15 Love Songs That Will Last a Lifetime — #7 Will Melt Your Heart!
Here you will find the most beautiful love songs for romantic occasions. These love songs offer a rollercoaster of emotions and lyrics that touch us and mesmerize us. From timeless ballads to modern pop hits.
1. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Year: 1992
Original: 1974 by Dolly Parton
Genre: Pop/R&B
“I Will Always Love You” is one of the most popular love songs. The song was originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton in 1973. Almost no one today is familiar with the original version. Whitney Houston's version for the soundtrack of the movie The Bodyguard (1992) became a worldwide hit. In 16 countries, the song reached number one on the pop charts. “I Will Always Love You” is a beautiful love song that expresses deep affection. It is about the promise of unconditional love, even when the relationship ends. Whitney Houston's powerful and emotional voice created a version of the song that is and will remain popular and unforgettable.
2. Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers
Year: 1965
Original: 1955 by Hy Zaret and Alex North
Genre: Pop, Country
“Unchained Melody” became a million-selling and timeless classic in four versions. The original version is from 1955 by Hy Zaret and Alex North. The Righteous Brothers' version from 1965 achieved immense popularity and became a timeless classic. Their version became famous through its use in the 1990 film “Ghost”. “Unchained Melody” is a romantic love song about desire and connection. The song expresses the feeling that love conquers all.
3. All of Me – John Legend
Year: 2013
Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
John Legend wrote the love song for his wife Chrissy Teigen. “All of Me” reached number one in the charts in numerous countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland and the USA. With 12.3 million copies sold worldwide, “All of Me” was the third best-selling song of 2014. The music video contains video footage from the actual wedding of the couple. They married on September 14, 2013 at a lake in Italy. The authentic “All of Me” belongs on every good love song playlist.
4. Your Song – Elton John
Year: 1970
Genre: Pop
The love song “Your Song” is one of the most successful songs by Elton John. Released in 1970, it has become one of his evergreens. However, it is important to note that the lyrics are not autobiographical. Elton John's personal experiences or feelings are not reflected in the lyrics. Elton John's long-time songwriter Bernie Taupin wrote the song as a pure expression of love from one person to another. It is a popular choice for weddings.
5. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Year: 2014
Genre: Pop
The British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran's 2014 love song “Thinking Out Loud” is known for its romantic and meaningful lyrics. It is about the deep love between two people and describes a love that will last forever. Ed Sheeran wrote Thinking Out Loud together with singer-songwriter Amy Wadge from Wales. The lyrics were inspired by his then-girlfriend Athina Andrelos. Sheeran also revealed that he thought of his grandparents and their endless love when writing the song.
6. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Year: 1977
Genre: Pop, Soft Rock
Wonderful Tonight, a love ballad by legendary musician Eric Clapton, is one of his most famous hits. He wrote the love song about his then-wife Pattie Boyd and their experiences together at a party. The singer emphasizes the beauty of his wife and describes how happy he feels by her side. The gentle melody, Clapton's vocals and the heartfelt lyrics make this love song a timeless classic.
7. Can't Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Year: 1961
Genre: Pop
“Can't Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley was written and released in 1961. Originally recorded for the soundtrack of his movie “Blue Hawaii”, the popular love ballad has since become one of Elvis Presley's biggest hits. It has been covered by more than 30 other artists, including Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran, Pearl Jam and U2.
8. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Year: 2010
Genre: Indie-folk, country-folk
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is one of those love songs that not everyone knows. The love song was released in 2010 and achieved some international fame. It is a duet between band members Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, harmonious singing and romantic lyrics.
9. Eternal Flame – The Bangles
Year: 1988
Genre: Soft rock, New Wave
“Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling...” – Everyone has probably heard these lines before. “Eternal Flame” is a well-known love song that was released by the pop band The Bangles in 1988. The love song is one of their biggest hits and a classic of the 1980s. It became a number-one hit in a variety of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands. In 2001, Atomic released a cover version that also celebrated great success and became an international number-one hit
10. Stand By Me – Florence + the Machine
Year: 2016
Original: 1961 by Ben E. King
Genre: Soul, Pop
“Stand By Me” was originally released by Ben E. King in 1961. The English band Florence + the Machine covered this song in 2016. Their version of the song was featured as the soundtrack to the video game Final Fantasy XV. Lead singer Florence Welch delivered a powerful and soulful interpretation of Ben E. King's classic with this cover.
11. When a Man Loves a Woman – Michael Bolton
Year: 1991
Original: 1966 by Percy Sledge
Genre: Soul
Michael Bolton's version of “When a Man Loves a Woman” is one of the most famous love songs of all time. Originally released by Percy Sledge in 1966, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bolton. On YouTube Michael Bolton's version has over 204 million views.
12. Take My Breath Away – Berlin
Year: 1986
Genre: Synthpop, Rock
Recorded by the band Berlin for the soundtrack of the 1986 film “Top Gun”, “Take My Breath Away” is a popular love song that became a worldwide hit. It won an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for Best Song in a Motion Picture. This love song definitely gives you goosebumps.
13. Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Year: 2019
Genre: Alternative/Indie, Pop
In numerous countries, the love song reached the top of the charts. In the UK, the song climbed to the top of the charts. “Someone You Loved” was the best-selling single in the UK in 2019. In 2023, “Someone You Loved” is ranked as the third most-streamed song on Spotify, with over 2.8 million streams.
14. Shallow – Lady Gaga ft. Bradley Cooper
Year: 2018
Genre: Rock, Folk-Pop, Country
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's duet “Shallow” is a love song from the soundtrack of the 2018 film “A Star Is Born”. With an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for best film song, “Shallow” is one of the most famous songs from this film. The love song achieved great commercial success. It topped the charts in more than twenty countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
15. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Year: 1984
Genre: Pop, Soft-Rock, New Wave
The 1980s love song “Time After Time” by American singer Cyndi Lauper is without doubt one of the most popular love songs of all time. The song was released on January 27, 1984 as the second single from her debut album 'She's So Unusual'. “Time After Time” can be interpreted as a song about saying goodbye. The protagonist leaves her lover and yet still feels drawn to him again and again. Over the years, the song has received numerous cover versions from various musicians. Till this day, the love song continues to be popular.