There are so many great classic love songs out there, but which ones are the most romantic? How do you choose the best?
Well for me it all comes down to the lyrics. Here's a peek at my favorites.
Growing up, there was always, always music playing in our home.
My mom was a classically trained vocalist, who performed on the stage at Radio City Music Hall and with The Ray Conniff Singers.
She loved everything from torch song classics and Broadway show tunes to rock and roll and dance tracks.
If it had a catchy beat and she could sing along, she was a fan.
The house was also filled with the music my sisters played on their own record players.
They were teens in the 60's and 70's, so rock music reigned. Singer songwriters like James Taylor and Carly Simon were names most other five year olds were not acquainted with, but I knew well.
When my sisters went out, I ran into their rooms to play their Led Zeppelin forty-fives and vandalize their Monkees albums with big red hearts.
As a teen in the early 80's, I belted out "What's New" with Linda Rondstat and The Nelson Riddle Orchestra in my room, listened to Dean Martin croon "Tangerine" while setting the table and then turned on MTV to watch The Police and Van Halen.
I was brought up in a house full of eclectic music lovers and I had become one myself.
My kids' friends laugh when they come over.
My playlists range from popular songs of today, including rap and pop, but then just like my momma, there are all other genres peppered throughout.
Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Tesla, Doobie Brothers, Dolly Parton, Maren Morris, DNCE. If it speaks to me in some way, I'll give it a chance. No decade or style is off limits.
I like it loud.
And I usually sing.
I may dance, too.
My kids love that.
I don't believe I have ever spoken about my love of music, which is odd, because it's such a huge part of my life.
So in honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I would share a few of my favorite love songs.
My Top 5 Classic Love Songs List
I'd like to say they're my all time favorite top 5, but they're really just my top 5 today.
They may be among my tops next week or next year, but there are so many fabulous songs out there, that maybe not.
In any case, I keep coming back to these. Here they are in no specific order.
1. That's All by Mel Torme
This one is a classic. All the greats sang it, but in my opinion Mel Torme does is best. I'm listening to right now. The smooth jazz, the piano and oh, those lyrics. No diamond rings, no riches or gold, only love."I can only give you love that lasts forever and the promise to be near each time you call...that's all"
But isn't that everything? Swoon. This one gets me every single time.
2. Through The Fire by Chaka Khan
This was my choice for a wedding song, but a compromise took us in another direction. I love this woman. Her voice is amazing, she is a powerhouse and this song just drips with soul, delicious, R&B perfection. "Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall, for the chance to be with you, I'd glad risk it all..."
The lyrics talk of taking a chance on love, one worth fighting for...and it's impossible to stand still while listening to it. Try it. I dare you.
3. Bargain by The Who
Ok, so most people are totally shocked when I tell them that I think this is one of the most romantic love songs of all time. They hear the driving beat and the screaming guitars ~ which are awesome ~ but again, this one is all about the lyrics.With words like "I'd gladly lose me to find you, I'd gladly give up all I've got" and "one and one don't make two, one and one make one..." do you blame me?
Pure poetry.
What girl wouldn't want to hear those words? That puts this one right up there with Mel.
Now, the backstory is that this was indeed written as a love song, but not about a woman. It was written about the bands' faith and so it's a love song to God. The Who, a Christian rock band. Huh. Who knew?
4. For Good from Wicked
Have you seen Wicked? It's an amazing show, the music is glorious, yes, yes, but it's the story that's the true gem. It's a celebration of friendship between women.How many special girlfriends have come in and out of your life over the years? They are women you won't spend a lifetime with, but they have touched your life forever and you have been left a better person because you knew them.
No matter how briefly. That's what this show is about and what this particular song expresses so well.
"You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart" and "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good..."
True love between friends.
5. Until The Night by Billy Joel
I grew up on Billy Joel tunes, he's a local favorite, too. I know all the words to every one of his songs, but this one holds a special place.It reminds me of a time when I lived far away from my now husband, then boyfriend, while attending college. Sometimes the distance was manageable, but sometimes the anticipation of seeing each other again was overwhelming.
Ah, breathless young love.
"Until the night, I just might make it, when I see you again.."
The bridge of this song is masterful. The melody and the lyrics build in a crescendo as he describes the hours before he meets his love again. So romantic.
And storytelling at its best.
I think that's what sets good music apart from great music for me.
As a writer, I suppose it makes sense.
Music is so personal. Some people connect with the rhythm, the artist, the sound of their voice.
For me, it's clearly the words.
And I think mom would approve.
How about you?
What are your favorite love songs?
MORE ABOUT MUSIC:
Cheers!
I too love all kinds of music and I listened to the Who in college. Never could understand most of the lyrics though! I just love Billy Joel. He is an all time favorite and Until the Night is one of his best. I saw him in concert too. I am bad with names of songs so I am sure I have heard the others, just don't know them by name! I listen to music in my truck. The CD in the player right now is Carole King Tapestry....probably the favorite CD I have.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen Billy Joel in concert, although I would love. He pops into a few local clubs to croon, but I have never been lucky enough to be there. Boo!! ;)
DeleteWow Kim, you have quite a diverse list of favorites! I think it is good to enjoy many types of music. As I get older my appreciation of 60's and 70's music has grown. Happy Valentine's day ☺
ReplyDeleteRight there with you, Karen. I am rediscovering a lot of those tunes lately, too.
Delete"When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge gets me every time. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers a close second, followed by "My Girl" by The Temptations. I guess I'm a soul girl when it comes to love songs, though my taste is pretty broad overall. This was fun, Kim. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSoul is always a good thing, Nancy!! Great songs!
DeleteHi Kim, what a great post sharing your love of music. I must say it sounds like my own home growing up and the music that was always playing. I sang and played piano, guitar, clarinet and autoharp but hated to practice. My dad would say I had to dry the dishes knowing I hated that more and I would reply, oh I have to practice now. I guess he was using reverse psychology on me. haha!! Enjoy the music and hope you enjoyed a special Valentine's Day. xo
ReplyDeleteWow, you are quite the accomplished musician. I can plunk out a few notes to Mary Had A Little Lamb on piano but that's it. ;)
DeleteI just picked up several--okay five--boxes of records for my kids at my favorite thrifts store as they sold everything in preparation for their move to another town. I am pretty sure there were some Ray Conniff LPs in there. I will have to double check and give them a listen. Fun post.
ReplyDeleteOh how funny, Lorri!! I haven't seen one of those is decades!!
DeleteI am listening to a collection of Big Band artists right now. I too love all genres of music. I know of nothing that brings my heart more joy than music. It fills my home and heart every day. I can thank my dad for that. He loved it too. Thank you for this post. I enjoyed it immensely. A sweet Valentine's Day surprise.
ReplyDeleteI love the big bands!! My mom used to play them all the time!! :)
DeleteThis is a fun post Kim. Ah, music does bring such memories. I grew up during the Beatles' era, so my faves all center around their early music, and some of the other boy bands like Herman's Hermits were a big favorite, and Sonny & Cher, & Mamas and the Papas. I also liked easy listening like Andy Williams. Later on I enjoyed the Eagles & the Doobie Brothers. I'm so impressed your Mother sang at Radio City Music Hall! I had a few Ray Connif records. I love to sing too. Lately I've been on a Lesley Gore kick. Ha!
ReplyDeleteSo many, many great ones here, Florence!! I love them all...and now want to go listed to some Sonny & Cher. I bought their first album at a garage sale for a dime!! And a macrame purse for a quarter! Ha!!
DeleteAll great music selections!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteI also LOVE music and have it playing constantly in my house. I have Opera, Broadway, Spirituals, Country, etc. etc. etc. CD's and my sons always give me a hard time but I don't care. When my sons were young and we were in the car going somewhere, they knew not to fight because if they did I would put an Opera CD or Irish Music CD in the player and they stopped fighting immediately. I miss those days.
ReplyDeleteBroadway and country get me, too. So many big, belty classics. I love the trick with the kids, I should've tried this when they were younger ;)
DeleteOh, Kim, we are kindred spirits. I know, I think I've said that before! I got a 45 record player for my 8th grade graduation from my folks and I think there was a Ray Coniff album with it. I painted a whole house to the Eagles, and rode around in our 56 Chevy Nomad with the music so loud, no wonder I can hardly hear now. Neil Diamond at the Apollo was my all time favorite and believe it or not, now, I love to clean my house, on a sunny day, with the windows and doors wide opened and the Phantom of the Opera blaring..Happy Valentine's Day my friend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteGreat car...great music, Judy!! I bet you have the best memories. I clean my house to loud Broadway tunes, too. Somehow I clean much better!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI love music! I love all kinds of music. My playlist is also full of all kinds.
My boys got me into Twenty One Pilots. I love the song Blurryface, the lyrics are so true! I dance too! My boys love it as well, they laugh, laugh and then usually join me. :-)
Happy Valentine's Day,
Carla
Twenty One Pilots is one of my kids' new favorite groups. We have listened to a bunch of their new songs on repeat lately. Good tunes to dance to! My kids laugh, too. ;)
DeleteP.S. Wow, about your mom! xx oo
ReplyDeleteAnd, I am with you about the lyrics. I am a listen to the words kind of girl. The band U2 is like a history book. Many of the songs they sing are about what was going on in the world at the time they wrote the song.
Oh, I could go and on ... FUN POST! :-)
They always say you can find out a lot about a girl by listening to the lyrics of the songs she listens to!! I agree...
DeleteI love all kinds of music, too, even opera! I like some rap, rock, the classics, etc. I think Bon Jovi made some beautiful music, Adele, James Blunt, Judy Collins---love em all. You and I would get along great. About the only music I don't care for is the real twangy country western...and even that is okay-just not my first choice. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteAgreed!! I love it all...
DeleteThank you for this reflection on love songs . . .
ReplyDeleteI am saving this post . . .
So I can take time to do some listening . . .
Not sure if it is a Love Song . . .
But Joe Cocker singing, You Are So Beautiful . . .
Leaves me with memories, warms my heart.
Thank you for this wonderful post.
Happy ❤ Day . . .
I treated myself to red tulips . . .
I think it's definitely a love song, Lynne...and a very good one!! :) Yeah for tulips!!
DeleteWe are telling our age here. Recently, I discovered Vevo YouTube music I can play online. They laugh when I say I want them to play 50 Ways to Leave Your Love at my funeral. If I win the lottery, I am buying a bus and naming it Gus as I drive off into the sunset.
ReplyDeleteNothing like relaxing to Spanish guitar instrumentals. Music brings back memories of some event happening at that time in our lives. Thanks for sharing your love of music with us.
Myrna
Myrna, you just made me giggle!! I love it. My daughter, a music major, just discovered Spanish guitar and is playing constantly! Good music, very catchy and I can't stand still while it plays. :) Thanks for sharing!!
DeleteOh, what a fun post.
ReplyDeleteI did not grow up surrounded by music, but in the 47 years Steve and I have been together, he has made me a music person.
47 years, wow, Carol. That's a lot of marriage and a lot of music!! :)
DeleteOh this is pure delight! I grew up with a little blue radio in the corner of the kitchen counter and Mama singing along to Patsy Cline or Frank Sinatra. It was a treasured time for sure. I really enjoy most music (not heavy metal though!)
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely Valentine's Day!
Jemma
I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Jemma and yes, Patsy Cline!! Another classic!!
DeleteI have eclectic taste in music too, and have raised my kids that way! I laughed last year when a few of them wanting to play a new to them band for me - and it was ELO! They had discovered Mr. Blue Sky and loved it! They were so amazed and impressed that I already new this band! ha ha!
ReplyDeleteWe love some classical, artists from the 60's on through now. Not all of it, by any means but so much good music!
Fun post!
Haha...It's so funny when that happens isn't it?? I remember when my kids "discovered" this great band called Rush. Oh boy!! ;)
DeleteMy taste in music is all over the place too...On my phone, you'll find everything from Ozzy Osbourne to Pavarotti's La Donna e mobile. Lol! I like all genres of music too (and movies) You put together a fun list! Hope you had a great Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa!! I think the kids help, too. They keep exposing me to the really new stuff...
DeleteHey, I never knew that about your mom, how cool is that? I was a singer when I lived int he city also, but never made it to Radio City, that's for sure!! My playlists are all over the shop also, sometimes it's 40's housewife music, sometimes it's jazz, sometimes classical, sometimes current hits.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that??? You sang?? I would love to hear it now. Youtube??
DeleteBlue Moon (Mel Torme), That's Amore (Dean Martin), Take My Breath Away (Berlin), Don't You Forget About Me (Simple Minds), Lips of An Angel (Hinder), Fall to Pieces (Velvet Revolver), Do You Really Want to Hurt Me (Culture Club), Diamonds and Pearls (Prince).... I like it all! Music is such a wonderful way to express all feelings and it seems that regardless of what genre or time period, one just can't go wrong!! Well, there are a few of those Cinderella and Poison songs we could do with out! Love and hugs sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteYou're like me...taste all over the place!! Good music is good music. :)
DeleteGreat choices Kim. I love your taste in music. I am all over the place with music. I love almost all kinds of music.
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of the week.
Hugs,
Kris
Music - of any kind- is awesome, Kris. I agree!! :)
DeleteLove this post, Kim...perfect for the big LOVE day! I grew up so much the way you did (minus the talented mother!). My four older sister's had everything from the 60's to 70's playing on our bedroom stereo, which I was not allowed to touch but did when they weren't around. So I grew up listening to everything from Motown to Classic Rock. Funny, I'm now a big fan of pop culture and love to rock out to top 40's. I know every word to every hit by Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the Weeknd!
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing these memories back and I love that you experienced the classics and carry them in your heart today!
Jane x
Fun memories, aren’t they, Jane? Seems like I have been raiding someone else’s music my whole life…my mom’s, my sisters and now my kids!! ;)
DeleteKim I am just like you. I too love music and the room seems empty if something is not playing. I had to laugh about the Led Zeppelin. No one worth his/her musical mettle would be caught not listening to Zeppelin. I wore out the first Billy Joel album. I will listen to most anything. Right now I have Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys on repeat. His voice reminds me of the old masters.
ReplyDeleteAll great artists, Mary. I love when people share their current music likes...I'm always looking for a good song!
DeleteThis brought me back to Middle School. We had a great music program and director...we were in a classical program competition, a gospel thing, made a record, the whole bit. I sang a solo.."Anticipation" by Carly Simon petrified and scared out of my mind onstage with a long velvety "Maxi" skirt.
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds amazing, Deb. A quilter and a singer?? Talented lady!! :)
DeleteInteresting group of songs and so cool about your mom! I'm a child of the 60's and 70's (born in 1960), and I always loved Ray Conniff music, even when I went through my rock and roll phase :-) I was a big Who fan from way back, but didn't know the story behind the song Bargain. Music was a big part of my life growing up too, I was in band for years from 6th grade into college (flute player), and played with our church choir for a few years too. These days I mostly listen to country music and my husband and I danced our first dance to Shania Twain/Bryan White 'From This Moment On'. Two talented musical friends of ours played the wedding song 'There is Love' during our ceremony. Our 24th anniversary is in a couple of weeks, so I'll be playing those two songs for sure :-) Thanks for some great memories and for sharing your music choices!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing! I love to hear what kind of music people listen to...I guess it's because I have such eclectic taste, I'm always looking for new music. I also find it funny and a little disconcerting when people respond that they don't really listen to music, because it's been such a big part of my life. It just doesn't compute!! It's funny, I played the flute in elementary and middle school, but gave it up by high school. When it comes to musical endeavors, it definitely skipped a generation around here! Hahaha! I'm impressed by your talent and the way you found a way, through bands and church, to keep playing. Happy Anniversary to you, too! I hope it is/was a day filled with music to help you celebrate!!
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