Unlike Paul McCartney, I haven’t had enough of these silly love songs. Sappy sentimental cheese is always welcome in my book. The musicality of love songs has a way to touch our hearts through universal emotions, stirring instrumentals, and lyrics that appeal to the more unfrequented corners of our hearts. Through songs, we can uncover feelings we didn’t have the words to explain ourselves. The following 9 tunes are some of my favorites that everyone should know (in no particular order).  

1. Joy of My Life -Chris Stapleton 

Rustic and sweet, this single from Stapleton’s Starting Over album was originally written by John Fogerty in 1997 for his album Blue Moon Swamp. Fogerty’s version, while twangy as ever, lacks the raw powerful vocals that Stapleton introduces to everything he touches. Joy of My Life is brighter, a casual toe-tapping ballad that feels like a hug. This is a simple song, done very well by Stapleton.  

1. Carolina In My Mind (1976 Version) -James Taylor 

While not being a love song about a person, but rather, a place, Taylor’s consistent ability to create vivid imagery is not neglected in this 1976 version of his 1968 original song. Taylor excludes the original peppy violins, drum taps, and 60s backing vocals for a stripped-but more emotionally rich track. Taylor sings, “Carolina in My Mind” perfectly captures the feeling of wistful homesickness, beckoning the listener to fall into the rolling greens and picturesque beaches of North Carolina. “A silver tear appearing now, well, I’m crying, ain’t I? /I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.” The earnest question “I’m crying, ain’t I?” makes no effort to be dramatic but sincerely reflects the humility of being homesick. James Taylor’s ability to pull on your heartstrings in such a genuine way is something that I believe is sorely lacking in today’s modern music and clearly felt through this love song.  

1. Wildflowers -Tom Petty 

A cool breeze blowing through a field of daisies, this song reflects on the idea of belonging. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty was released in 1994. It could be considered an anti-love song of sorts if you look at the context of Petty’s personal life at the time of its release. He got a divorce in 1996 from his wife of 20 years, Jane Benyo. Some say his relationship struggles made his way into the songwriting which gives “You belong somewhere you feel free/Run away, find you a lover/Go away somewhere all bright and new” a bittersweet meaning. On the other hand, “You belong among the wildflowers/You belong in a boat out at sea/You belong with your love on your arm/You belong somewhere you feel free” sounds like comforting words of encouragement to anyone looking to find themselves in a song.  

1. Brown Eyed Girl -Van Morrison 

Morrison’s upbeat track emanates summer day, as he reminisces about his romance, the listener falls into the warmth and timelessness of the song-despite it feeling like it time capsule of the good ol’ days. When I was little, my parents would play this tune and my 6-year-old mind thought it was about me, because I’d only hear songs about girls with blue eyes on the radio. Morrison captures young love with simple lyrics such as “Laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey, hey/Skippin’ and a-jumpin’/In the misty morning fog with/Our, our hearts a-thumping and you.”  

1. (They Long To Be) Close To You -Carpenters 

Piano and strings ever present, this song ebbs and flows. Chimes are sprinkled in like sparkles of light. This 1970 two-time Grammy nominated track is whimsical and true. Karen Carpenter’s vocals are sweet as they describe the youthful infatuation that love creates. She sings “Why do birds suddenly appear/Every time you are near?/Just like me, they long to be/Close to you” This song was also famously covered by Dionne Warwick, though neither were the original singers.  

1. For the First Time -Mac DeMarco 

Psychedelic synth twinkles in a rhythmic wave. Mac DeMarco’s groovy song describes a situation of a long-distance relationship. “While she’s been away/Living day-to-day has been tough/Without her at my side/Simply being alive has been rough.” These lyrics are expressive and simple, for all humans can understand the pain and longing of missing a loved one. His chorus consists of only the title, “It’s just like seeing her for the first time,” and it emphasizes the joy and newness of seeing your lover after a time apart, just like meeting for the first time. 
 

1. Valentine -Laufey  

Icelandic singer-songwriter, Laufey, is almost singlehandedly bringing back jazz music for a new generation. Her talent is undeniable as a classically trained musician, and her nostalgic vocals combine the choral innocence of the mid 20th century with the relatability-focused pop music of the 2020s. “Valentine” is girlhood in song form. It describes the awkward self-doubt and butterflies of having your first relationship, while bringing back femininity in an ever-resistant culture. She sings: “With every passing moment/I surprise myself/I’m scared of flies/I’m scared of guys/Someone please help.” Laufey recently won her first GRAMMY for her most recent album, Bewitched.  

1. It Had to Be You -Frank Sinatra   

Ol ‘blue eyes does it again with his 1979 recording of “It Had to Be You.” Famously featured in one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time, When Harry Met Sally, this song is a classic jazz song that encapsulates Sinatra’s boyish charm. Love is joy, divinity, and frustration- and Sinatra simply sings its praises. “Why do I do just as you say/Why must I just give you your way/Why do I sigh, why don’t I try to forget/It must have been that something lovers call fate/Kept me saying I have to wait/I saw them all, just couldn’t fall, ’til we met.”  

1. You Are -Lionel Richie 

Funky instrumentals and a soulful blend of vocals makes this 1982 song by Richie feel inexplicably like sunshine. It’s one of those songs that makes you involuntarily get up and dance- or at least bob your head. Richie is a unique songwriter with unparalleled talent in his niche. One of the best parts of the song comes in the middle of the first and second verses, leading up to the chorus when Richie is joined by a deep harmonious choir who add a bit of a traditional African feel. Then in the bridge before the final chorus, Richie leads out with a powerful belt that releases the tension of the music and kicks back into the effervescent chorus. This is just one of the many songs that make Lionel Richie the king of R&B.  

Captivating vocals and the common theme of love are just ammunition for the cannon that music can be. No two love songs are exactly the same, and all songs are a reflection of the human experience. Next time you’re looking for a great vibe sesh take a listen to some of these.  

Honorable mentions: “Everything” by Michael Buble, “Have I told you lately” by Michael Buble, “Still the One” by Orleans, “How Deep is Your Love” by Bee Gees, “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder, “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago, “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, “This Magic Moment” by The Drifters, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” by Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett, “More Than a Feeling” by Boston,  “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson, and “Silly Love Songs” by Paul McCartney and Wings.