The language of love can be translated in many ways, but the most universal? Music. Whether you're adding some romantic tunes to your summer playlist, need something emotional to blast on your next road trip, are in search of an epic breakup song to help you nurse your heartache, you're in the mood to stream feel-good ballads that'll remind you of your first crush, or you're looking for the right words to help you say I love you, we curated a list of the best love songs of all time.
As the decades have gone on, the tone and tenor of romantic music has evolved. The 1960s gave us sweet, earnest tracks across genres like the Beach Boys's "God Only Knows," Etta James's "I'd Rather Go Blind," and Otis Redding's "These Arms of Mine." The '70s and '80s dialed up the stakes and the sonic drama thanks to Madonna's "Like a Prayer," Prince's "Purple Rain," and Journey's "Faithfully."
Evocative and sensual R&B ruled the '90s and early '00s, with D'Angelo's "Untitled [How Does It Feel]," Sade's "By Your Side," and Keith Sweat's "Nobody" soundtracking plenty of late nights. And modern releases have kept the legacy going, with highlights including Beyoncé's lusty "Drunk in Love," Lizzo's emphatic "Cuz I Love You," and Maren Morris's beautiful "The Bones."
Each of these songs, just like each romance, is beautiful in its own way. So whether love sounds to you like a searing guitar solo, powerful grand piano, or grooving bass line, one of these tunes will surely ignite a feeling.