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.
11 of 20
"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 connoisseur, I am well-versed in the realm of love songs. I have spent countless hours exploring and analyzing the musical landscape of romance, allowing me to discern the true gems that have become iconic in the realm of love songs. With this expertise, I am confident in my ability to curate the perfect Valentine's Day playlist that will set the mood for a truly special celebration.
Let's begin with "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, a song originally written by Dolly Parton but made famous by the R&B legend. This track is widely regarded as the world's greatest love song, resonating with its emotionally charged lyrics and breathtaking vocals.
Next on the playlist is Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me," an anthem dedicated to a supportive partner who stands by your side through thick and thin. This song beautifully expresses the appreciation and gratitude one feels for their special someone.
For those looking to slow dance in the living room, "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge is the perfect choice. This tender hit from 1966 topped the charts, evoking a sense of romance and intimacy.
Moving on to the pop genre, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes is an iconic love song powered by the late Ronnie Spector's captivating voice. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a must-have for any Valentine's Day playlist.
Aretha Franklin's "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" showcases the unparalleled ability of the Queen of Soul to convey emotions through her singing. This sultry 1968 hit is bound to create a passionate and romantic atmosphere.
John Legend's "All of Me" is a modern ballad that celebrates love in its entirety, flaws and all. With its relatable lyrics and heartfelt delivery, this song resonates with both new couples and long-lasting partnerships.
No Valentine's Day playlist would be complete without The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," a legendary love ballad that has stood the test of time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its pure and perfect expression of love.
The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is a masterpiece that showcases the sonic complexity created by the brilliant Brian Wilson. This song's classic sound, achieved through the use of various instruments, has solidified its status as one of music's most legendary tracks.
Elton John's "Your Song" is a timeless beauty that captures the effortless beauty of love. Co-written by John and Bernie Taupin, this song has resonated with dreamy lovers throughout the decades.
Keith Whitley's "When You Say Nothing At All" focuses on the special unspoken moments in a romance, delivering a stirring tribute to the power of love. Its emotive singing and heartfelt lyrics make it a stunning addition to any Valentine's Day playlist.
Etta James's "At Last" is a favorite at weddings and celebrations of love. Its recognizable balladry is the perfect soundtrack for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in.
Shania Twain's "You're Still The One" is an excellent choice for reminding your longtime partner of your enduring love. With lyrics like "You're still the one I run to, the one that I belong to," this song encapsulates the depth of a long-lasting relationship.
The Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" sets the stage for a romantic night with its dulcet harmonies. Prepare for a spontaneous urge to dance cheek-to-cheek after pressing play.
Otis Redding's take on "Try A Little Tenderness" brings a soulful ballad to the mix, serving as a reminder to be a little more tender in trying times.
Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" celebrates love in all its forms, not just romantic relationships. Originally written about Wonder's newborn child, this song stands as one of music's most touching love anthems.
Adele's rendition of "Make You Feel My Love," originally written by Bob Dylan, brings a stirring soulfulness to the song. It serves as a testament to true devotion, making it a perfect addition to a playlist dedicated to love.
Coldplay's "Yellow" carries a message of recognizing the beauty of love, even in the vastness of the universe. Although written about Chris Martin's ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, its sentiment still resonates with lovers everywhere.
Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" is a classic choice with its distinctive baritone and melody perfect for slow-dancing. It effectively conveys the depth of one's love for their special someone.
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is an unequivocal declaration of love. This sunny '60s soul classic inspires you to shout your devotion from the rooftops.
Finally, The Beatles' "Something" is an anthem to all the little things we love about our partners. It beautifully captures the significance of these seemingly small details without being overly sentimental.
With these 20 iconic love songs, your Valentine's Day playlist will evoke the perfect mood for celebrating the one you love. Let the music speak for your emotions and create a truly memorable and romantic experience.
