Discover the heart-pounding and soul-melting music that has become synonymous with love and romance. Recording artist and commercial music composer Scott G (The G-Man) unveils the secrets behind the most beloved romantic tunes. Sit back, relax, and dive into the fascinating stories behind these timeless love songs.
Ah, the power of love! Your heart beats faster, your eyes open wider, and you're much more likely to listen to a love song. Each February 14, and during the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the musical choices of the nation turn more romantic. Over the years, some wonderfully potent love songs have been recorded. In fact, the most difficult part of writing this article was trimming the list down to just ten tunes.
So, if you don't find your favorite love song here, send me an e-mail at immedia@pacbell.net and let me know your desires on the subject. Meanwhile, you might want to visit Romantic Lyrics or The Romantic for a large selection of songs, often with the complete lyrics.
But right now, sit back, relax, pop a chocolate bon-bon in your mouth, and read some surprising facts about the Top Ten Love Songs for Valentine's Day (in chronological order):
This lovely and moody number originated from the otherwise light and frothy Broadway musical "Oh, Kay." Initially fast-paced, it soon transformed into a ballad to match its heartfelt lyrics. Over the years, numerous artists have delivered evocative renditions, including Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Queen Latifah, Chris Botti, Keith Jarrett, Etta James, Barbra Streisand, and Sting, who sang it over the opening credits of the 1987 Ridley Scott film of the same name.
Written for the play "Gay Divorce" and later featured in the film "The Gay Divorcee," this may be the most famous of Porter's 800+ songs. It showcases his effortless flow of words, culminating in the bold statement that all of life's torments won't end "Till you let me spend my life making love to you, day and night, night and day." This phrase combines the singer's desire with a promise of eternal love while managing to invert and restate the title, all in 17 words.
William Stirrat, too shy to approach the girl of his dreams, wrote one of the world's most beautiful tales of love and longing under the pen name Hy Zaret. The breathtaking melody was composed by Alex North, who later scored films like "Spartacus" and "Cleopatra." The song appeared in the 1955 prison film "Unchained" and was nominated for a Best Song Oscar. The Righteous Brothers' 1965 recording became a huge hit and reached the top twenty again in 1990 when it appeared on the "Ghost" soundtrack.
Roberta Flack's version of this song created a sensation when it appeared in Clint Eastwood's 1971 directorial debut, "Play Misty for Me." MacColl wrote it 14 years earlier for his partner, Peggy Seeger, who needed a romantic song for a play. Written in less than an hour, the song has been recorded by dozens of performers, including Johnny Cash, Celine Dion, Elvis Presley, Mel Torme, Isaac Hayes, Gordon Lightfoot, and George Michael.
Kirkman reportedly wrote this lovely song in a half-hour while he was the keyboard player in the Los Angeles-based band The Association. Featuring expressive vocal harmonies, the song is about unrequited love but is still played at weddings and anniversary parties. The recording was sped up to 3:13 for radio play but listed on the label as 3:00. It later became the first hit for David Cassidy, star of TV's "The Partridge Family."
Although it begins with the line, "I may not always love you," the rest of the song is as assertive about undying love as anything ever written. In the recording by the Beach Boys, Carl Wilson's lead vocal achieves a combination of strength and tenderness, and the entire track is ethereal in its beauty. Cover versions of the song appear in the films "Boogie Nights" and "Saved," while the original is at the end of the charming Richard Curtis film, "Love, Actually."
The original lyric sheet reportedly has coffee stains because Taupin wrote the song at breakfast one morning at the home of John's parents. While some mistakenly think this was the first John/Taupin collaboration, it was one of their earliest works. John reportedly wrote the melody in 20 minutes. The song perfectly captures the sense of wonder experienced by anyone who has fallen in love.
When Dolly Parton ended her professional songwriting relationship with Porter Wagoner, she wrote this heartfelt breakup song even though they were not romantically involved. The result was a number one country hit for Parton. Whitney Houston's version of the song appeared in the 1992 film "The Bodyguard" and dominated the pop, soul, and adult contemporary charts for weeks. Despite being a song about saying goodbye, it is often played to demonstrate the depth of love.
Written for the 1983 film "A Night in Heaven," the song also appeared on Adams' "Reckless" album the following year and hit number one. A whole new generation knows the song from DJ Sammy's 2002 dance version, which features vocals by Do (Dominique van Hulst). This modern, rhythmic version has charted in nearly two dozen countries and appears in more than a dozen different remixes.
This track from Gabriel's "So" album has been called the most beautiful love song ever recorded. Its passion and power, with unusual chords and lyrics that touch on spiritual and metaphysical themes, are undeniable. Film director Cameron Crowe worked hard (and reportedly paid $200,000) to get the song into his film "Say Anything" (in the scene where John Cusack holds a boom box over his head). The song was reportedly written for Gabriel's then-girlfriend, Rosanna Arquette, who also inspired Toto's "Rosanna" from 1982.
These timeless love songs have captured the hearts of millions and continue to be the soundtrack of romance. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or simply cherishing a special moment, these tunes are sure to evoke the deepest emotions. For more romantic songs and lyrics, visit Romantic Lyrics or The Romantic.
These songs not only define the essence of love but also hold significant places in music history. Enjoy the melodies and let them remind you of the beauty of love.
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