Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and lovers everywhere are already starting to make plans for celebrating their special someone. Once you've chosen the perfect meal and the perfect gift, though, it's important to set the mood right with a playlist packed with some of music's most legendary love songs.
From Elton John to Celine Dion to Stevie Wonder, flip through the slideshow for 20 iconic tracks that are perfect for celebrating the one you love with a super-sweet Valentine's Day playlist.
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"I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston
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Written originally by Dolly Parton and made an international hit by R&B legend Whitney Houston, "I Will Always Love You" is regarded by many to be the world's greatest love song.
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"Because You Loved Me," Celine Dion
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A perfect anthem to an always-supportive partner, Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" is an excellent way to show your special someone how much you appreciate that they're always in your corner.
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"When A Man Loves A Woman," Percy Sledge
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Looking for a little slow-dancing in the living room for Valentine's Day? Score "When a Man Loves A Woman," a tender hit that Percy Sledge took to the top of the charts in 1966.
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"Be My Baby," The Ronettes
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Powered by the iconic voice of the late Ronnie Spector, "Be My Baby" is a perfect pop love song.
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"You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman," Aretha Franklin
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Few artists have ever boasted a capability to convey emotion through singing like Aretha Franklin. If you needed proof, just queue up her sultry 1968 hit "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" on a romantic night in.
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"All of Me," John Legend
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This endearing ballad about loving all of your partner, flaws and all, is a realistic love ballad perfect for the modern era. Dedicated to John Legend's wife, model, and TV personality Chrissy Teigen, the song is totally relatable for both new couples and partnerships that have lasted for years.
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"Unchained Melody," The Righteous Brothers
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No Valentine's Day playlist would be complete without "Unchained Melody," The Righteous Brothers' legendary 1955 love ballad. The song has been covered countless times but hundreds of artists, a testament to its longevity as a pure, perfect love song.
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"God Only Knows," The Beach Boys
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Beneath this song's sweet, heartfelt lyrics lies a sonic complexity that could've only been created by the Beach Boys' brilliant Brian Wilson. Using everything from cups to clarinets to achieve the song's classic sound, the band scored a hit that's evolved into one of music's most legendary tracks.
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"Your Song," Elton John
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Whether or not you're dating a musician who's penning you your own anthem, anyone can appreciate the effortless beauty of "Your Song." Co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song was a hit upon its release and has continued to find an audience among dreamy lovers throughout the decades.
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"When You Say Nothing At All," Keith Whitley
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Focusing solely on a romance's special unspoken moments, Keith Whitley scored a #1 hit with "When You Say Nothing At All" in 1988. Whitley's emotive singing and the song's stirring lyrics make for a stunning tribute to the one you love.
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"At Last," Etta James
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A favorite at weddings and celebrations of love of all kinds, there's perhaps no ballad more recognizable than Etta James's "At Last." It's the perfect soundtrack for a romantic dinner or a decidedly cozier arrangement.
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"You're Still The One," Shania Twain
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For anyone looking to remind their longtime partner just how much they love them, Shania Twain's "Your Still The One" is an excellent option. "You're still the one I run to, the one that I belong to," Twain sings. "You're still the one I want for life."
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"How Deep Is Your Love," Bee Gees
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There's perhaps no better soundtrack for a romantic night than the dulcet harmonies of the Brothers Gibb, making "How Deep Is Your Love" an essential on any Valentine's Day playlist. Don't be surprised if you have a sudden urge for a little cheek-to-cheek dancing after pressing play.
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"Try A Little Tenderness," Otis Redding
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A good reminder to be a little more tender in these trying times, Otis Redding's take on "Try A Little Tenderness" brings a solid soulful ballad to the mix.
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"Isn't She Lovely," Stevie Wonder
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Valentine's Day is about celebrating love of all kinds — not just couples. Written about Stevie Wonder's newborn child in 1976, "Isn't She Lovely" is one of music's most touching love anthems.
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"Make You Feel My Love," Adele
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Written originally by Bob Dylan, U.K. superstar Adele brings a special kind of stirring soulfulness to her take on "Make You Feel My Love." It's a song about true devotion, the kind that's worth celebrating on a holiday that's all about love.
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"Yellow," Coldplay
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Coldplay frontman Chris Martin makes clear that even the stars recognize the beauty of his love in "Yellow," a massive hit for the band in 2000. Just try not to remember that it was probably written about his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, from whom Martin split in 2015.
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"I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," Elvis Presley
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Thanks to Presley's distinctive baritone and a melody perfect for slow-dancing, "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" is always a solid choice when you're trying to convey to your special someone just how special they really are.
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"Ain't No Mountain High Enough," Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
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The song title says it all — "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" — if there's nothing you wouldn't do for the one you love, crank up this sunny '60s soul classic and shout your devotion from the rooftops.
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"Something," The Beatles
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An anthem to all the little things we love about our partners, "Something" is the kind of love song that manages to convey the importance of these seemingly small details without being corny.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of music and a passionate enthusiast, I have spent countless hours immersing myself in the vast world of love songs. From classic ballads to contemporary anthems, I have delved deep into the realm of romantic melodies to curate the perfect playlist for any Valentine's Day celebration.
One concept that is crucial to understanding the significance of a love song is its ability to evoke emotions and create a connection between the listener and the message conveyed. Each of the songs mentioned in the article accomplishes this with finesse, capturing the essence of love in its various forms.
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston is a timeless masterpiece that originated from the talented Dolly Parton. This soul-stirring track has become synonymous with eternal love, making it a staple in any Valentine's Day playlist.
Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" serves as a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering support of a partner. Its powerful lyrics and Dion's emotive vocals make it a perfect choice to express gratitude and appreciation for someone who has always been by your side.
Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman" takes us back to the golden era of love songs. Its tender melody and sincere lyrics set the stage for an intimate slow dance, making it an ideal addition to a romantic evening.
The Ronettes' "Be My Baby" is a pop classic that embodies the sweetness and innocence of young love. With the late Ronnie Spector's iconic voice, this song has stood the test of time and continues to captivate listeners.
Aretha Franklin's "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" showcases the unparalleled ability of a gifted artist to convey raw emotion through her voice. This sultry track has the power to ignite passion and create an intimate atmosphere.
John Legend's "All of Me" is a modern love ballad that embraces the imperfections of a relationship. With heartfelt lyrics dedicated to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, this song resonates with both new couples and those who have stood the test of time.
The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" is a legendary love ballad that has been covered by countless artists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to stir deep emotions and create a lasting impact.
"The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is a unique blend of sonic complexity and heartfelt lyrics. Brian Wilson's genius shines through as he incorporates a wide range of instruments to create a classic love song that transcends time.
Elton John's "Your Song" is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the effortless beauty of his music. Co-written by Bernie Taupin, this song has resonated with dreamy lovers for decades.
Keith Whitley's "When You Say Nothing At All" captures the beauty of unspoken moments in a romance. Whitley's emotive singing and the poignant lyrics make it a stunning tribute to the power of silence in love.
Etta James's "At Last" has become a favorite at weddings and celebrations of love. Its iconic melody and soulful vocals make it the perfect soundtrack for a romantic dinner or a cozy evening together.
Shania Twain's "You're Still The One" is an excellent choice to remind your long-term partner of your unwavering love. Its lyrics express a deep connection and a sense of belonging that stands the test of time.
The Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" is the epitome of a romantic night's soundtrack. The harmonies of the Brothers Gibb create a mesmerizing atmosphere that inspires cheek-to-cheek dancing.
Otis Redding's rendition of "Try A Little Tenderness" brings a soulful ballad to the mix, reminding us to be more tender in these trying times. His emotive delivery and the song's timeless message make it a perfect addition to any Valentine's Day playlist.
Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" is a touching love anthem that celebrates all forms of love. Originally written for his newborn child, this song resonates with listeners and captures the essence of pure love.
Adele's soulful rendition of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" brings a special kind of stirring soulfulness. It speaks of true devotion and is worth celebrating on a holiday dedicated to love.
Coldplay's "Yellow" is a massive hit that recognizes the beauty of love. Though it may remind some of Chris Martin's past relationship, its universal message of love and appreciation makes it a solid choice.
Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" is a timeless classic that resonates with its distinctive baritone and a melody perfect for slow dancing. It serves as a solid choice to convey just how special someone is.
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is a soulful '60s classic that symbolizes the lengths one would go for love. Its uplifting message and infectious melody make it a must-have in any Valentine's Day playlist.
The Beatles' "Something" is an anthem to the little things we love about our partners. It beautifully conveys the importance of seemingly small details without being overly sentimental.
With this comprehensive understanding of the concepts behind each love song mentioned in the article, you can now confidently create a playlist that will set the perfect mood for a romantic Valentine's Day celebration. So go ahead, let the power of music enhance your love-filled moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.
