop On-Tour Version) – Shania Twain
Moving towards the end of this list now with what has to be one of my top two. This is another track from Shania Twain’s album Come On Over. This Canadian singer excels on this song which expresses total and complete love.
She wrote most of the song with some contributions from her ex-husband. Sometimes you will hear the song performed as a duet with Bryan White. It has often been described as a ‘love anthem,’ and that is a good description. The addition of a Spanish-sounding guitar adds to the mood.
Come On Over was a great album with half a dozen very good tracks. But, for me, this was the stand-out performance. Probably Shania Twain at her very best, both as a singer and songwriter.
15
Don’t Know Much – Linda Ronstadt with Aaron Neville
And so, to my final choice and my pick for one of the best 90s love songs. Linda Ronstadt was one of the great singers from the 70s on.
She was one of those rare breeds able to turn her hand to most things. And, she seemed at home with rock and pop, good with Country songs, and could include some semi-operatic work.
She first arrived in the 70s in our consciousness in the band the Stone Poneys. The Eagles were her backing band for a while in California when they were starting out. Likewise, she has toured with most of the big names of the period.
Something Special
This song, and her collaboration with Aaron Neville, were something else. It was a song written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Tom Snow, that had been released by Barry Mann in 1980. Bette Midler also did a version in 1983.
However, it was this version that struck a chord with most people. The ultimate love song in many ways, it was performed with great emotion by two great singers.
It turned out to be a huge success with huge sales all around the world. Prompted by, I suspect, the music video of them singing it.
The ultimate love song?
In my view, quite possibly. It is hard to think of a better-crafted song with such great lyrics, which has two better singers performing it.
16
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston,
17
Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden,
18
I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys,
19
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve,
20
I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts,
21
Killing Me Softly With His Song – Fugees,
22
Love Will Keep Us Alive – Eagles,
23
Truly, Deeply, Madly – Savage Garden,
24
I Want You – Savage Garden,
25
All For Love – Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, and Sting,
26
I’ll Make Love To You – Boyz II Men,
27
You’re The Inspiration – Chicago,
28
What’s Up – 4 Non Blondes,
29
I Believe In You And Me – Whitney Houston,
30
Love Will Keep Us Together – Captain & Tennille,
31
You Make Me Wanna… – Usher,
32
I Love You Always Forever – Donna Lewis,
33
Dreamlover – Mariah Carey,
34
This Kiss – Faith Hill,
35
Never Ever – All Saints,
36
I Do (Cherish You) – 98 Degrees,
37
Barely Breathing – Duncan Sheik,
38
More Than That – Backstreet Boys,
39
If You Had My Love – Jennifer Lopez,
40
Fly – Sugar Ray,
41
Amazed – Lonestar,
42
What Is Love – Haddaway,
43
Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) – Backstreet Boys,
44
Love Is – Vanessa Williams and Brian McKnight,
45
When You’re Gone – Bryan Adams feat. Melanie C,
46
I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need To Get By – Method Man feat. Mary J. Blige,
47
How Bizarre – OMC,
48
Stay – Eternal feat. BeBe Winans,
49
Insensitive – Jann Arden,
50
I Will Come To You – Hanson,
More 75 The Best 90s Love Songs
-
- Lovefool – The Cardigans,
- Waterfalls – TLC,
- Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer,
- Love Is All Around – Wet Wet Wet,
- Ironic – Alanis Morissette,
- Save The Best For Last – Vanessa Williams,
- All I Want Is You – U2,
- Stay (I Missed You) – Lisa Loeb,
- Linger – The Cranberries,
- One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men,
- Zombie – The Cranberries,
- How Deep Is Your Love – Take That,
- 2 Become 1 – Spice Girls,
- The Power Of Love – Celine Dion,
- My All – Mariah Carey,
- To Be With You – Mr. Big,
- Don’t Speak – No Doubt,
- No Scrubs – TLC,
- When You Say Nothing At All – Ronan Keating,
- No More I Love You’s – Annie Lennox,
- Hero – Mariah Carey,
- You Gotta Be – Des’ree,
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – UB40,
- I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston,
- My Love Is Your Love – Whitney Houston,
- I’ll Never Break Your Heart – Backstreet Boys,
- You Learn – Alanis Morissette,
- I Belong To You (Every Time I See Your Face) – Rome,
- You’re Makin’ Me High – Toni Braxton,
- Never Tear Us Apart – INXS,
- All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
- Don’t Let Go (Love) – En Vogue
- I Swear – All-4-One
- Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
- You Were There – Babyface
- Love Sneakin’ Up On You – Bonnie Raitt
- I Knew I Loved You – Savage Garden
- Baby, I Love Your Way – Big Mountain
- As Long As You Love Me – Backstreet Boys
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – UB40
- Crush – Jennifer Paige
- Every Breath You Take – UB40
- Love Me for a Reason – Boyzone
- I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
- I’m Yours – The Script
- Love Of My Life – Santana feat. Dave Matthews
- One – U2
- When I Dream At Night – Marc Anthony
- Show Me Love – Robyn
- Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman? – Bryan Adams
- My Heart Is Open – Maroon 5, Gwen Stefani
- Dreams – The Cranberries
- Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
- Can’t Stop Lovin’ You – Van Halen
- I’m Your Angel – Celine Dion & R. Kelly
- When You Love Someone – Bryan Adams
- Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You – Glenn Medeiros
- Breathe – Faith Hill
- I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men
- Hold On – Wilson Phillips
- The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett
- Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
- I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly
- I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner
- Breathe Again – Toni Braxton
- No Ordinary Love – Sade
- I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf
- I’ll Never Break Your Heart – Backstreet Boys
- You’re The Inspiration – Chicago
- You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
- For the First Time – Kenny Loggins
- Water Runs Dry – Boyz II Men
- Love Will Lead You Back – Taylor Dayne
- When a Man Loves a Woman – Michael Bolton
- Something About the Way You Look Tonight – Elton John
Looking for Meaningful Songs?
E can help with that. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Dreams, the Best Songs about Friday, the Best Songs About Walking, the Best Songs About Change, the Best Songs about Fighting, and the Best Songs About Friendship for more wonderful music.
And you need to listen to all this music. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones for Music, the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Headphones with Volume Control, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, and the Best Bass Earbuds you can buy in 2023.
Plus, don’t miss our comprehensive reviews of the Loudest Portable Bluetooth Speakers, the Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers, and the Best Tailgate Speakers currently on the market.
The Best 90s Love Songs – Final Thoughts
It was a time when there were some very poor things going on musically, at the whim of some over-inflated egos. But, it was also a time of some great songwriting and performances.
I have deliberately excluded the egos and just included what I think are the great love songs from the 90s.
Until next time, happy listening.
