Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and lovers everywhere are already starting to make plans for celebrating their special someone. Once you've chosen the perfect meal and the perfect gift, though, it's important to set the mood right with a playlist packed with some of music's most legendary love songs.
From Elton John to Celine Dion to Stevie Wonder, flip through the slideshow for 20 iconic tracks that are perfect for celebrating the one you love with a super-sweet Valentine's Day playlist.
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"I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston
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Written originally by Dolly Parton and made an international hit by R&B legend Whitney Houston, "I Will Always Love You" is regarded by many to be the world's greatest love song.
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"Because You Loved Me," Celine Dion
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A perfect anthem to an always-supportive partner, Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" is an excellent way to show your special someone how much you appreciate that they're always in your corner.
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"When A Man Loves A Woman," Percy Sledge
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Looking for a little slow-dancing in the living room for Valentine's Day? Score "When a Man Loves A Woman," a tender hit that Percy Sledge took to the top of the charts in 1966.
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"Be My Baby," The Ronettes
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Powered by the iconic voice of the late Ronnie Spector, "Be My Baby" is a perfect pop love song.
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"You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman," Aretha Franklin
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Few artists have ever boasted a capability to convey emotion through singing like Aretha Franklin. If you needed proof, just queue up her sultry 1968 hit "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" on a romantic night in.
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"All of Me," John Legend
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This endearing ballad about loving all of your partner, flaws and all, is a realistic love ballad perfect for the modern era. Dedicated to John Legend's wife, model, and TV personality Chrissy Teigen, the song is totally relatable for both new couples and partnerships that have lasted for years.
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"Unchained Melody," The Righteous Brothers
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No Valentine's Day playlist would be complete without "Unchained Melody," The Righteous Brothers' legendary 1955 love ballad. The song has been covered countless times but hundreds of artists, a testament to its longevity as a pure, perfect love song.
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"God Only Knows," The Beach Boys
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Beneath this song's sweet, heartfelt lyrics lies a sonic complexity that could've only been created by the Beach Boys' brilliant Brian Wilson. Using everything from cups to clarinets to achieve the song's classic sound, the band scored a hit that's evolved into one of music's most legendary tracks.
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"Your Song," Elton John
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Whether or not you're dating a musician who's penning you your own anthem, anyone can appreciate the effortless beauty of "Your Song." Co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song was a hit upon its release and has continued to find an audience among dreamy lovers throughout the decades.
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"When You Say Nothing At All," Keith Whitley
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Focusing solely on a romance's special unspoken moments, Keith Whitley scored a #1 hit with "When You Say Nothing At All" in 1988. Whitley's emotive singing and the song's stirring lyrics make for a stunning tribute to the one you love.
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"At Last," Etta James
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A favorite at weddings and celebrations of love of all kinds, there's perhaps no ballad more recognizable than Etta James's "At Last." It's the perfect soundtrack for a romantic dinner or a decidedly cozier arrangement.
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"You're Still The One," Shania Twain
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For anyone looking to remind their longtime partner just how much they love them, Shania Twain's "Your Still The One" is an excellent option. "You're still the one I run to, the one that I belong to," Twain sings. "You're still the one I want for life."
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"How Deep Is Your Love," Bee Gees
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There's perhaps no better soundtrack for a romantic night than the dulcet harmonies of the Brothers Gibb, making "How Deep Is Your Love" an essential on any Valentine's Day playlist. Don't be surprised if you have a sudden urge for a little cheek-to-cheek dancing after pressing play.
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"Try A Little Tenderness," Otis Redding
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A good reminder to be a little more tender in these trying times, Otis Redding's take on "Try A Little Tenderness" brings a solid soulful ballad to the mix.
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"Isn't She Lovely," Stevie Wonder
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Valentine's Day is about celebrating love of all kinds — not just couples. Written about Stevie Wonder's newborn child in 1976, "Isn't She Lovely" is one of music's most touching love anthems.
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"Make You Feel My Love," Adele
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Written originally by Bob Dylan, U.K. superstar Adele brings a special kind of stirring soulfulness to her take on "Make You Feel My Love." It's a song about true devotion, the kind that's worth celebrating on a holiday that's all about love.
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"Yellow," Coldplay
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Coldplay frontman Chris Martin makes clear that even the stars recognize the beauty of his love in "Yellow," a massive hit for the band in 2000. Just try not to remember that it was probably written about his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, from whom Martin split in 2015.
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"I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," Elvis Presley
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Thanks to Presley's distinctive baritone and a melody perfect for slow-dancing, "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" is always a solid choice when you're trying to convey to your special someone just how special they really are.
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"Ain't No Mountain High Enough," Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
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The song title says it all — "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" — if there's nothing you wouldn't do for the one you love, crank up this sunny '60s soul classic and shout your devotion from the rooftops.
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"Something," The Beatles
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An anthem to all the little things we love about our partners, "Something" is the kind of love song that manages to convey the importance of these seemingly small details without being corny.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a music enthusiast and expert, I am well-versed in the world of love songs. With a deep knowledge of music history and an understanding of the impact that certain tracks can have on our emotions, I can confidently guide you in curating the perfect Valentine's Day playlist.
Valentine's Day is a time when lovers come together to celebrate their special connection. To set the mood right for this occasion, it's crucial to have a playlist that captures the essence of love. From legendary artists like Elton John, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, and more, there are certain tracks that have stood the test of time and are perfect for celebrating your loved one on this romantic day.
"I Will Always Love You" is an iconic love song originally written by Dolly Parton and made famous by the legendary Whitney Houston. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" is another anthem that expresses gratitude for a supportive partner who's always by your side.
For those looking to slow dance in the living room, Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman" is a tender hit that topped the charts in 1966. If you're a fan of classic pop love songs, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes, powered by the iconic voice of Ronnie Spector, is a perfect choice. Aretha Franklin's "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" is a sultry, emotional track that showcases her incredible ability to convey deep emotions through her singing.
In the modern era, John Legend's "All of Me" stands out as a relatable and realistic love ballad. Dedicated to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, this endearing song embraces the idea of loving someone unconditionally, flaws and all. The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," a timeless love ballad from 1955, is a must-have for any Valentine's Day playlist.
"The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is a masterpiece that combines heartfelt lyrics with a complex sonic arrangement, showcasing the band's musical brilliance. Elton John's "Your Song," co-written with Bernie Taupin, is an effortlessly beautiful track that has resonated with dreamy lovers for decades.
Keith Whitley's "When You Say Nothing At All" captures the magic of unspoken moments in a romance, while Etta James's "At Last" has become synonymous with weddings and celebrations of love. Shania Twain's "You're Still The One" is a heartfelt reminder to long-term partners about the enduring love they share.
The Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" sets the stage for a romantic night with its dulcet harmonies, while Otis Redding's soulful rendition of "Try A Little Tenderness" brings a powerful ballad to the mix. Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" celebrates love in all its forms, and Adele's soulful take on Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" is a testament to true devotion.
Coldplay's "Yellow" is a massive hit that recognizes the beauty of love, and Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" showcases his distinctive baritone and a melody perfect for slow-dancing. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is a sunny '60s soul classic that reflects the unwavering commitment to the one you love. Lastly, The Beatles' "Something" is an anthem to the small details that make relationships special, without being cheesy.
These 20 iconic love songs form the foundation of a super-sweet Valentine's Day playlist that will set the mood right and make your special someone feel truly cherished. Enjoy the music and celebrate love in all its glory!
