I may be single, but that doesn’t mean I don’t listen to my fair share of love songs. Okay, if I'm being completely honest, the majority of my music has been touched by Cupid's arrows. Even those who’ve never experienced love can dream about it and get lost in the lyrics of one professing their undying love for another. What’s extra special is that just as love itself comes in many forms, so do love songs. They can be sappy and slow, cheery and bright, and even a tinged with a little bit of rock n’ roll.
I’ve come up with 26 of the love songs that I’ve been listening to as of late, some old, some new, but all imbued with the glittering magic of love.
1. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
This is one of those all-consuming-love love songs that was in the last Twilight movie. It promises an everlasting love—and if we are referencing the vampires in Twilight, that’s a literal statement.
2. “Tee Shirt” by Birdy
Ah, Birdy. I am a huge fan of Birdy and her unique, emotion-filled voice. This sweet, innocent love song is from “The Fault in our Stars” soundtrack, doubling my fondness of it because John Green’s heartbreaking story is one to remember (and one to make you weep like a child).
3. “You'll Accompany Me” by Bob Seger
Here’s a song about love that is not your typical slow, gushy one. It’s a classic rock tune that is catchy and tells a cute story, not of the usual woman chasing after the man, but of a persistent man chasing after a woman whom he believes can be his true love.
4. “Little Things” by One Direction
I was a hardcore Directioner back in the day (and by back in the day, I mean only a few years ago). 1D was my second childhood musical obsession--the kind where you hang up tons of posters in your room and collect as much merchandise as possible. While I still listen to all of their music, I’m not as obsessed as I once was (though I’d still freak out if I ever met Harry, one of my very first celebrity crushes). My past obsession led to me seeing them in concert a few times, and I always remember one of the best parts was when the boys would sit on the edge of the stage and mellow down to sing “Little Things.” Sweet, sweet, sweet, and co-written by Ed Sheeran, so it’s destined to make this list.
5. “I Was Made For Loving You” by Tori Kelly ft. Ed Sheeran
Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran both have perfect, angelic voices that harmonize over lyrics like these: "Every bone screaming I don't know what we should do, all I know is, darling, I was made for loving you."
6. “Hold On” by Shel and Gareth Dunlop
A mellifluous song that is impossible not to sway along to. It’s a part of the “The Best of Me” soundtrack, one of the greatest Nicholas Sparks’ stories—at least I think so.
7. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script
The story told in this song is enough to sprout goosebumps up and down my arms, ultra-romantic and heart-wrenching at the same time. The tale of a man endlessly waiting in the spot where he met his lover, hoping she will return to him, bearing forgiveness.
8. “Together” by Brandon and Leah
I remember hearing this in the bathroom of a restaurant and immediately falling in love with it, prompting me to scramble to type in lyrics in my phone on the way out. Yes, the lyrics are rather repetitive, but they are so romantic, all about the couple’s strong bond. It’s like a lullaby.
9. “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat
If I had to pick one love song from my childhood, this would be it. It’s such a feel good, bubbly—no pun intended—song, that can elicit a smile from just about anyone.
10. Lucky” by Jason Mraz
Years ago, as I watched “Glee,” this song popped onto my radar when two of the characters sang it with each other. I’m a fan of duets, especially when it comes to love songs, so this charming one sweeps me off of my feet.
11. “Little Do You Know” by Alex and Sierra
Alex and Sierra were added to my playlist when I saw them on the X Factor—an adorable couple with wonderful voices to top it off. A song riddled with struggle and pain, but also with deep affection.
12. “Nothin’ Like You” by Dan and Shay
I had to include a country ballad in my list, and Dan and Shay’s “Nothin’ Like You” is fun and lovey-dovey in a contemporary way, mentioning simple details that one can become infatuated with—the way she dances in the rain, her purple laces, her stack of books, etc.
13. “Tip Toes” by Jayme Dee
A lively beat that's a joy to dance along to. A whirlwind zing of energy buzzing with flirtation and the start of a new relationship. Jayme Dee needs to be recognized by more people—she's amazing!
14. “Outlaws” by David Lambert
The lyrics say it all. A slow song about forbidden love. What's not to like...or love? I heard this on "The Fosters," and instantly added it to my music library.
15. “In Your Arms” by Kina Grannis
Another one of those songs that turns me into a palm tree in the breeze, rocking back and forth to the melody. Kina's voice evokes feelings of cozying up with a hot mug of tea and a woolen blanket.
16. “Budapest” by George Ezra
Who doesn’t like the thought of a guy/girl willing to give up nearly anything to be with you? It’s the utmost form of flattery. Plus, Budapest is gorgeous, so giving up a house there speaks volumes.
17. “I Will Be There” by Odessa
Odessa's airy, high-pitched voice is heavenly. I imagine she'd have been a great siren back in Odysseus' days—the enchanting voice part, not the drowning of sailors.
18. “Run Away” by Megan and Liz
The exciting thought of spontaneously running away with your love, disregarding responsibilities and inhibitions, is the basis of this song by some of my favorite YouTube singers.
19. “Be My Forever” by Christina Perri ft. Ed Sheeran
This is a cheerful, upbeat song that has to be wonderful, considering the two major talents singing it. For some reason it makes me think of a date at a fair with candy apples and ferris wheel rides.
20. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
Love accepts flaws and quirks, that's why it's love, which is the message Ingrid's song shares with its listeners.
21. “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift
I could be predictable and pick “Love Story” as my go-to T-Swift love song, but I’m deciding not to because while I do enjoy that song (especially back in my camp days dancing on the dining hall stools), “Enchanted” captures me with its story. I can vividly picture and feel the events that transpire, seeing them through a golden film, like the hazy light over flashbacks in television.
22. “Call You Home” by Kelvin Jones
23. "Hooked On a Feeling" by Blue Swede
I'm partial to this song because it played at my parents' wedding, but I think everyone can appreciate it's flirty, fun vibe.
24. "Stone" by Alessia Cara ft. Sebastian Kole
Alessia Cara is a relatively new star in the world of music, and she is fantastic. Every song she sings tells a story, and this one tells a sweet tale of romance. ("I'm Yours" is great too!)
25. "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
One of my best friends introduced me to this song, and I've got to say, it's beautiful beyond belief. It starts with the light strumming of a guitar, soon joined by a unique, impassioned voice.
26. “Kiss Me,” “Photograph,” “All of the Stars,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Tenerife Sea” by Ed Sheeran
It makes sense to end this list with a compilation of Ed Sheeran songs since his poetic lyrics and beautiful voice are enough to make anyone swoon. (I realize this doesn't constitute one song, but let's just pretend it does.)
If you are single, don’t listen to these and feel sorry for yourself, getting all mopey because you don’t have the kind of relationship these songs describe. Instead, you can listen to the stories they tell and appreciate the heart in each one without drowning in self-pity. If you are taken, listen to these and think of your partner and all of romantic moments you've shared. Use these to inspire you and to get excited for what your future love-life has in store for you.
