Ah, Valentine's Day! A day of love and affection, immortalized by singers and songwriters through the ages. From that "new love" feeling to the golden anniversary and beyond, there's a song for that! My favorite love song? "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS (I do love my 80's :) ). Below are popular versions of 70 love songs from the 50's to now. Of course, I would love to know what "your song" is - contributions will be added to the list before Valentine's Day to help you create that perfect mixtape for your loved one!
The 50's
An era of innocence, poodle skirts and the idea of everlasting love
The Penguins - Earth Angel (1954) Everly Brothers - All I Have to do is Dream (1958)
Five Satins - In The Still of the Night (1958) The Drifters - There Goes My Baby (1959)
Nat King Cole - Unforgettable (1951) Dean Martin - That's Amore' (1953)
Doris Day - When I Fall in Love (1952) Jo Stafford - You Belong to Me (1952)
The Four Aces - Love is a Many Splendored Thing (1955) Bobby Darin - Dream Lover (1959)
The 60's
The swinging 60's brought us these amazing enduring classics
Etta James - At Last Bob Dylan - Lay Lady Lay (1969)
Frank Sinatra - Fly Me to the Moon (1964) Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling in Love (1961)
The Dixie Cups - Chapel of Love (1964) Sam Cooke - Cupid (1961)
The Monkees - I'm a Believer (1966) The Kinks - You Really Got Me (1964)
Nina Simone - I Love Your Lovin' Ways (1966) Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (1965)
The 70's
The Rock and Disco era gave birth to celebratory hits and soulful ballads
Barry White - Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe (1974) Donna Summer - Love to Love You Baby (1975)
Dionne Warwick & the Spinners - Then Came You (1974) Al Green - Let's Stay Together (1971)
Elton John - Your Song (1970) Earth, Wind & Fire - September (1978)
Jackson 5 - I'll Be There (1970) Peter Frampton - Baby I Love Your Way (1975)
Bill Withers - Lovely Day (1977) Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight (1977)
The 80's
Big hair, bigger feelings
Bon Jovi - I'll Be There For You (1988) Stevie Wonder - I Just Called to Say I Love You (1984)
Berlin - Take My Breath Away (1986) Lionel Richie - Hello (1983)
The Cure - Lovesong (1989) Michael Bolton - When a Man Loves a Woman (1991)
Chris De Burgh - Lady in Red (1986) Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting (1989)
Katrina & the Waves - Walking on Sunshine (1985) Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love For You (1985)
The 90's
The 90's brought us pop and indie hits and the softer side of love
Jewel - You Were Meant For Me (1996) Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On (1997)
Boyz II Men - I'll Make Love to You (1994) Bryan Adams - Everything I Do (I Do It For You) (1991)
Shania Twain - You're Still the One (1998) K-Ci & JoJo - All My Life (1998)
Vanessa Williams - Save the Best For Last (1992) Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (1997)
Mariah Carey - Emotions (1991) Extreme - More Than Words (1990)
The 00's
The 2000's modern take on love was edgier, but no less sincere
Erykah Badu - In Love With You (2000) Alicia Keys - Fallin' (2002)
No Doubt - Underneath It All (2001) Beyonce - Crazy in Love (2003)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (2003) Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars (2006)
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (2002) Ben Folds - The Luckiest (2001)
Enrique Iglesias - Hero (2001) Aerosmith - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (2002)
The 10's
Still in the early part of the decade, we already have these excellent expressions of love
Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are (2010) Katy Perry - Teenage Dream (2010)
Lady Gaga - You and I (2011) The Fray - Heartbeat (2011)
Black Eyed Peas - Meet Me Halfway (2010) Taylor Swift - Today Was a Fairytale (2010)
Nelly - Just a Dream (2010) Selena Gomez - Love You Like A Love Song (2011)
Jill Scott ft Anthony Hamilton - So In Love (2011) L'il Wayne - How to Love (2011)
There are so many more wonderful songs out there, but these should give you a good start! May your Valentines Day be full of love, laughter and happiness!
- DJ Prism
