20 essential love songs for your Valentine’s Day playlist

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. 

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. 

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. 

Powered by the iconic voice of the late Ronnie Spector, “Be My Baby” is a perfect pop love song. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.” 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.