Seems like every other song you hear nowadays is about love in one form or another. There’s the I-hate-you diatribes or the sappy boy band ballads or sometimes the “you’ve broken my heart and I can’t go on living” country sounds but every once in a while you’ll get a song that is complete romance—the real thing—that makes you sigh and think fond thoughts.
Takes some serious talent to come up with a song like that.
1. "With or Without You" by U2. Yes I was raised in the 1980s and as such am a firm believer in the power of the Great U2. Andrew reported to me recently that a teenager heard him listening to this greatest of groups since the Beatles and said “Why does everyone over 30 think U2 is so great?” To which I reply, “D’uh!?!” It needs no explanation, they simply ARE great.
Twenty years ahead of their time this is their most romantic song and one of my all-time favorites which I can still listen to over and over again with that beautiful base and haunting lead guitar. "I'll wait . . . for you . . . "
The words aren't the most romantic but I think what gets this one on the list is the romance of the melody and the beat more than anything. Anyone over 30 going to argue with me on this one?
2. "She" by Elvis Costello. “She may be the face I can’t forget, the trace of pleasure or regret, may be my treasure or the price I have to pay. She may be the song that summer sings, may be the chill that autumn brings, may be a hundred different things within the measure of the day . . . She may not be what she may seem inside her shell . . .
The lyrics to this song prove without a doubt that somewhere if there is a Mrs. Costello she’s gotta love the romance flowing from that man’s guitar.
3. "The Way You Look Tonight." When you have a song that has been performed by Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald you really can't argue that it's one of the greatest songs ever. "Some day . . . when I'm all alone . . . when the world is cold . . . I will feel a glow just thinking of you and the way you look tonight." I can't pick my favorite version, the song just IS. No matter who sings it.
4. "Moon River" by Henry Mancini. Also a song to win an Academy Award (#3 won best song in 1936) it won "Best Original Song" in 1961 for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's.
"Two drifters off to see the world, there's such a lot of world to see; we're after the same rainbow's end, waiting 'round the bend . . . my huckleberry friend, Moon River and me. " It has the romance of friendship and the dual search for happiness that attracts me. Then there's that gorgeous lilt and cadence while thoughts of Audrey Hepburn in black dresses flit through my mind. Good song.
5. "Annie's Song" by John Denver. I saw a PBS show that said this is the number one wedding song across the United States, that if someone's getting married they most often have this as THE song. I'm not sure how PBS figured that, I mean was there a camera crew at every American wedding for the past decade waiting for that crucial moment when the bride and groom would take a turn on the dance floor? Or maybe they just polled everyone at one of the producer's weddings and called that good. However they arrived at the conclusion I thought it seemed to be one of those statistics you hear that really has nothing to back it up except that most people would agree it's just a beautiful song. Maybe that alone is enough to give credence to the claims.
"You fill up my senses like a night in the forest, like the mountains in spring time, like a walk in the rain."
6. "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" by Louis Armstrong. There are others who have sung this but I love Satchmo's version the best, with his raspy, croaky voice the song has that bit of the whimsical playfulness that makes it not only romantic but fun and addicting. "Give me your lips for just a moment and my imagination will make that moment live; give me what you alone can give, a kiss to build a dream on."
7. "Faithfully" by Journey. I have to give a nod to those high school dance days where my teen girl heart sucked up every ounce of romance it could get from songs like these--and others by Bryan Adams and Peter Cetera that unfortunately did not make this list (sorry guys).
"Alone" by Heart, "Heaven by Bryan Adams" and numerous Chicago songs were the stuff I lived for back then but on this end of 30 the only one that I still find to be romantic is this ballad. I think I've mentioned my mother's thing for Steve Perry's voice and she must have been onto something because I still love this song. "Two strangers learn to fall in love again, I get the joy of rediscovering you . . . I'm forever yours faithfully."
8. "When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Krauss. I'm feel sheepish including this one at it all but it seems I can't come up with a song list without including it somewhere--kind of like Lord of the Rings when it comes to movie lists. If you prefer the male version try listening to Roan Keating's cover but Krauss' crystal voice gets extra points for beauty and as such as even a touch more romance than others.
"The smile on your face let's me know that you need me, there's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me. A touch of your hand says you'll catch me whenever I fall. You say it best when you say nothing at all."
9. "Hey Julie" by Fountains of Wayne. This most catchy of tunes is not only perky and fun to sing along with it's terribly sweet. "Hey Julie, look what they're doing to me, trying to trip me up trying to wear me down. Julie I swear it's so hard to bear it and I'd never make it through without you around no I'd never make it through without you around."
10. "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. For some reason this song reminds me of "Lady in Red" which would have to top my list of songs I dislike (and that's putting it mildly) but whereas Chris de Burgh's song reminds me of fingernails on a chalkboard this song I find appealing and full of romance. Must be the voice?
Or possibly Mr. Clapton's wicked guitar skills. "And the wonder of it all is that you just don't realize how much I love you."
11. "Let My Love Open the Door" by Pete Townshend. You wouldn't necessarily picture this guitar-smashing front man for the Who to make a list of romantic music but darn it, this is one sweet song. It would be good in an acoustic version too--let's see . . . who should sing it? I'm not that big on Townshend's high pitched incoherence I think it could be improved with the likes of Chris Martin of Coldplay--though I wouldn't let his band in on it, he'd have to do it solo acoustic or not at all. Are you with me Gwyneth? "Let my love open the door, let my love open the door . . . to your heart."
12. "Hey there Delilah" by Plain White T's. Just to be a little eclectic in my taste you know. I'm including it here to alert you to the power of an acoustic guitar to woo women. It's kind of like one of those super villain mind control machines or something because when you get a good ballad on an acoustic guitar suddenly females are like putty in the hands. It's a theory I'd like to try to test but it's not exactly something you get a government grant for.
"Hey there Delilah, I've got so much left to say, if every simple song I wrote to you would take your breath away I'd write it all, even more in love with me you'd fall. We'd have it all."
And the best part? Apparently I'm a natural tenor because the song is completely in my range and I can do a mean harmony in near perfect thirds through the whole thing.
13. "You Were Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson. Yes there are others but here I'm going with Mr. Nelson's cover who despite his desperate problems with the U.S. government can sing a good tune or two. "Maybe I didn't hold you quite as often as I should. You were always on my mind, you were always on my mind." Full of sadness and regret it still is hopeful and oh so romantic. Good going Willie, two thumbs WAY up.
14. "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton. I debated about giving this one to Whitney Houston or Dolly and there are cases to be made for both songs being the better of the two but in the end I differed to she who wrote it. Fair? You be the judge.
I guess if you think about it it's a sad song and I kind of had it as a rule that this list, to be truly romantic, really needed to avoid the sad stuff but nonetheless the song is undeniably full of love and emotion. " If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So I'll go, but I know I'll think of you every step of the way . . . I will always love you." I guess I'll include it because the love is still there even if they go their separate ways. Never seen the Bodyguard movie by the way. Not that you asked or anything.
15. "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers. Ah, now we get to the very best of the best. "Righteous" is the right word here because you can pack no more romance into a song than that which you get here folks. I dare you to listen to it without getting all sappy and mushy. Go ahead, I dare you.
"Oh my love, my darling, I hunger for your touch a long lonely time." It should be like in sports when they have a superstar player retire and they end up retiring the number? This song should be retired because honestly it should be against the law for people such as Cher to get hold of it. Really.
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Technorati tags: romance, lists music
88 comments:
Annie's Song by John Denver is one of my all time favorites. I loved JD...my junior high dream was to be his back-up singer... :)
Moon River has always been a favorite of mine... ever since I first saw 'Breakfast at Tiffanys'
And I'll admit that I do prefer Ronan Keating's version of When You Say Nothing At All"... and I also rather enjoy his latest single(well, his band's, but he's singing it), called Better.
Ahh, what a list... :)
Wonderful Tonight was my wedding song, and still a beautiful classic love song.
Heaven was my song with my high school sweetheart - still a great song, but too indentified with high school to make the cut, I agree.
I love that song by Willie Nelson, but then I like the man singing any song he has such a good voice..
Nice choices of songs, though I would have to add Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World into my list, and Andy William's version of Moon River...
Good Post Scribbit, especially warming in the Winter
Great list, I agree with most of them.
Our song is Electric Dreams, feel happy and uplifted whenever I hear it.
Wonderful choices! I would have to add "The Broken Road" by Randy Sparks :)..lots more. Love music!
I would have added "Fields of Gold" by Sting. It's one of my (& my hubby's) favorites!
Good list! I especially like the Alison Kraus song, and, of course, the Righteous Brothers.
Great list. I'm not ashamed to say that I know Every Word of Annie's Song. The ultimate love song. :o)
I love the country version of #8 :)
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Fan-tabulous list you have here today. Your genres really run the gambit, which is wonderful.
My favorites: Moon River (always reminds me of my grandfather) and A Kiss to Build a Dream On. Both not exactly considered "current hits." Does that make me behind the times? :)
-Francesca
PS: I was happily surprised to see that you visited our blog. I actually didn't think you responded to comments outside of e-mail. Very fun!
I'm embarrassed to say that my list would include hits from Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams. Hee. Maybe I'll mature yet and those will get taken off the list!!
Our wedding song was "Nothing Matters when We're Dancing" by the Magnetic Fields. When we got off the dance floor, all the aunts were crying. I think it qualifies, too.
The Way You Look Tonight is my all time favorite romantic song. And I also really love, You were always on my mind. I agree about U2 as well.
I was impressed that I knew most of the songs on the list. I'm not very good at remembering songs. I'd have to add some older Bon Jovi on there too.
I think Hey There Delilah is so sweet. My favorite "love" songs harken back to the 80's and 90's alternative bands like Depeche Mode, The Smiths and The Cure.
Though... I dearly love the song "I'll Stop The World and Melt With You" by Modern English.
*sigh*
oh, i love annie's song, too. sing it at karaoke whenever i can!!
I absolutely love She by Elvis Costello (what perfect voice he has for that song).
And Unchained Melody is a true classic. If you had to pick a Harry Connick song, what would it be?
I've already added these songs to my youtube playlist. Thanks!
(Oh, and I think you mean "Romantic" instead of "Romanatic.")
You inspired me to make my own post. I was going to write a bunch of suggestions as a comment, but they kept piling up, so here they are:
http://michelleglauser.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-love-songs-michelle-style.html
I'm (well over) 30. U2 is the bomb. Journey too. Great list.
Well, I'm certainly not going to disagree with you about U2. They ARE one of the greatest bands of all time (yep, I'm over 30). However, every time my husband hears it he thinks of his first girlfriend!!!
Oh, I love U2. That is a wonderful song.
I'd have to add:
Something- the Beatles
Crash Into Me- Dave Matthews
Your Song- Elton John
The Promise- When in Rome
What a fun idea for a post. :)
Eek. I suspect we must be the same age, but I daren't check!
Cheers
I'm not ashamed to say "Annie's Song" makes me weep. Absolutely beautiful :)
Now I'm feeling all lovey. Sigh.
Your list made shivers run up and down my head and I don't think it's related to the fact that we have 0 degrees Fahrenheit outside today and I just had a bath and have wet hair. Of course that's balmy for you!
Great list. By the way, did you mean the title to be Romanatic, kinda like lunatic, or was that a little typo? LOL!
I love all the songs you listed. I have been on a major Plain White T's kick lately, too.
That's a GREAT list. Yep, "Unchained Melody" is the best. And I also choose Dolly's version of "I Will Always Love You" from "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." I never saw the Bodyguard either. I couldn't deal with Costner's Steve McQueen 'do. And Andy Williams' version of "Moon River" is the best.
So true about the acoustic guitar. I love Hey There Delilah mostly because of it's simple purity on the guitar. In fact, I think I'll listen to it right now. :)
I was surprised that I didn't see Fields of Gold by Sting. That has to be one of the most romantic songs ever. Sting writes such fabulous lyrics. I would also include Book of Love by Peter Gabriel. That one is incredibly romantic.
Great list....however you missed the greatest. "First Time I Saw Your Face" Aretha Franklin...it gives me chills. The other is the Brian Adams song from Zorro. I'm not a pop music fan so I don't know the title...Mozart is more my speed, but the words are "Did you ever really love a woman."
Pretty good list, Michelle! I'd probably switch out one or two though for Danny's song by Kenny Loggins, and probably any number of Beatles songs. ;)
I love your list. I read through it, initially, thinking, "I hate romantic songs." But Faithfully, Annie, Unchained Melody, Hey There Delilah (which my daughter plays TO DEATH on her acoustic guitar). Classic beauty. Makes me want to break out the candles and wine tonight. :)
And I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Woman in Red.
I love, love, LOVE #'s 6 & 7 - I can still get completely lost listening to Steve Perry belt out that balad.
One I would have added is "I Will Be Here" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. From the liner notes:
The first of many songs written for my wife, Mary Beth. My parents were going through a divorce at the time, which was one of the most difficult things I had ever experienced, and this song was my way of saying again to Mary Beth, "Till death do us part."
It's another one of those classic wedding songs, especially in Christian circles.
Great post as always :)
I'm glad you included Allison Krause! Her voice in that song (as always) is amazing. That song was on the radio a lot when my husband and I were dating so it has special meaning for me.
I would have to add "Valentine" by Martina McBride and "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol to the list.
A perfect list for my Valentine's Gift to my husband:
Mix Taoe! :)
Mix Tape.
Shoulda' said
"Mix Tape"
Thanks to the little wiggle bug sitting on my lap while I type.
(Is there such a thing as a Mix Taoe?)
I can't believe that a list of the most romantic songs ever wouldn't include Etta James' classic, "At Last". That is probably the most romantic song ever and no matter how many times it has been remade, you just can't beat Ms. James.
Thanks for giving props to Dolly!
My wedding dance was When I Fall In Love...but definitely NOT the Celine version, Nat King Cole all the way. Good list!
Thanks for checking out my "Name that Tune". A few years ago when one of my husband's cousins was getting married, I took everyone's "songs" and made a two disk CD for them. Everyone wanted a copy. It started with Grandma and ended with the couple who had been married only a year. A great range of eclectic tunes. I may post about it sometime. How fun to remember. My husband and I had Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville's "All My Life" at our wedding.
Love the list! Makes me feel better even though I am listening to a 3-year-old whine. :) You might be tired of people recommending other songs, but another one I would add is "More than Words" by Extreme. Ahhh, happy thoughts for today!
If it's any consolation, I'm slightly under 30 and I LOVE U2! :-)
aww - some of my favorites in there! (I am old too)
i love the allison krauss song...what about the line..ol mister webster could never define, what's being said btw your heart and mine....love it.
another great one is by bob seger - she's living inside my heart....from the about last night soundtrack.
You missed "I Do (Robin's Song)" by Paul Brandt. Whether you like country or not, it's definitely a romantic love song.
Check out the video (and listen carefully to the words!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcogynxxIY0
The movie soundtrack to "Nottinghill' has a lot of your mentioned songs and I can listen to that sound track for hours.
Alone by Heart, awesome song.
#10 Wonderful Tonight, my most favourite song of all time and I just don't know why? I just love it, although sadly I am a Chris de Burgh person, his songs are so different, but my 1st boyfriend when I was 14 got me on to them and sadly they have stuck, although I haven't listened to them for a few months now.
Dolly wins #14 in my eyes, Whitney did good, but I still love the original.
I just got married last year and I walked down the aisle to "Flying Without Wings" by Westlife. I know they resing songs from before but the words were perfect for my wedding, said everything I wanted people to know.
I love your list, gets you thinking about what songs I really like and seeing as I ahve just been going through all the romantic songs for the wedding last eyar I ahve quite a few on my MP3 so will maybe one day have to compile my own list!
Boy, what a difference half a generation can make. Okay tell me I'm not really trying to write this today. Anyway, we'll see how far I get. The two top weddings songs in the early 70s were "We've Only Just Begun" (Carpenters) and "The Wedding Song (there is love)" (Stookey). And neither were played at our wedding (organist didn't read music, don't ask).
I have always loved "Moon River" and have fond memories of many of Mancini's songs. Okay, I need to quit while I'm ahead.
I totally agree with Dolly Parton and "I Will Always Love You", it is just beautiful and brings me to tears every time. Whereas I love Alison Krauss, and her cover of "When You Say Nothing At All" is good, I really do prefer Keith Whitley singing it.
Great list!
OK, so I admit, I had to look a few of these up on youtube. Definitely worth the time, though.
I've recently discovered Michael Buble, and he sings a lot of those old crooner classics with a beautiful vintage kind of voice. You ought to look him up. My absolute favorite of his is Feeling Good.
Another of my new favorite Romance songs is "Fix You" by Coldplay. I know, I'm way behind the times. Oh well.
I absolutely love Alison Krauss. She has one of the most beautiful voices ever and I could just listen to her music for ages.
Oh my. I was starting to feel lovey dovey just reading your list. Imagine if I were actually listening to all those songs. There were a few I didn't know, but all the others I agree with whole heartedly.
And for my part, I'm going to add "The Man from Snowy River" theme song. Gives me chills every time.
I bet a million people have already suggested this, but you should make this into an album on iTunes and save it for Valentines.
"Scribbit's Romantic Mix" huh? huh? would do you think?
GREAT list! Over 30 - LOVE U2 - Can't argue!
Thanks for sharing!
My husband used to DJ weddings, and he said he never once had Annie's Song requested as a first song. So I would question PBS on that one. But it is a romantic song. ;)
Our wedding song was "We Are In Love", Harry Connick Jr. Totally romantic. And fun.
Most romantic song ever? Probably Romeo and Juliet, by Dire Straits.
I first heard "She" one night when I watched the Julia Roberts movie...don't even remember it's name. Went out at 10:30 PM to get the CD and came home to pick out the music on my keyboard. Have loved it eversince, but now I have the music.
Great lyrics.
I believe that smoky-voiced jazz songstress, Diana Krall, is Mrs. Costello.
No way, how did I not know that? Diana Krall? Really? That makes sense.
One of my recent favorite romantic songs is Falling Slowly from the Once soundtrack.
U2 rocks. no ifs, ands or buts about it! i saw them in concert for the first time for The Joshua Tree tour. i will never forget it. it was soo good. that song gets me every time. their music gets me. i'm particularly fond of their early stuff, although all of their music is basically great. i like them. can you tell? :)
i love Willy. that song is plain fantastic.
now i want to name drop. i grew up with bill medley, one of the righteous bros. he's a family friend of my mum. nice man. ghost sure made their song a favourite with a younger generation.
I love "When You Say Nothing at All". Those are great songs.
Dree
agreed...great list...
I would add :
"All I Want is You" U2
"Your Song" Elton John
"Crash Into Me" Dave Matthews Band
"Glory of Love" Peter Cetera
"Love Song" Tesla
"All I Want" Toad the Wet Sprocket
"When I See You Smile" Bad English
"Hooked on a Feeling" Swede Blue
Did I just make a mix tape? BTW, I am over 30 as well...
Ah, you didn't include my wedding song: The Very Thought of You, by Billie Holiday.
Since I was a teenager I have hummed the song Moon River....washing dishes, whatever. Then I wanted my daughter to see Breakfast at Tiffany's and it all came back to me. LOL
The song for my husband and I is Still by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Stops me in my tracks every time I hear it.
Also, I'm not in Love by 10CC.
And yes, definitely Wonderful Tonight by Clapton. I saw him do that song in concert and it was amazing.
Nice eclectic list.
I'd add "Our House" by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; "Baby I Love You" by the Ramones; and anything by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (she can make anything sound sultry!)
My heart hurt a couple of times just reading the titles. Great picks, lady!
I can't hear "Moon River" without thinking about Chevy Chase in the movie Fletch. It was comedic gold I say!
I am surprised you didn't include "Fields of Gold".
What about "Forever Young" by Alphaville or "Somebody" by Depechemode.
I know many of the songs you mentioned and have to say, "ME, TOO!" But about a year ago, I received a Michael Bluble CD, "it's time". Talk about romantic . . .
If you haven't tried it yet, maybe you should!!!
Oh, Faithfully! What an amazing song!
So many good ones... I love Allison Krause. And we danced to a Louis Armstrong song at our wedding - La Vie en Rose. Chris proposed in Paris, so it was fitting as our first song!
With or Without You is my favorite U2 song of all.
#13 wins for me. A long story shortened tremendously: my dying father's song selected to play at his funeral so my stepmother would perhaps forgive all.
Great, now you've made me cry.
We played "When You Say Nothing At All" at our wedding seven years ago. The Krauss version, of course. Her voice is simply angelic.
I also like the song "Let My Love Open the Door." I have it on my ipod, but it's by Sondre Lerche. I first heard the song in the movie "Dan in Real Life."
I, too, am a fan of "Hey, There Delilah." Such a catchy tune with such "feeling" behind it. And so easy to sing along with too...
Tons of song that I love too! Great list. I'd have to add Eternal Flame by the Bangles, and More Than Words by Extreme.
Two more songs that make me weak in the knees.
great list. Moon River and Hey Julie - love them!
Great, now I have the words "when you say nothing at all" swimming in my head.
She's Got a Way by Billy Joel gets me every time.
Oh, and Hibernation Day is fun-romantic too...
I love, love, love When You Say Nothing At All. And Diana Krall is Mrs. C.
Our wedding song was A Little Trip To Heaven On The Wings Of Your Love by Tom Waits. It's a good'un.
my husband put #2 She on a mix tape for me and my girls call it the song from the human movie (Notting Hill, I love that song)
can you tell from the comment that my girls watch mostly cartoons :)
Righteous Brothers? Who be they? Unchained Melody is before your and their time, my dear!
Your list and all these comments are simply making me melt with emotion.
I love these lists. I'd have to put Thunder Road on my list though. And I Dont Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith.
thanks for including 'wonderful tonight'. As soon as I saw your title, I thought of it. memories...
GREAT list - filled with memories. Unchained Melody was a homecoming theme in high school for me freshman year.
#3 is my favorite for sure!
Excellent list. Agree with all, especially Elvis Costello. 'She' makes me quiver just thinking about it.
I would add the entire album 'Avalon' by Roxy Music. The entire feel of it is made for romance, and well, whatever.
Elvis Costello is married to Dianna Krall...
There are many good romantic songs out there...too many to count. Your list is a good start!
You have some real winners here - lots of memories!
I have to say that U2 does a version of Unchained Melody that is haunting, it is so good. Maybe it's just me remembering Bono in videos from the Joshua Tree Album. I love him....
Ahhh...I love Annie's Song! I just absolutely love it. What a great list you have! (and what a lame commenter I am...)
Ok, I'm a little late to reply to this, but I've been away and am just now catching up.
I just had to tell you that "When You Say Nothing At All" doesn't count as a love song in my book. At least in the same context. My oldest son has severe Cerebral Palsy and cannot speak. "When You Say Nothing At All" is my song for HIM, a very special child whose smile speaks the VOLUMES that his voice cannot.
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