Music has a way of speaking right to the heart. And, most especially, love songs express what we can’t say with mere words. I want to share my Top Ten Favorite Love Songs—just in time for Valentine’s Day!
‘Cause ev’ry time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I’ll have to say I love you in a song
— Jim Croce (1943-1973) American folk and rock singer-songwriter
My definition of a love song is a song directed to the person who the singer or writer loves. It is not just about that person and it is not simply a wishful desire for love. It is a song specifically to someone. The song is from the heart and to the heart. It doesn’t have to be eloquent or witty—although it can certainly be those things.
When I took songwriting classes the teachers advised us not to use the words moon and stars in a love song. Those words, we were told, are hackneyed and overused. We were urged to find new ways to say “I love you” with a metaphor or clever expression. In one class I was advised to never use the phrase “heart and soul.” I do have a song that has the words “heart and soul.” As much as I tried, I never found a replacement for that expression. Sometimes simple words are the best and nothing else will do.
Here are my Top Ten Favorite Love Songs
10. “More Today Than Yesterday”
This song was written by Pat Upton lead singer of the group Spiral Starecase. They recorded and released the song in 1969. I remember hearing it on the radio and loving the sentiment as well as the upbeat, light-hearted feel.
I love you more today than yesterday
But not as much as tomorrow
Norah Jones wrote, performed, and produced this song which was on her debut album released in 2002. The album of the same name received Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. I love the “come hither” quality of her voice and the lyrics. What’s better than two people in love being alone with each other? And, is anything more romantic than writing a song for someone?
Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song
8. “You are the Sunshine of my Life”
Rolling Stone ranks this song at number 183 on their list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Written by Stevie Wonder, he recorded and released the song in 1973. It won him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. I love the rhythms and carefree feel of the music. Hearing this song always brings a smile!
7. “When You Say Nothing At All”
The song was written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was first a hit for country singer Keith Whitley. Alison Krauss and Union Station covered it in 1995 and their version won the 1995 CMA award for “Single of the Year.” I love the honesty and sweetness of the lyrics.
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah, you say it best
When you say nothing at all
The lyrics were written by Toni Wine and Carole Bayer Sager. The melody is from Muzio Clementi’s Sonatina, Opus 36, No. 5, the Rondo movement. I remember the chipper, upbeat version by The Mindbenders which came out in 1966. My favorite version is the one by Phil Collins released in 1988. His is a slow ballad with keyboard and strings.
When I’m in your arms nothing seems to matter
If the world would shatter I don’t care.
Wouldn’t you agree, baby, you and me got a groovy kind of love.
Seal wrote the song in 1987 but did not record it until 1991. It won Grammy awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1996. The enigmatic words let one interpret them as they will. Seal has declined to explain what they mean. For me, it is the sensual music that builds into a literal climax and release that are so appealing. Of course, I love the large soaring melody and his vocals are superb!
4. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
The song was written by British singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl. Recorded by various folk singers, it became a hit for Roberta Flack. Her slow, sensual version won Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1973. Her voice is expressive and her phrasing is delicately nuanced. The lyrics describe the progression from love at first sight, to the first kiss, and then to making love.
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
Written and originally recorded by Leon Russell, it was on his first solo album in 1970. It has been covered by many artists, but his version is still my favorite. I don’t know which is more romantic—writing a song for someone or singing a song to someone. If you can do both, well that is perfect!
I’ve been so many places in my life and time
I’ve sung a lot of songs
I’ve made some bad rhymes
I’ve acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we’re alone now
And I’m singing this song to you
This song was written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher and was first released in 1974 on Preston’s ninth studio album. I became familiar with the song through Joe Cocker’s slower version which came out in November 1974. There are not a lot of words . . . but, what else do you need to say?
You’re everything I hoped for
You’re everything I need
You are so beautiful
To me
Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, this was Elton John’s first American hit in 1970. I remember when it came out and I immediately loved this romantic, innocent ballad. It is still my favorite after all these years.
My gift is my song, and this one’s for you . . .
I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in the words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world
Top Ten Favorite Love Songs – Honorable Mentions
This is the title song from Van Morrison’s third studio album released in 1970. I love the song for it’s jazz feel and the use of an alto saxophone and flute.
Written by Lennon and McCartney, it was on the Beatles album Beatles for Sale (1964). The song was issued as a single in February 1965 in the United States. My father gave me the 45 of this song for my eighth birthday in March 1965. I wish I still had it, but I did not appreciate the importance of their music until much later.
This iconic song by Sonny Bono was recorded by Sonny and Cher in 1965. It became their signature song. The harpsichord and oboe are used in the instrumental arrangement.
This song was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. It was originally recorded by Connie Stevens in 1970. The song became a hit in 1972 when The Stylistics recorded it. This is the version I knew. I loved it so much I bought the 45 and played it over and over. Prince did a cover of the song in 1996 which was successful, but I never heard it until recently when researching this song.
This song was written by James Pankow, one of the founding members of the band Chicago. It was on their second album, Chicago II (1970). I had that album and played it all the time. In the early eighties I was in an Early Music Group. We mostly did Medieval and Renaissance music. We were asked to play for an outdoor wedding and the bride requested this song. I must say the song works well for a singer (me), bass recorder, and harpsichord!
It was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. There have been many versions, but my favorite is the original sung by English pop singer Dusty Springfield. It was featured in the 1967 James Bond film Casino Royale.
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song was recorded by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass in 1968. I remembered being surprised to hear Herb Alpert sing since he was mostly known at that time as a trumpet player. The simplicity of the lyrics and the honestly of his voice are irrepressibly charming.
“I’ll Have to Say I Love You In A Song”
It was written and performed by Jim Croce. The song was released posthumously in 1974. It is a beautiful, tender ballad. I particularly love the guitar playing.
The lyrics were written by Philip Bailey and the music was written by Al McKay and Steve Beckmeier. Recorded by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1977, Bailey sings lead and uses his famous falsetto near the end.
from The Great American Songbook
“My Funny Valentine” – Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
“Misty” – Erroll Garner / Johnny Burke
“That’s All” – Bob Haymes
“You’re the Top” – Cole Porter
“Night and Day” – Cole Porter
“The Way You Look Tonight” – Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
“Embraceable You” – George and Ira Gershwin
“S’wonderful” – George and Ira Gershwin
“The Nearness of You” – Hoagy Carmichael / Ned Washington
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Did I list your favorite love song? What are some of your favorites?
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