This list is not my definitive argument for the greatest love songs of all-time. Honestly, I don’t even think I could even agree with myself on a listing for two consecutive hours if I tried. So many extraordinary songs exist and resonate with me that I could spend my entire life trying and never fully make up my mind. However, I do enjoy a challenge so I thought I would give it a go. Besides, it’s not like I can’t come back in three months and change my mind.
1. In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) – First, let me say that this has absolutely nothing to do with my crush on John Cusack, or on Peter Gabriel for that matter. I love this song because it is lyrically beautiful. My favorite version is the one from Secret World live which isn’t a prototypical version of a love song, but something wonderfully joyful and celebratory instead. I used to listen to it when I was driving around Dallas with nowhere particular to be. It’s about 10 minutes long and it always makes me smile…until I remember that I no longer have the cassette and have yet to buy the CD set as a replacement…but then I remember I can just youtube it and I’m happy again.
2. Pig (Dave Matthews Band) – I get the same kind of happiness listening to this song as I do when listening the live version of In Your Eyes. It’s not really a traditional love song, but an uplifting song about love and life. I can’t help but feel very inspired when listening to it. I think it’s one of DMB’s more underrated songs.
3. Just Like Heaven (The Cure) – This song has been one of my all-time favorites since high school, which is actually much further in the past than I would like it to be.
4. Today (Joshua Radin) – It’s a very beautiful and simple song with lovely lyrics.
5. Sentimental Lady (Bob Welch) – This song is from before I was born, but I’ve always loved it. Lyrically, it’s still pretty relevant.
6. Hold You in My Arms (Ray LaMontagne) – For some reason, this song really makes me want to dance.
7. Fields of Gold (Eva Cassidy) – A stunningly beautiful cover of the Sting song.
8. For Me, It’s You (Train) – If a song could be a slow, sunny, Sunday afternoon spent in the company of the one you love, it would be this song.
9. First Day of My Life (Bright Eyes) – It’s a very simple, acoustic song. I also absolutely adore the video.
10. The Book of Love (Peter Gabriel) – This is a newer addition to the list for me, but it seems a fitting counterpoint to the first song on the list. It’s soft and beautiful, sweet and quiet.
There were 80 or so other songs that didn’t make the list ranging from heartbreaking and bittersweet like the Old 97’s superb Salome to multiple Coldplay songs to the electronic beeps of the Postal Service (Such Great Heights) to Barry White and Stevie Wonder hits from way back, but I felt if I got too carried away I would never be able to reel myself back in so I stopped at ten.
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