The 100 Greatest Love Songs of All Time... Ever.
A simple man once said, I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is. I think that’s the real beauty of love, the knowing without being told. It’s an instinct and it’s a feeling but it’s also deeper than that. When love is realized it feels simultaneously personal and universal. Expressing this cosmic-esque entity is in itself art; however, some do it better than others.
Here at TheHalftimeSnack.com, we (a bunch of 30-somethings) have put together our favorite love songs of all time. And it just so turns out, our selections have created the greatest love song list ever compiled. Each Snacker ranked their top ten and provided a sentence or two for each song. Once everyone had contributed their ten-song list, the personally ranked love songs were gathered together and ranked against each other using a very scientific point system based on personal rank and how many times that song was listed. A few more calculations took place along with some randomized tiebreakers, and voilà, the final list was formed… Turns out there are a lot of love songs in the history of the world, and not a lot of consensus for which are the best. And so, without further ado, the most complete and lovely list of love songs.
100. Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” written by: Amy Wadge / Ed Sheeran
Was it once way over played? Yes. Will it survive the test of time? Most certainly.
99. John Legend “All of Me” written by: John Stephens / Tobias Gad
“You’re my end and my beginning, Even when I lose I’m winning”. I mean, come on! John (I Am) Legend!
98. Matt Simons “Catch & Release (Deepend remix)” written by: Erik Olof Mattaison / Mathew Griffith Simons
A nice reminder that self-love is necessary for having the ability to give and receive another’s love. Also, the beachy vibes of this song are kind of perfect for a little sexy time.
97. Common “The Light” written by: Lonnie Rashid Lynn / James Dewitt Yancey / Robert E. Caldwell / Norman Ray Harris / Bruce Malament, samples: "Open Your Eyes" as performed by Bobby Caldwell
The sample, perfect. The beat, fresh. The lyrics, real. Common hit this one out of the park.
96. Foreigner “I Want to Know What Love Is” written by: Michael Jones
Their hair was everywhere, screaming infidelities like… “I want to know what love is, I want you to show me”. Now combine that with a choir, and some sweet-smooth synth and what do you get, an instant classic.
95. Carla Bruni “Quelqu’un m’a dit” written by: Carla Bruni
What exactly is being said? Does it really matter? Some songs are saturated with love even if they’re only dancing around the subject.
94. The xx “Angels” written by: James Thomas Smith / Oliver Sim / Romy Anna Madley Croft
Love is sometimes about seeing that something in someone that no one else can… “Light reflects from your shadow, It is more than I thought could exist, You move through the room, Like breathing was easy, If someone believed me, They would be, As in love with you as I am”.
93. Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber “Violin Sonata III: Praeludium Variatio” written by: Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
Love long-time dead white dudes shredding on the violin? Look no further.
92. Aretha Franklin “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” written by: Gerry Goffin / Carole King / Jerry Wexler
When the Queen of Soul is satisfied, everyone is satisfied.
91. The Drifters “Under the Boardwalk” written by: A. Resnick / K. Young
Sweet lyrics, plus a silky-smooth voice, and the addition of a little Latin influence; equals the ultimate summer love song.
90. Phoebe Bridgers “Killer” written by: Phoebe Bridgers
Sad, Morbid, Beautiful… because love can be all these things. “But when I'm sick and tired, And when my mind is barely there, When a machine keeps me alive, And I'm losing all my hair, I hope you kiss my rotten head, And pull the plug, Know that I've burned every playlist, And I've given all my love”
89. The Righteous Brothers “Unchained Melody” written: Alex North / Hy Zaret
If ever you find yourself intimately throwing pottery with your lover, there is only one song you can play. And if you’re body hasn’t clenched tight with the power of passion by the end, you might be dead... and you’re not going to be one of the good ghosts.
88. Ella Henderson “Yours” written by: Ella Henderson / Josh Record
People want to say Ella Henderson is the next Adele… even though Adele is still very much here and present. Regardless, Ella has the pipes and the ability to convincingly navigate the insecurity of young love and deserves any and all favorable comparisons to superstars like Adele.
87. Coldplay “Yellow” written by: Chris Martin / Guy Berryman / Jonathan Buckland / William Champion
Coldplay’s first full length album (and arguably best album) is chalk full of hauntingly beautiful songs (see also Don’t Panic, Sparks, and Trouble), but none more so than Yellow.
86. Miley Cyrus “Adore You” written by: Oren Yoel Kleinman / Stacy Barthe
Miley delivers, with intimate precision, a slow jam that’s destined to bolster the human population... which begs the question, should this song be banned?
85. Adele “Make You Feel My Love” written by: Bob Dylan
When one of the greatest song writers ever meets one of the greatest voices of our generation, beautiful things happen.
84. Ben E. King “Stand by Me” written by: Ben King / Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller
“If the sky that we look upon, should tumble and fall, Or the mountains should crumble to the sea, I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear, Just as long as you stand, stand by me”. That’s powerful.
83. Alison Krauss “When You Say Nothing at All” written by: Don Schlitz / Paul Overstreet
It goes without saying… but give this one a listen.
82. Bryan Adams “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” written by: Bryan Adams / John Lange / Michael Kamen
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Enough said.
81. *NSYNC “This I Promise You” written by: Richard Marx
Because JT. And name a middle school girl that didn’t fantasize about slow dancing to this with that cute boy with the spiky, bleached tips.
80. The Lovin’ Spoonful “Daydream” written by: John Sebastian
Whistling is a critically underused instrument, and that’s real a shame.
79. George Winston “Longing/Love” written by: George Winston
George Winston is one of the greatest solo pianists of all time. So, when he writes a love song that’s completely and utterly heart wrenching, you listen to it on repeat… even if it’s 8 ½ minutes long.
78. Charles Esten, Lennon & Maisy “Sanctuary” written by: Gary Nicholson / Sarah Siskind / Jill Andrews
Sanctuary, originally written for the show Nashville (2012-2018), remains relevant in part due to the breakout success of singing-sister-duo Lennon & Maisy but also because it’s truly a beautiful song.
77. Eric Clapton “Wonderful Tonight” written by: Eric Clapton
Often the lyrics that make a good love song, and this is no exception. But imagine coupling some soul-soaring lyrics with murderous guitar licks, now you’ve got something special.
76. Bob Marley and The Wailers “Is This Love” written by: Bob Marley
Bob Marley was one of the greatest rebel rousing revolutionaries, opening our eyes to unjust times but making them sound like joyous occasions. However, he knew as well as any, there needs to be something worth fighting for.
75. Nancy Sinatra “Tonight You Belong to Me” written by Billy Rose / Lee David, originally sung by: Irving Kaufman
This baby dates back to 1926 and has been covered in just about every decade since. It was made most famous by Patience and Prudence in 1956, but the Nancy Sinatra cover gives it a little more pep and life.
74. U2 “With or Without” written by: Adam Clayton / Dave Evans / Larry Mullen / Paul Hewson
It’s sexual and violent… but also quite lovely.
73. Shania Twain “Forever and For Always” written by: Robert John Lange / Shania Twain
Shania is riding a vocal rollercoaster with this song and it’s really something beautiful. Also, the pre-cellphone selfies in the video, ground breaking.
72. The Mamas and The Papas “Dream a Little Dream of Me” written by: Fabian Andre / Gus Kahn / Wilbur Schwandt, originally sung by: Ozzie Nelson
Another song that’s been covered dozens of times but none so successfully as when Mama Cass of The Mamas & The Papas belted it out.
71. You Al Green “Let’s Stay Together” written by: Al Jackson Jr / Willie Mitchell / Al Green
Funky, soulful, sweet, beautiful. “You make me feel so brand new”, too good!
70. Backstreet Boys “As Long as You Love Me” written by: Martin Karl Sandberg
This one went from romantic to real desperate pretty quickly, but I still love it.
69. Huey Lewis and the News “The Power of Love” written by: Huey Lewis / Chris Hayes / John Colla
Such a fucking jam. If you’re not groovin’ by mid-song, take a couple baby aspirin, make sure that heart’s still ticking.
68. Taylor Swift “Love Story” written by: Carl Sigman / Francis Lai
Country Taylor, so young and innocent. Only she could rewrite a Shakespearean tragedy and make it an undeniable banger.
67. Rascal Flats “Bless the Broken Road” written by: Jeff Hanna / Marcus Hummon / Robert E. Boyd
Finding true love can be a long, treacherous road, but when you think of all the broken hearts as part of the journey, it’s kind of beautiful.
66. The Postal Service “Such Great Heights” written by: Ben Gibbard / Jimmy Tamborello
The Postal Service, a side project of Death Cap for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, killed it with their one and only album Give Up. And the best thing to come from this album was Such Great Heights. It’s also definitely worth checking out the Iron and Wine cover.
65. The Weepies “Gotta Have You” written by: Eddie Rabbitt / Reed Nielsen / Richard Landis
Husband and wife indie folk-pop duo, The Weepies, bring a sweet folky charm to this love song: “No amount of coffee, no amount of crying, No amount of whiskey, no amount of wine, No, no, no, no, no, nothing else will do, I've gotta have you, I've gotta have you.”
64. The Temptations “My Girl” written by: Smokey Robinson / Ronald White
Likely one of the first songs people think about when they think about love songs. How many songs have been influenced by My Girl? How many families have grown?
63. Bic Runga “Sway” written by: Bic Runga
The most 90s love song, and it’s absolutely brilliant.
62. Explosions in the Sky “A Slow Dance” written by: Christopher Hrasky / Michael James / Munaf Rayani / Mark T. Smith
Who says a love song needs lyrics?
61. The Beatles “All You Need Is Love” written by: John Lennon / Paul McCartney
Cause Love Actually is… all you need.
60. David Guetta ft. Usher “Without You” written by: David Guetta / Frederic Jean Riesterer / Richard Preston Jr Butler / Taio Cruz / Usher Raymond / Giorgio Tuinfort
Maybe not totally a love song, but it doubles as a great dance jam- everyone wins!
59. Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas Is You” written by: Mariah Carey / Walter N. Afanasieff
Many might overlook this song because it’s a Christmas song, but many people are fools.
58. Dave Barnes “Nothing Fancy” written by: Dave Barnes
Love for the common man.
57. Modest Mouse “Sleepwalkin’” written by: Isaac Brock / Eric Judy / Jeremiah Green
This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being young and in love and not knowing how to express it.
56. The Allman Brothers Band “Melissa” written by: Stephen Alaimo / Gregg Allman
Wishing to be with your love while you’re away and knowing nothing can make you stay away for long.
55. Ellie Goulding “Your Song” written by: Bernie Taupin / Elton John
A beautifully sweet version of one of the greatest love songs of all time. A cover song that is different enough from the original to make it unique, but not so different to make it unrecognizable. You may also want to check out this cover of the cover.
54. Japandroids “No Known Drink or Drug” written by: David Prowse / Brian Andrew King
“A slow-burning sermon to have and hold her, But ever since she started sleeping over Oh, Lord, I’m living like a Holy Roller”.
53. Jason Mraz “I Won't Give Up” written by: Jason Mraz / Michael Natter
The opening lines are, “When I look into your eyes, It's like watching the night sky, Or a beautiful sunrise, So much they hold” for god sake!
52. Everly Brothers “All I Have to Do is Dream” written by: Boudleaux Bryant
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live… But gee whiz, dreaming can be nice.
51. Band of Horses “No One's Gonna Love You” written by: Benjamin Bridwell / Creighton Barrett / James Hampton
A good reminder that when the relationship might appear to be falling apart or going through a tough spot, love wins out.
50. Etta James “At Last” written by: Harry Warren / Mack Gordon
Etta James is a national treasure. This is a great love song, but it’s also so much more than that.
49. Death Cab for Cutie “I Will Follow You into the Dark” written by: Ben Gibbard
Never has a song been so morbid yet beautiful. Ben Gibbard is one of our generation’s great American poets: “If heaven and hell decide that they both are satisfied, And illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs, If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks, Then I'll follow you into the dark”.
48. Van Morrison “Tupelo Honey” written by: Van Morrison
You know that tingling feeling you get in your nether regions? This is that in song form.
47. Plain White T’ s “The Giving Tree” written by: Mike Daly / Tim Lopez
Yes, just like the children's book we grew up on, and just as heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Because "If all you wanted was love, why would you use me up? Cut me down, build a boat, and sail away. When all I wanted to be was your giving tree, settle down, build a home, and make you happy". Maybe more of a heartbreak song… but cue the waterworks.
46. Sting “Fields of Gold” written by: Gordon Sumner / Dusan Bogdanovic
Gives me memories I never had.
45. Stevie Wonder “For Once in My Life” written by: Miller Norman / Murden Orlando
“For once I can touch, What my heart used to dream of, Long before I knew, Someone warm like you, Would make my dreams come true”. Damn!
44. Buddy Holly “Everyday” written by: Norman Petty / Buddy Holly
Is there a better harbinger of hope than, "Love like yours will surely come my way"?
43. Betty Who “I Love You Always Forever” written by: Donna Lewis, Originally sung by: Donna Lewis
Not the mushiest of love songs, but I am not the mushiest of humans. The sentiment of the song is nostalgic while still being relevant. It’s sweet, and has some wonderful lyrics, but it’s set to a beat that doesn’t feel like you have to cry every time you hear it.
42. Steve Winwood “Higher Love” written by Steve Winwood / Will Jennings
Whether you're at spin class or cruising in the truck with your lady, nothing will put a smile on your face more than a classic cheesy pop-rock anthem. If you're a little less quirky, check out the cover by Irish folk singer James Vincent McMorrow.
41. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” written by: Nickolas Ashford / Valerie Simpson
Love this one because it's got that bounce to it, and also because of the lovely natural metaphors in the lyrics.
40. Bright Eyes “First Day of My Life” written by: Conor Oberst
What makes this magnum opus of emo indie heartache truly special is how Conor Oberst manages to perfectly interweave the melancholy with a beautiful touch of hopefulness.
39. Tina Turner “The Best” written by: Holly Knight / Mike Chapman
Meant to be listened to at full volume. And if you ain’t dancing, you dead!
38. The Shirelles “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” written by: Carole King / Gerry Goffin
Not sure why, but this one has always been tops for me. I adore it and listen to it monthly. It’s the perfect recipe for a hit love song- great melody- vocals- catchy as hell and never annoying.
37. Fine Young Cannibals “She Drives Me Crazy” written by: David Steele / Roland Lee Gift
A contender for not only best love song but also best pop song of all time, in my opinion.
36. Chris Isaak “Wicked Game” written by: Chris Isaak
I’ve never forgotten that Vh1 listed it as the best make out song ever.
35. Ingrid Michaelson “Can't Help Falling in Love” written by: George David Weiss / Hugo E Peretti / Luigi Creatore, Original sung by: Elvis Presley
A beautiful cover of one of the most perfect love songs. When you stand toe to toe with the king, you best impress. Ingrid did.
34. Jason Mraz “I'm Yours” written by: Jason Mraz
The love I have for this song is slightly irrational. It has always reminded me of the beginning stages of a relationship. Just like young love, with stolen glances and fluttering hearts, it’s sweet and happy.
33. Savage Garden “Truly Madly Deeply” written by: Daniel Jones / Darren Hayes
Never mind what motivated the 10 year old version of myself to buy the self-titled album from the pop duo from Down Under. It's a scarier question why I liked it so much, but Truly Madly Deeply was the first love song I remember listening to in my room while attempting to connect music to this weird emotion.
32. Bon Iver “Blood Bank” written by: Justin Vernon
Love, like many miraculous moments in life, tends to sneak up on you. Because we aren’t prepared for these moments, they scare us. And yet, once that love is shared, it’s amazing to think we were ever afraid.
31. The Smiths “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” written by: Steven Morrissey / Johnny Marr
No lyric will ever encapsulate true love better than "And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die."
30. UB40 “Bring Me Your Cup” written by: Jim Brown / Ali Campbell / Robin Campbell / Earl Falconer / Norman Hassan / Brian Travers / Michael Virtue / Terrence Oswald Wilson
Why? Why not!!! Honestly this is the only non-heartache song my husband and I both love, and because we are children of the 90's, it became ours.
29. George Strait “True” written by: Jeff Stevens / Marv Green
The true King!
28. David Gray “This Year's Love” written by: David Gray
Is there a more beautiful piano intro? Few, if any. The piano is enough to make this list, but Gray went ahead and added some devastatingly stunning lyrics and an elegant string section.
27. Sam Cooke “(What a) Wonderful World” written by: Herb Alpert / Lou Adler / Sam Cooke
When it comes down to it, there is only one thing to know, love.
26. The Righteous Brothers “You've Lost That Lovin Feeling” written by: Barry Mann / Phil Spector / Cynthia Weil
The Righteous Brothers: Maverick and Goose serenading Charlie. You have got to be kidding me, too good! Luckily for Mav nobody had to worry about him making his living as a singer. So, grab a beer, put the flames out, and put on The Righteous Brothers.
25. The Cure “Just Like Heaven” written by: Boris Williams / Laurence Andrew Tolhurst / Porl Thompson / Robert James Smith / Simon Gallup
I don’t know if there’s another song that’ll make you happier: “Spinning on that dizzy edge, Kissed her face and kissed her head, Dreamed of all the different ways, I had to make her glow”. Also, I’ve always thought this would make a great walk-up song.
24. Sam Cooke “You Send Me” written by: Sam Cooke
A love that grows stronger each day is a beautiful thing.
23. The Penguins “Earth Angel” written by: Jesse Lorenzo Belvin / Gaynel Hodge / Curtis Williams
This one has that old-timey 1950s vibe, probably because it was recorded in the old-timey 1950s. Fall for an angel, turn into a fool. I'm in.
22. Frank Sinatra “Fly Me to the Moon” written by: Bart Howard
Frank Sinatra needs no explanation. His tone and lyrics are equally amazing, and there are few like him. This song reminds me of a deep, to your bones, soul capturing kind of love. And, it is truly timeless.
21. Aerosmith “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” written by: Diane Warren
Let me paint you a picture, boy likes girl, a 5th-grade dance at some Elks Lodge, those first few chords, and now he’s summoning all his courage. Bonus - let's say everyone's has had a few at karaoke and you're looking to burn the house down... you're welcome.
20. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons “Can't Take My Eyes Off of You” written by: Bob Crewe / Robert Gaudio
This one's on here for two reasons. First, reminds of that all-time scene from 10 Things I Hate About You. Second, it reminds me of my wife on our wedding day.
19. Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Maps” written by: Brian Chase / Karen Lee Orzolek / Nicholas Joseph Zinner
The absolute pinnacle of indie rock love songs. Karen O belting "wait, they don't love you like I love you" will never fail to give me chills.
18. The Beatles “In My Life” written by: John Lennon / Paul McCartney
“Though I know I'll never lose affection, For people and things that went before, I know I'll often stop and think about them, In my life, I love you more”. Chills.
17. Donna Lewis “I Love You, Always Forever” written by: Donna Lewis
The original, and that riff. Donna you dog!
16. Talking Heads “This Must be the Place” written by: Chris Frantz / David Byrne / Jerry Harrison / Tina Weymouth
The best of the best. David Byrne's simple, joyful, and cosmic portrayal of love is perfect in every way. Aren't we all just animals looking for a home to share the same space for a minute or two?
15. Nat King Cole “L-O-V-E” written by: Bert Kaempfert / Milt Gabler
Similar to Sinatra, Nat King Cole needs no explanation. This song is one of many great love songs Mr. Cole sings, but there is something indescribable about the way this particular song makes me feel. The sound, the swagger, there’s just something about it. Also, y’all seen Little Rascals? Song makes for a killer duet.
14. The Beach Boys “God Only Knows” written by: Brian Douglas Wilson / Tony Asher
This deserves to be number one because of this... Love Actually is all around …especially starting after the 2:43 mark.
13. Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” written by: Dolly Parton, originally sung by: Dolly Parton
Whitney turned this sweet, sad Dolly Parton song into the most powerful of power ballads ever… Because sometimes you fall in love with your bodyguard and the world needs to know about it.
12. Alicia Keys “If I Ain't Got You” written by: Alicia Keys
What do you get when you combine one of the most soulful singers of our generation, gorgeous lyrics, a killer piano, and passion? A grown man crying into his cereal at 9 in the morning.
11. The National “Slow Show” written by: Aaron B. Dessner / Bryce D. Dessner / Matthew D. Berninger
“I want to hurry home to you, put on a slow dumb show for you, and crack you up” is everything to me… at least until you get to the part “You know I dreamed about you, for 29 years before I saw you”. Perfect.
10. Billy Joel “The Longest Time” written by: Billy Joel
Much of the 80’s was about sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll; and so for Billy Joel make a hit song about innocent teenage romance with a do-wop-esque 50s vibe… Inspiring! And if you’re strictly an 80’s Billy Joel fan, you won’t find anything better in his repertoire.
9. Van Morrison “Into the Mystic” written by: Van Morrison
It's soulful, it's up, it’s down… much like love. Also, great to dance to.
8. Journey “Faithfully” written by: Steve Perry / Jonathan Cain
Nothing is more powerful than the chord at the end.
7. Sam Cooke “Cupid” written by: Sam Cooke
Once we are at the end of our wits when it comes to love; there's only one thing left to do, a simple request from the god of love himself.
Meg Ryan in Innerspace, that’s love.
6. Celine Dion “It’s All Coming Back to Me“ written by: Jim Steinman
This is probably the dark horse of Celine Dion love songs but scream-sing “There were nights of endless pleasure” and you’ll feel it.
Because you were wrong when you thought “My Heart Will Go On” was her best song.
5. Foo Fighters “Everlong” written by: Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl once described the song as "basically about being connected to someone so much that not only do you love them physically and spiritually, but when you sing along with them you harmonize perfectly." I think that pretty perfectly captures what makes this one of the all-time greats.
First, this is a love song! If you don't agree, listen to the lyrics, still don't hear it, look to the acoustic version. Second, it's not just my favorite love song of all time it's my favorite song of all time. I love you, Dave, you're perfect.
4. Ingrid Michaelson “You and I” written by” Ingrid Michaelson
As an artist, Ingrid has some astoundingly beautiful songs, but none quite capture the sweet lightheartedness of being in love like this one. Favorite part: “Maybe I wanna do what bunnies do with you, if you know what I mean.” Witty, but also accurate.
3. The Beatles “Something” written by: George Harrison (18 points)
Lyrically, this song perfectly illustrates that deeper knowing of love ‘Somewhere in her smile she knows, That I don’t need no other lover’. Now couple that with a beautifully brilliant guitar solo, and you have the greatest love song of them all.
This one's on the list because of the simple yet perfect articulation of what makes that certain someone unique from all the rest.
2. Elton John “Your Song” written by: Bernie Taupin / Elton John
One of my faves because of the beautiful reflection upon how the right person makes one's life a much better place to be.
1. Elvis Presley “Can't Help Falling in Love” written by: George David Weiss / Hugo E. Peretti / Luigi Creatore
This song is perfect, and come on... Fools Rush In, Best Rom-Com ever! (Also, check out the Kina Grannis version from the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack)
The King. Need I say more? No, but I will. Sometimes you just can. not. help, but to fall in love and… like a river flows / some things are meant to be.
Check out all of the songs here on The Halftime Snack’s Greatest Love Songs Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/1213287812/playlist/11mGSwQTSOhBjFLLZUxA4p?si=aoLgZJCPROK6l9nUJmRn8g
Bonus:
Without prompt, one of our contributors also provided their favorite umm… physical love song.
Nelly ft. Jeremih “The Fix” written by: Ceresia Blanchard / Cornell Haynes Jr. / David Ritz / Devon Bell / Dijon Mcfarlane / Kaleb Rollins / Marvin Gaye / Mikely Adams / Odell Brown
So so dirty. I’m not sure it’s love I feel when I hear this song, but let me tell you, I feel SOMETHING.
