Sometimes it can be hard to express just how much we love someone. Especially for us blokes, where our actions are usually better than our actual words. That’s where music comes in handy. For centuries artists have been writing songs about love and romance and everything amazing that comes with falling for someone. There are thousands of songs about the topic of love that are a great way of showing your partner just how you feel.
Whether you want to send through a song that reminds your lover of how you feel about her or are compiling a playlist for your crush, we’ve collected 40 of the best songs about falling in love to sweep her off her feet.
1. Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Let’s kick things off with one of the biggest love songs of the past two decades. Before this song climbed the charts, Snow Patrol was a little Northern Irish/Scottish band with a cult following. Then they released Chasing Cars and went rocketing into the stratosphere. It helped that the song featured on the season two finale of Grey’s Anatomy, at that time of the biggest drams in the world.Get past the hype and Chasing Cars is a well-written song described by frontman Gary Lightbody as the “purest love song” he’s ever written.
2. The Cure – Lovesong
Trust goth rockers The Cure to come up with a cheerful tune about love amongst their usually gloomy output. Robert Smith wrote Lovesong as a wedding present for his wife but believes it to be the weakest song on their classic album Disintegration. Despite Smith’s own thoughts, we think it’s a blinder and certainly one of the better love songs to come out of the 80s.
3. Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You
This is not only a fantastic song but one with a film clip that is hard to look away from. As the great Stevie Wonder croons about surprisingly his lover with a phone call to tell her how he feels, Wonder sits at the piano clutching a phone to his ear. Ok, it might not be that bizarre to some, but watching Wonder sway about in his white ensemble with a green sequined scarf is transfixing. Anyway, this is a reminder to call your partner and tell them how you feel.
4. Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
You could fill this list with Bruno Mars songs about love, but it is hard to go past this classic from his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. An upbeat love ballad about how he loves his partner for who they are, Just the Way You Are was a smash hit around the world and won Mars his first Grammy. It might be a little sappy but your partner will lap it up.
5. The Lumineers – Ho Hey!
Released in 2012 when folk-pop was all the rage, this love song is a little on the sad side. It is basically about a lonely man declaring his love to the woman of his dreams, who just happens to be in a relationship already. Despite the at times depressing lyrics, there’s an uplifting feeling to this one.
6. Bill Withers – Just the Two of Us
The great Bill Withers tries to convince his partner they have a future together on this classic 1981 hit. He sings about building castles in the sky and references crystal raindrops (whatever they are), with the chorus all about the “two of us, you and I.” This was Withers’ last big hit before he ultimately gave music away in his mid-40s.
7. Calvin Harris – We Found Love (ft. Rihanna)
When chart-topping electronic artist Calvin Harris and R&B pop goddess Rihanna get together on a song, you know magic is about to happen. We Found Love is a pumping dance floor filler about two people who find each other even though the world is going to sh*t. Unlike the lyrics, the video clip shows Rihanna in what first appears a loving relationship that is soon spiraling out of control due to rampant drug and alcohol abuse and the duo’s hedonistic lifestyle.
8. The Doors – Hello I Love You
Combine Jim Morrison’s raw sex appeal with a song about wanting to “jump into your game” and you have yourself two minutes of organ-centric pop from The Doors. While many fans don’t rate this tune (due to its poppy sound), Hello I Love You is still a great ditty that works well on any playlist about love.
9. Beyonce – Crazy In Love (ft. Jay-Z)
Two of the biggest artist in the world combined to showcase their love on this 2003 jam. Beyonce and hubby Jay-Z sing and rap about how they are acting out because they are so in love with each other on this track that mixes hip-hop, pop, soul, and R&B. It’s not the only song this duo have combined on that details their love, with Jay-Z’s ’03 Bonnie & Clyde and Beyonce’s Drunk In Love both featuring the two opening up about their relationship.
10. Lady Gaga – Shallow (ft. Bradley Cooper)
Originally meant to be the end of credits song for A Star Is Born, Shallow quickly became a vital cog in the love story between Ally (Lady Gaga) and Jackson (Bradley Cooper). It finds the two trading verses about moving their relationship from the shallows into the deep and fully embracing their love.While this is Gaga’s song, Cooper more than holds his own on this country meets pop ballad.
11. The Temptations – My Girl
Tell your girl you can’t get enough of her by adding this to the next playlist you create for her. My Girl finds The Temptations singing about how much they love their special lady, stating that they “don’t need no money, fortune, or fame” as they’ve “got all the riches baby one man can claim.”
12. Miley Cyrus – Adore You
As the title suggests, this is a love song about how much Miley Cyrus adores her boyfriend, who at that time was Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth. The song is accompanied by a sultry music video featuring Cyrus rolling around on a bed and sitting in a bathtub.
13. Jessie Ware – Say You Love Me
There is some star power on this track. Ed Sheeran, Benny Blanco, and Ben Ash collaborated with Jessie Ware on this song about wanting to hear the person you love admit they feel the same. Ware has the voice of an angel and she puts it to good use on this spine-tingling ballad.
14. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Falling Slowly
Another song on this list taken from a movie, Falling Slowly illustrates how love sometimes takes time to develop. The film Once is about two struggling musicians in Dublin who share a spark and decide to record a demo together. It’s a bittersweet romance that is sure to have you reaching for the tissues. The song itself is performed midway through the film and is a soothing indie ballad that won the Oscar for Best Orignal Song.
15. John Legend – All of Me
You can’t have a list of love songs without including John Legend. The American crooner has made a living out of singing songs about love and heartbreak. While any number of his efforts could feature (Conversations in the Dark, P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care), and Save Room just to name three) it is hard to go past his biggest hit to date, All of Me.
The song is inspired by Legend’s wife, former model Chrissy Teigen, and finds him expressing his feelings over a delicate piano line. The film clip is also all sorts of goodness, with the two hanging out together in Italy a few days before their actual wedding. Bellissimo.
16. Taylor Swift – Love Story
A lot of Taylor Swift’s songs are about heartbreak and sorrow, but Love Story is one of the few with a positive vibe. The song is based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet story, albeit with a happy ending.
17. Foo Fighters – Everlong
The biggest hit written by the Foo Fighters remains a fan favorite amongst music heads. Dave Grohl wrote the tune about his romance with Louise Post from 90s rockers Veruca Salt, leaving him wondering “If anything could ever be this good again.” Turns out it could, with the duo breaking up after Grohl reportedly cheated on Post with actress Winona Ryder.
18. Alicia Keys – Fallin’
The debut single from Alicia Keys is an absolute monster. Fallin’ is a soulful piano ballad about the ups and downs of a relationship that highlights Keys’ incredible vocal range. Releasing the song at the tender age of 20, Fallin’ catapulted Keys into the mainstream where she has reigned supreme as one of the best vocalists of the past two decades.
19. Percy Sledge – When a Man Loves a Women
While there have been multiple versions of this song released over the years (both Michael Bolton and Bette Milder recorded covers), it’s hard to go past Percy Sledge’s emotional original. It’s about how a man will do anything for his partner when in love with them, even sleep out in the rain and give her his last dime. While we don’t recommend giving her all your cash, do serenade her with this heartfelt love song.
20. Maroon 5 – Love Somebody
As with most rock-pop outfits that started in the early 00s and are still going, Maroon 5 evolved into a stadium band, writing grandiose rock tunes and incorporating much more electronic production into their sound. This is evident with Love Somebody, a dance-pop number about loving someone and wanting to dance the night away. The music video also stars model Emily Ratajkowski, although you can’t actually tell it’s her as she is covered in paint.
21. The Pretenders – I’ll Stand by You
What’s more romantic than your partner telling you she will “stand by you” during the dark times? The Pretenders nailed it with this 90s rock ballad featuring a soaring chorus and slick guitar solo. They don’t make them like this anymore.
22. Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are
Similar to the Bruno Mars song with the same name, this track by Billy Joel is all about loving your significant other no matter what happens. It’s a love letter to Joel’s ex-wife Elizabeth Weber where he pledges to love her forever and always be by her side. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out that way, and the two divorced, which may be the reason he never plays this song live anymore. The memories are just too painful.
23. Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply
There was a brief moment in time when Savage Garden was the biggest act in the world, thanks to this chart-topping song. Truly Madly Deeply was written by Darren Hayes about missing his wife while away recording. He tells his wife that “I’ll be your dream, I’ll be your wish, I’ll be your fantasy. I’ll be your hope, I’ll be your love, be everything that you need.” How sweet. Play this to your significant other and they will no doubt feel warm and fuzzy inside.
24. Alanis Morrisette – Head Over Feet
You know that feeling you get when you fall madly in love with someone? That’s exactly what Alanis Morrisette sings about on this track. Head Over Feet is all about the affection and feelings you have for your best friend and lover.
25. Sonny & Cher – I Got You Babe
There might not be too much to this one lyrically, but the words tell you more than you need to know. It’s all about having the back of the person you love and being there for them when they need you most.
26. Frankie Vali – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
An oldie but a goodie, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You was a huge hit in 1967 and continues to be a favorite at weddings to this day. It’s got that orchestral vibe to it, and when Frankie Valli really lets loose mid-song, he hits it out of the ballpark. The popularity of this one is evident by the number of covers, with Lauryn Hill’s the best of the bunch.
27. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
This duet will have your lover grooving along in no time. It’s a Motown classic about nothing stopping two people from being together, even mountains and rivers. It’s also got a belter of a chorus that you just have to sing along with whenever you hear it.
28. Etta James – At Last
Another wedding favorite, At Last is a sweeping, orchestral ballad that is Etta James’ most well-known song, even though she didn’t write it. This one is a powerful track about two people who have found each other and want to spend their life together.
29. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
One of the brightest stars of the past couple of years, Lizzo details what it’s like to fall in love with someone on the soulful Cuz I Love You. This song captures the excitement and fear of falling for someone for the first time, with Lizzo’s powerful vocals really making an impact.
30. Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling in Love
Trading his rock and roll swagger for something a little more subdued, Elvis Presley attained even more fans with this sweet romantic ballad. Crooning over light instrumentation, Presley’s distinct voice will charm its way into your partner’s heart as he reminds them how much you love them. Thanks, Elvis.
31. Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time
More 80s goodness, this one features Cyndi Lauper singing over synth-pop production. It is all about a woman who thinks she is unworthy of true love, but her boyfriend assures her that she does deserve to feel and be loved and that he will be there to help her through anything. What a guy.
32. The Beatles – All You Need Is Love
Just as the title explains, all you really need in this world is love. It’s quite basic in terms of lyrics and melody, as many Beatles tracks are, but it sends a clear message that we should all take on board. Can’t argue with that.
33. Elton John – Your Song
If you can’t actually write your own song, just send your lady this one from Elton John. It’s a moving, at times self-deprecating tune about a man talking about his feeling for his lover. If she doesn’t swoon all over you after hearing this, I’m not sure she’s the one for you.
34. Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
The title might be a little off-putting, but Bleeding Love is all about loving someone so much it hurts. Speaking about the track, writer Jessie McCartney said “I kept thinking about being in love so much that it hurts. I was away from my girlfriend for four months at the time and I really wanted to [quit] and fly home. I was so in love that it was painful. It was like bleeding, it cut me open.” Heavy stuff.
Bleeding aside, this is a shimmering slice of modern pop that turned Leona Lewis into a star and is sure to impress your gal.
35. Jagged Edge – Let’s Get Married
Forget Bruno Mars, if you want to propose to your girlfriend through song, go with Jagged Edge’s Let’s Get Married. The best thing is there are two versions; the original ballad (above) and an upbeat hip-hop remix that features Reverend Run from Run-DMC. So pick the genre your lover likes the most and let her know your true feelings with a little help from Jagged Edge.
36. Shania Twain – You’re Still the One
Initially written as an ode to her then-husband Robert “Mutt” Lange, who also procured the song, Shania Twain now claims the song represents the love between her mother and step-father, who she believes were soul mates. Whatever she thinks, there is no doubting this is a huge track about loving your special person that works well on any romance-themed playlist.
37. Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
She might not have done much recently, but Ellie Goulding will always be remembered for this electro-pop ballad. Love Me Like You Do is all about falling in love with someone and the magical feelings it conjures up. The only downside is the song was part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. The less said about that movie the better.
38. The Roots – You Got Me (ft. Erykah Badu)
The Roots won a Grammy for this tale about long-distance love that is chock full of talent. Originally co-written with Jill Scott who was also set to feature on the song, she was replaced by Erykah Badu due to the record company wanting a bigger name. This head-bopping tune also features rapper is Eve, who at that time went by the name Eve of Destruction.
It’s basically about a guy worried his girl might cheat on him while he’s away, but he has nothing to fear, as Badu assures him, “Baby, don’t worry, you know that you got me.”
39. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home
This folksy duet betweenAlex Ebert and Jade Castrinos is a sweet, pure song about home being wherever you are with your significant other. The song features guitars, piano, trumpet, and three minutes of whistling throughout its five-minute runtime. This one has a sappy, feel-good vibe that will make you want to grab your partner and head off for a road trip.
40. Kanye West – Bound 2
Possibly the greatest love song of all time? Probably not, but Kanye gives a frank and intimate depiction of his love for Kim Kardashian on this rousing rap. Yes, the music video is ridiculous and some of the lyrics will make you roll your eyes, but as he often does, Kanye lays it all on the line, this time in the name of love.
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