For centuries, the emotion of love has been the driving force behind songs and music. It has been written about individuals and about the dream of finding it. It has also been written about losing it and how it can affect us.
Some of the best songs about falling in love have come from well-known sources. Artists and writers we are all familiar with. But, just sometimes, someone comes up with a song that propels them into the spotlight. I have included some of those as well.
From power ballads to gentle ballads, there are love songs for every occasion and mood. So, let’s take a look at a few of the very best, starting with…
Contents
Top 100 Best Songs About Falling In Love
1
I Can’t Stop Loving You by Ray Charles
Normally on these lists, I like to save my favorites until the end. But, let’s break with tradition and include one of them here. The great Ray Charles and a song that is synonymous with him. Released in 1962, it was taken from the album Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music.
I have to say I have never considered this a Country song, more just a great ballad. I suppose it has that Country background because it was written by Don Gibson, a well-known Country&Western artist. Ray Charles’ bluesy tone of voice, though, made it uniquely his style.
It’s been covered by plenty of people over the years, but none reached the standard of this version. Charles’ version went to #1 and has remained a classic love song ever since.
2
I’ve Just Seen A Face by The Beatles
Written by Paul McCartney, this was taken from the album, Help!, from 1965. That album, in turn, was essentially the soundtrack from the film “Help!”
The song is a story that some of us may be familiar with, especially when we were younger. Seeing someone who just takes our breath away. Love at first sight. No matter how hard we try, we just cannot get them out of our minds. The adrenaline rush is always so powerful.
It is almost Country in its style and is another example of, firstly, how The Beatles were developing as a band. And secondly, how John and Paul were starting to compose as separate writers.
3
I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher
The archetypal song about young love was written by Sonny Bono and released in 1965. He was working for Phil Spector at the time and wrote the song about his then-wife, Cher.
She didn’t like it, but it became their biggest selling record and was a fixture of the growing hippie culture. It went to #1 in the UK and America, Canada, and New Zealand.
There have been some great duets over the years, but very few have captured the imagination as this song did. And, in some ways, despite their eventual break-up and Sonny’s death, it still does.
4
I Just Called To Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder wrote some great songs over the years, and this is a song that is always associated with him. He wrote it for his then-wife Syreeta as a Valentine’s day gift.
It has always been considered one of his best songs, written with plenty of his feelings laid bare as he often did. It was taken from the album, The Woman In Red. Also, a film with Gene Wilder, “The Woman In Red.”
The song was not only considered one of his best, but it also turned out to be one of his most successful. It reached #1 in the UK and America and just about everywhere else. It won him a Platinum disc in the UK and a Gold disc in America.
5
I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
One of the great songs written by Dolly Parton and another song included in a movie, this time “The Bodyguard.”
I can hear some saying… where is the Whitney Houston version? Well, I just happen to prefer the simplicity of Dolly’s recording. I always felt that Whitney Houston had a stunning voice. But, as we all know, she tended to overdo it on this song.
That’s just me…
The song was written as a goodbye to Porter Waggoner, Dolly’s long-term business partner and mentor. The sentiment in the song is clear for all to hear. It was released in 1974 and taken from her album, Jolene.
Dolly has always been closely associated with American Country music, and rightly so. But, her performance on this track showed there was just a little bit more to her than one genre.
6
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith
Let’s continue with the theme of songs from films with this by Aerosmith taken from the film “Armageddon.”
It was an interesting change of style for Aerosmith. Up to this point, they hadn’t been associated with power ballads like this track. It is a song written by one of the great songwriters of the period, Diane Warren.
It was written initially for Celine Dion. Just as Aerosmith were not known for their power ballads, neither was Diane Warren. That is how the song turned out. And the band did a pretty good job of it.
Plenty of Passion
There was plenty of that in Steven Tyler’s vocals as he powered his way through it. The song is about someone not wanting to sleep. If he does, there will be a time when he can’t just look at his lady.
It proved to be a successful song for them, reaching #4 in the UK and #1 in America and other countries. Liv Tyler, Steven’s daughter, had a leading part in the film.
7
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
A classic track from Roberta Flack that was written by British singer-songwriter Ewan McColl. The song was initially written in 1957 for his future wife, Peggy Seeger, Pete’s half-sister. They toured the folk clubs in the UK and played and sang it together.
Even after Roberta Flack had made an international success of the song, and it should be said a pot load of royalties for him, he still didn’t like it. In his house, he had what he called his “Chamber of Horrors.” It was where he kept the cover versions of all of his songs, including this one.
Roberta Flack took the song from its relative obscurity and made it what it is. The song reached #14 in the UK and #1 in America. A great song that puts into words just what someone can feel for someone else.
8
At Last by Etta James
Let’s go back in time to the early 60s for this song from Etta James. It was written for the 1941 film “Cabaret” and written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon. It was taken from her first album entitled, At Last.
This was an album that was praised by critics on its release. It’s not often you get an album where there are no ‘fillers’ to make up the numbers, but this is one. Every track is a masterpiece from one of the early Queens of Soul and R&B.
Queens of Soul…
James owed much of her style to the ‘original’ Queen of R&B, Ruth Brown. Including that ‘bad-girl’ growl she employed so brilliantly. If you know Etta James but are not familiar with Ruth Brown, then try this, The Queen Of R&B: The Singles & Albums Collection 1949-61.
Etta James’ version of “At Last” was to be a springboard that brought her into the mainstream of music in the early 60s.
9
Cheek to Cheek by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
This well-known classic was written by Irving Berlin in the mid-30s for the film “Top Hat” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Ella Fitzgerald recorded the song, which was essentially a duet, with Louis Armstrong in 1956. It was taken from their album, Ella and Louis.
Unlike many of the best songs about falling in love, this one often exhibits a darker side. But, it is a pure joy to listen to. When Fred Astaire sings it to Ginger Rogers in the film, it is simply an expression of joy and happiness.
Ella and Louis capture the moment perfectly. She also included the song on her album of Irving Berlin standards released in 1958, Sings Irving Berlin. A song that has stood the test of time and still ranks as one of the best love songs ever written.
10
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Andy Williams
This was a song originally written in 1967 by Bob Crewe and an original member of the Four Seasons, Bob Gaudio. The song was first released by Frankie Valli in 1967. It became his biggest record of the time.
But, the Andy Williams version was the one that always resonated with me for some reason. I suppose because he always came across as “Mr. Smooth,” and the song suited him perfectly. A classic 60s love song.
11
I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
Before we start, Foreigner was not a band of “New York rockers,” as one seemingly ill-informed commentator referred to them. They were, however, formed in New York in 1976.
But, included in the line-up were two British musicians. Mick Jones, who had been with Spooky Tooth, and Ian McDonald, who was with King Crimson. The other two original members of the band were American.
Very much an Anglo-American effort rather than just a bunch of “New York rockers.” It was Mick Jones, who was one of the principal songwriters and who wrote this song.
Power ballad of love…
They had an eye for the power ballad, and this is a typical Foreigner track. A great song well sung; it was taken from their album, Agent Provocateur. It was their most successful single, reaching #1 in the UK and America and also being successful elsewhere.
The song is about someone speaking to his partner and just hoping their relationship is going to bloom without the inevitable problems some face.
12
When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge
In the 60s, we knew Otis Redding and Aretha, of course. And some of us loved Sam and Dave and Wilson Pickett. But, this song showed there were plenty of others making some great music.
It was originally recorded by the writer Calvin Lewis in 1966, but it was the Percy Sledge version everyone remembers. It was taken from his album of the same name. The single reached #4 in the UK and #1 in America. It was also successful in other countries.
It was a tragic song in many ways and talks about someone who has fallen in love with someone who doesn’t love him back. As a result, it is one of the best songs about falling in love, even if it’s with the wrong person.
13
Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel
Over now to The Piano Man for one of his best songs. This was the lead single taken from his fifth album, The Stranger, released in 1977.
Billy Joel has always been a class act in my book. Joel and Elton John made the piano come alive over decades. He can turn his hand to most styles of music and write great songs in all of them. Here is a case in question.
He doesn’t write a simple mushy love song. A lot of people have tried that. He just takes something about the lady and explains that is why he loves her. Simply put, the title says it all. Genius songwriting. It reached #19 in the UK and #3 in America.
14
My Girl by The Temptations
Apart from those embarrassing dance moves that someone thought were clever, The Temptations were one of the great acts of the 60s and into the 70s.
This track is one of their best-known songs; it was written by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. It has been covered by loads of people, including a memorable version by Otis Redding. The guitar riff that introduces it makes it immediately recognizable.
It was released in 1965 on their album, The Temptations Sing Smokey. A sugary sweet effort in keeping with the style of the times. By the end of the 60s, they had evolved and were producing great tracks like “Ball Of Confusion.” Great harmonies from one of the best “boy bands” from that time.
15
In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
This song is taken from the album, So, from which I include songs for many lists. Not surprisingly, it is one of the best albums you may never have heard of.
This is an interesting track. It was inspired by an African tradition of the ambiguity that can exist between the love of a person and the love of a god. They are different by nature, but there are some very obvious similarities in the feelings that exist in both areas.
Love is love, after all, and it can apply to things other than just people. The closing section features a Senegalese singer performing the song in his native language. The song wasn’t released as a single in the UK but reached #26 in America.
No Hypocrites Here
Peter Gabriel is one of these people that does some good work for the less fortunate rather than just pretending to do it. Alice Cooper is another. Many people are not aware of Peter Gabriels’s level of involvement. He prefers it that way, unlike some.
There are a few those around in the music industry who aren’t averse to making a bit of publicity from their tentative efforts, without mentioning names.
16
Be My Baby by The Ronettes
This will cause a few arguments, I am sure. For a while, in the 60s, these girls blew The Supremes and the self-serving Miss Ross out of the water. There was just something about The Ronettes that made them special.
Almost certainly, it was the Phil Spector “Wall of Sound,” which, on the upside, was sensational. On the downside, though, after a couple of singles, they all sound the same. However, this was a big song and deserved to be.
An Inspiration
This was released in 1963 and reached #4 in the UK and #2 in America. Brian Wilson would often say that it is one of the songs that inspired him to write better music. And, we all know where that went. Well done, girls.
It is simply a song about a girl who thinks she has met the man of her dreams and is asking him the question in the title. All very simple, innocent, and very 60s. Interestingly, it was Sonny and Cher who provided some of the backing vocals. Sonny worked for Spector.
If you were a young person growing up in the 60s, you are going to remember this song and the hairdos. Time for a coffee and a little bit of nostalgia.
17
Don’t Know Much by Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt
This could go down as one of the greatest love songs of all time. And coupled with such a great song was the performance by Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt. The song was written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Tom Snow.
Barry Mann released a version in 1980 which only had minor success. It was this version in 1989 that brought a wider audience and international recognition.
It reached #2 in the UK and the same place in America. Its success was possibly prompted by the music video of them singing it together. A beautifully written song with a sentiment that says everything you need to when conveying love for your partner.
18
You’re Still The One by Shania Twain
This is another song from Canadian singer Shania Twain’s album, Come On Over. An excellent album from which I often include songs in these lists. “You’re Still The One” was the third single released in 1997.
It was considered a crossover single. In other words, moving from Country music to a Pop-oriented genre. The album, though, seems to me a bit more of just a “crossover.” With some very un-Country songs on it. She likes a bit of Rock n Roll too.
This track is a song to her then-husband, and once again, the sentiments of loving someone are eloquently delivered. Great voice and a very good song; it quite rightly gave her worldwide recognition. Without question, one of the best songs about falling in love.
19
This Girl’s in Love with You by Dionne Warwick
This song was from a time when Burt Bacharach and Hal David were at their best. And a large part of that success was Dionne Warwick. They often wrote their songs with her voice in mind.
Two of the best songwriters around and one of the best voices of the 60s and 70s. I think that sounds like a winner. This was taken from her album, Promises Promises. The single reached #7 in America.
Previously recorded by Herb Alpert, the version that most people may know, this has her certain style. Easy and cool with that deliciously sultry, velvety voice. Whatever she sang was special, as was this song.
20
All You Need Is Love by The Beatles
Here is a slight change of tack for a minute. All the songs so far have spoken about loving a specific person. John Lennon’s song here says how about we love everyone?
It was released as a single in 1967. And later, it was included in the albums Yellow Submarine and Magical Mystery Tour. The message was kept lyrically simplistic by John. This was to ensure that when it was translated, there would be no problems, and the meaning would still be clear.
It was performed at the Our World Live worldwide satellite TV concert. Brian Epstein called it “The Beatles’ finest hour.” He wasn’t wrong.
21
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
Let’s go back one last time to an age when love songs were simple and sugary. We are critical of them sometimes, but there was an innocence in them, sadly lacking in some aspects today. This is a song written by Alex North and Hy Zaret.
It was written for the film ‘Unchained’ as we can imagine from the title. The connotation, though, changed over the years.
The Covers
Far too many to name them all. In the UK, Jimmy Young had a hit with his in 1955 that went to #1 in the UK. Liberace also did a cover along with everyone’s dog. At one time, there were four different versions in the UK’s Top 20 at the same time.
It is a powerful song of someone expressing love and longing for a partner they can’t be with. The Righteous Brothers version reached #14 in the UK and #4 in America.
Today, The Righteous Brothers version is the best known. And Bobby Hatfield’s vocal lead has received plenty of praise. An outstanding love song from a different age.
22
You’re All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Marvin Gaye enjoyed singing duets. He had a hit record with Kim Weston when they did It Takes Two. That was effectively his first hit record in the UK.
However, it was a partnership not to last as Kim Weston quit Motown in a row over royalties. She wasn’t the only one to leave this organization that had a worse than adequate reputation for the way they treated their people.
Up Steps Tammi Terrell
She was an innocent newcomer, a bit awestruck by working with someone who was a growing presence in music. Gaye wasn’t even there when she sang this first collaboration; she was too shy. “Aint No Mountain High Enough” came first.
And, then a bit later, this classic love song, “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Two great songs, and this one is one of the best love songs of the late 60s. Both sang the song with such meaning that people assumed there was a relationship. There wasn’t.
It was just two great singers showing how good they were and putting in a more than convincing performance. All looked set for a great partnership and more great records.
A huge loss…
The tragic death of Tammi from a brain tumor just two years later at the age of 25 ended that. Marvin Gaye delivered the eulogy at the funeral of his friend. He had taken her under his wing and looked after her as far as he could.
Motown representatives were banned from the funeral by her mother. I don’t need to elaborate on why.
23
Your Song by Elton John
As we approached the end of the 60s, ready to usher in a new decade of music, it was evident The Beatles were not going to be a part of it. The world, and especially the UK, turned its eyes inward for some real talent to replace them.
We needed someone to combine great songwriting and excellent recorded work with good live performances and a different style.
Little Reggie
The Beatles were, of course, irreplaceable, even though they continued to produce great stuff as individuals. But then the answer came from an unexpected source. A slightly overweight young man with glasses on a piano called Reggie.
‘Friday Night Was Alright For Rocking’
In West London, he got a job playing the piano at age 15 at the Northwood Hills pub. He wasn’t even old enough to buy a drink there, but it was okay to play. He worked Thursday to Sunday, playing mostly old standards.
But Friday night… Well, the only way you could describe it was to say all hell broke loose. It was the early 60s, and suddenly this little kid was belting out Jerry Lee, Little Richard, and others.
The image of him standing and jumping up and down on top of the piano as the audience sang ‘”Whole Lotta Shakin”‘ will always remain.
An Ad in The Local Paper
He answered an ad in the local paper for someone to set music to lyrics. The ad was placed by Bernie Taupin, and a partnership was born that filled the Lennon and McCartney void. The first album was called just Elton John, and “Your Song” came from that album.
Released in 1970, it is the ultimate being in love song. Likewise, it is recognized as one of their finest songs and his best performances. He is still playing it today on his Farewell World Tour.
It reached #7 in the UK and #8 in America and has since been included in just about every compilation of his music you will find.
24
Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley
25
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
26
Something by The Beatles
27
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
28
I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
29
As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys
30
Just Like Heaven by The Cure
31
The Power of Love by Celine Dion
32
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
33
Love on Top by Beyonce
34
Love Shack by The B-52’s
35
You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
36
How Deep is Your Love by Bee Gees
37
Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli
38
Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
39
Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
40
Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
41
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
42
Make You Feel My Love by Adele
43
Just the Two of Us by Bill Withers
44
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
45
At My Most Beautiful by R.E.M.
46
Just Like a Star by Corinne Bailey Rae
47
Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
48
Your Love by The Outfield
49
True by Spandau Ballet
50
Every Breath You Take by The Police
More 50 Best Songs About Falling In Love
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- I Want You by Savage Garden
- Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
- Love Story by Taylor Swift
- Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows
- Crazy for You by Madonna
- Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s
- Lovefool by The Cardigans
- A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
- You and Me by Lifehouse
- Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain & Tennille
- You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
- Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
- Can’t Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Love Stinks by The J. Geils Band
- Love Bites by Def Leppard
- Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
- I Could Fall In Love by Selena
- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
- Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
- Marry Me by Train
- No One by Alicia Keys
- One Call Away by Charlie Puth
- Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur
- She’s The One by Robbie Williams
- Something About The Way You Look Tonight by Elton John
- Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
- We Found Love by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
- Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
- I Choose You by Sara Bareilles
- So In Love by Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton
- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
- One in a Million by Aaliyah
- Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
- You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates
- Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur
- Faithfully by Journey
- When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss
- At Last by Beyoncé
- Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
- You Are the Love of My Life by Sam Cooke
- Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
- Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer
- You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
- Everything by Michael Bublé
- My Love by Paul McCartney and Wings
- You’re Beautiful by James Blunt
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Frankie Valli.
- All of Me by John Legend
- Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Looking for Other Great Heartfelt Songs?
Well, take a look at our thoughts on the Best 90s Love Songs, the Best Love Songs For Him, the Top Songs About Unrequited Love, the Best Songs About Crushes, and the Best Goodbye Songs for more incredible song selections.
Also, you’ll want to hear those tunes. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Most Comfortable Earbuds, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, the Best Noise Isolating Earbuds, the Best True Wireless Earbuds, and the Best Wireless Earbuds For Small Ears you can buy in 2023.
Best Songs About Falling In Love – Final Thoughts
It is a subject that has inspired songwriters and musicians for centuries and still does. But, the sheer wealth of material to choose from causes problems in choosing what might be seen as the best.
What is the best to me will almost certainly not be the best to you. And, there are many singers and great songs excluded. We have only scratched the surface. Sorry if I missed your favorite. But, hopefully, these can suffice. Every one of them was a classic and still is.
Until next time, happy listening.
