Love songs have a way of capturing emotions that words alone often cannot. In honor of Valentine’s Day, PEOPLE staffers curated a list of their favorite romantic tracks — from timeless classics to modern ballads — that celebrate passion, devotion, and the magic of connection.
Timeless Classics
- “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – Roberta Flack A tender ballad that perfectly encapsulates the awe of falling in love at first sight.
- “Your Song” – Elton John A heartfelt declaration of love, reminding listeners how wonderful life feels when shared with someone special.
- “Here, There and Everywhere” – The Beatles Paul McCartney’s lyrics embody the desire to be with someone everywhere, setting a high bar for romantic songwriting.
- “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen Not a soft ballad, but a cinematic anthem about escaping with your forever person, love as freedom.
Soulful and Emotional
- “Sweet Love” – Anita Baker A timeless ode to fearless, passionate love, delivered with Baker’s angelic vocals.
- “The Closer I Get to You” – Luther Vandross feat. Beyoncé A soulful duet that resonates with both youthful crushes and mature relationships.
- “The Color of Love” – Boyz II Men A heartfelt track about finding strength and hope through love.
Modern Favorites
- “All Night” – Beyoncé A raw, redemptive track about forgiveness and resilience in love.
- “Goodnight N Go” – Ariana Grande A dreamy pop hit that captures the quiet rush of falling in love.
- “If the World Was Ending” – JP Saxe feat. Julia Michaels A bittersweet ballad about choosing love even in fleeting, final moments.
Indie and Alternative Gems
- “Waste” – Phish A gentle acoustic song about choosing to spend time together.
- “Just Like Heaven” – The Cure An upbeat yet emotional track about the dreamlike feeling of early love.
- “Robbers” – The 1975 A cinematic ode to reckless, all-consuming romance.
- “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” – Talking Heads Playful and soothing, it captures the joy of finding home in someone.
- “Gotta Have You” – The Weepies A tender reminder that even in tough moments, love makes everything better.
Other Notable Picks
- “Show Me Love” – Robyn A youthful anthem about the excitement of new romance.
- “Something Changed” – Pulp A Britpop ode to the miracle of finding love.
- “Song to the Siren” – This Mortal Coil A hauntingly beautiful ballad about longing and connection.
- “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – Al Green (cover) A soulful twist on The Beatles’ classic, perfect for dancing.
Together, these songs span decades and genres, proving that love — whether tender, fiery, or bittersweet — remains one of music’s most powerful inspirations.
