There truly are so many great love songs out there. Some have stood the test of time and been around for many years, others are from more recently and may have some serious longevity too! Whatever era the song comes from, a good love song is timeless. A good love song becomes a part of our lives, our relationships, and touches our hearts and souls. You pick “your” love song to dance to as your first dance on your wedding day. That first dance, your song, will be imprinted in your memory forever. It will be captured by photo and video. It has to be great. It has to be special. It has to be memorable.
So it was way too hard to just make one list, so I decided to make a few. Today’s list is the Best Love Songs in the last 15 years. So in no particular order here are top 10 love songs of the 21st century (so far):
1. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz - This more recent song from 2012 was an instant hit with anyone in a relationship. The lyrics, emphasizing commitment and enduring love, are passionate with beautiful musical notes in support. Those combine to make it a beautiful choice for a first dance wedding song.
2. You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne - Released in 2008, this fun composition with relatable lyrics is a song that is loved by music lovers. It’s honest lyrics about having a long bad day but coming home to the “best thing” is something everyone wants from a relationship. Plus enjoy the smooth yet gritty voice and vocal excellence of Ray LaMontagne.
3. All of Me by John Legend - This extremely romantic, absolutely beautiful song from 2013 is the sweet, raw confession of the groom to his bride. This perfect declaration of love, in the smooth voice of John Legend, pairs beautifully with the music. Who can’t relate to some of these lyrics? This song is a beautiful instant wedding song classic.
4. Better Together by Jack Johnson - Released in 2006, the unique musical presentation of Jack Johnson and fun, realistic lyrics present a song that creates a beautiful image of a new life together for couples. This genre of music is perfect for swaying together on the dance floor.
Photo by Shanda Call Photography
5. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri - This song, which gained so much popularity being a part of the “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” soundtrack in 2011, expresses a beautiful promise to be with each other forever. A hauntingly beautiful voice singing of never-ending love, with swift moving, lovely music in the background creates the perfect wedding dance song.
6. Everything by Michael Bublé - Michael Buble seems to have the perfect wedding singer voice. This song, from 2007, is finely tuned, catchy, and cute. Who wouldn’t want to be someone’s everything!? This song, full of fun metaphors is a favorite for wedding first dances.
7. First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes - This 2005 Indie hit expresses the new start of life from the marriage day on. It’s lyrics are are quirky and honest. A cute song for people in love and excited for the new start of figuring life out together.
8. Bubbly (2007), I Do (2011), and Brighter Than the Sun (2011) by Colbie Caillat – Okay I am cheating a little here by combining 3 in one, but Colbie Caillat really has some great songs that are catchy, beautiful, and put into words all of the amazing feelings associated with being in love. And while I am cheating on this number anyway, I will go ahead and also throw in the song Lucky by Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz (2008), another great little love song!
9. Marry Me by Train – This love song from 2013 just couldn’t get any sweeter! This song seems to be the epitome of the perfect wedding love song. Beatiful voice, beautiful lyrics, beautiful music. Many people have had this song as part of their engagements, wedding videos, and of course as the first dance as a newly married couple!
10. Make You Feel My Love by Adele (2008) (and/or Garth Brooks from 1998), The song has been a top first dance wedding song for years as there have been many recordings of it. One of the most popular was by Garth Brooks in 1998 as part of the “Hope Floats” soundtrack. More recently, and thus on this list, this song’s recording by Adele in 2008 is extremely popular. The dance has been found in more than 80% of the marriage ceremonies of US and UK at recent times.
All of the songs above are absolutely beautiful and wonderful songs for a memorable and lovely first dance. But honestly, there have been so many amazing songs in the last 15 years! So here are a few more amazing love songs for you:
Honorable Mentions:
Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
You’re Beautiful by James Blunt
Hero – Enrique Iglesias
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith
Grow Old With Me by Tom Odell
Steady as We Go by Dave Matthews Band
The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
If I Aint Got You by Alicia Keyes
A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
UPDATE: Great suggestions from a reader:
The Luckiest by Ben Folds
How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding
Your Song originally by Elton John, but Ellie Goulding did a beautiful version more recently.
What would you add to the list? Please share!
Stay tuned for lists for for Best Love Songs prior to the year 2000 as well as best Country Love Songs!