Many have tried, and many have succeeded; whether it be by Adele, Roy Orbison, or The Beatles, there is something about a love song that isn't just a passing trend. I'm a major fan of all the classic examples -- and everything in between, too -- but there is one area that continues to crush the love song category time and time again, and that is on Broadway. For me, love songs have the perfect home within a show tune because it is exactly that, a show tune. Each song goes beyond just a singular composition and goes further to tell an entire story that contributes to the understanding of a character's situation. Sometimes that breaks your heart, and sometimes it makes your heart soar. Either way, it packs a punch that only a show tune can. The last quality the Broadway style love song has is the ability to express various forms of love from various angles and stages of life -- all this while still staying on pitch. So without further ado, let's discuss just a few examples of Broadway's best love songs:

1. "Hello Young Lovers" from "The King & I"

This song is no joke -- it is pure Rodgers and Hammerstein magic in action. Although the general tone of this song is sad, we get to learn about the "I" to "The King & I," Anna's, past love and the peace she has found since losing that man. Without this becoming an entire plot summary, I will just say that there is a lot of hope in the lyrics of this song, just further exemplifying the strength that this character has within herself. She misses what she had to say goodbye to but wishes for her predecessors the same love that she once had. Throughout the entire song, we hear of her journey of being in love with this man named Tom; she recaps upon their meeting all the way to the present when she sings perhaps the most moving lyrics: "Don't cry young lovers what ever you do, don't cry because I'm alone. All of my memories are happy tonight. I've had a love of my own." Sung in a floating soprano "cloud of music" (see what I did there?), this song is a miraculous testament to wishing the young well as they continue down a path so many have traveled before, but many not as successfully as others. It's hard to pinpoint the exact feelings I have when I listen to this piece. Sometimes I cry because it's so hopeful and strong, and sometimes I cry for what was lost. Either way, this is a love song through and through, and it absolutely makes a point we as an audience can't deny.

2. "You've Got a Friend" from "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"

I know, I know, I know! This song is Carole King at her finest; I am the last person who needs that reminded to them. However, something about the recording of the Ooriginal Broadway cast singing this masterpiece brings an entirely new flavor to the already outstanding music and lyrics. I think this is caused by the gorgeous harmony that is gradually added in as the song progresses, really driving home the entire theme of the song: friendship. Within the context of the show, you can't help but get teary eyed as Carole King bids farewell to Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Don Kirshner, and they each share this one last song together before the plot pushes forward with King making her big move to California. It is important to me to include on this list all types of love songs (not negating how much I love the classics), but this song truly is an anthem of one of the most important forms of love. The lyrics "winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call and I'll be there, yes I will. You've got a friend" do the most fantastic job of articulating the comfort of having a friend. In other words, Carole King, you nailed it -- again.

3. "You'll Never Get Away From Me" from "Gypsy"

This song is as clear a can be, which is probably why it is so effective. The whole song is a lighthearted back-and-forth of "c'mon you know you love me!" and "oh, you're so annoying, but yeah I do." (It is obviously a bit more poetic than that, but you get the point.) While also being set to a bouncy beat with triumphant horns sounding off, this song is a clear winner. The lyrics do an outstanding job of showcasing the two sides of these character's love at this point in the show. Basically the argument and frustration is on one end of the relationship and not the other, but at the end of the day it really doesn't mean a thing; both halves know they aren't going anywhere. Even when Herbie tries to tell Rose that he might end things between them, she has a quick response of "Oh no you won't. No not a chance. No argument. Shut up and dance!" Upon the realization that she is in fact right, that's when they start to sing in harmony, and (subsequently) my tears start to flow.

4. "Being Alive" from "Company"

"Company" is an exemplary exploration into the trials and tribulations of marriage and relationships. Although the cast has several major players, the plot revolves mostly around a man named Robert and his choices surrounding his single life. This song is a love song about love. Does that make sense? It is in no way about any particular character; the lyrics utilize words like "someone" and "somebody" to make that point clear. I think that is what makes this song so powerful. Truth be told I don't think I have ever listened to it without getting chills. Through this song, we are transported into Robert's thoughts and best kept secrets while he sings of the life he sees others have, and wonders if that is what he wants, too. He struggles to verbalize in depth all of the things he needs in life to feel "alive" and the fear that comes with that exact feeling and all its vulnerability. He expresses both the good and bad that comes from being in love, and why those are the things that shape a person's life. If there is any song on this list that you decide to look up, let this be the one. Not at all a traditional "love song," but a really phenomenal song about love and its presence in life. The clear power and emotion behind each phrase is indisputably effective from the first note to the ending fermata.

5. "'S Wonderful" from "Nice Work If You Can Get It":

Ahhh Gershwin. You knew what you were doing. This song is bright and bouncy and perfect. This particular version with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara is the cream of the crop. Something about this performance just exudes a certain bliss and contentment that you can practically feel your heart growing. There are so few songs that can make you smile through the whole thing, but for me this is one of them! Simple lyrics like: "'S wonderful, 's marvelous, you should care for me." I mean, how sweet is that!? In a time when compositions get so complicated to perform and execute and lyrics are so allegorical, this song reminds us that sometimes things are just simply wonderful.