The desire to create unique love songs in the music industry began to slowly disappear somewhere in the mid-2000’s. The closest you will get to a great love song in December 2009 is Mariah Carey singing an auto-tune track or Akon on some boring futuristic tempo, and neither is say much at all really. How sad. Let’s take a glance back down memory lane at some of the best love songs from the 2000’s.
10. “Cater 2 U” (2005) by Destiny’s Child
“Cater 2 U” is perhaps the only good love song of the 2000’s that had any involvement with Beyonce Knowles. This is the ultimate treatment guide for any woman’s man, as long as he is a good man, that is. If you’ve got a ‘good’ man and you’re treating him the opposite way, then you don’t deserve him period.
9. “Differences” (2001) by Ginuwine
Ginuwine’s irresistible R&B; classic, “Differences” is purely heaven sent, just like the music video for the song itself. This was great R&B;, the good stuff of the good old days in the early 2000’s before it all went to crap.
8. “My Boo” (2005) by Usher featuring Alicia Keys
Usher and Alicia Keys make for an ultimate R&B; duo with the 2005 R&B; radio hit, “My Boo”. You know a great love song when its vocals and tempos put at all your right strings all at once. “My Boo” does exactly that. It captures, it reminisces, it reflects, and surrounds you with the sweet but tragic pitfalls of lost love.
7. “My First Love” (2001) by Avant featuring Keke Wyatt
Avant and Keke Wyatt star in this re-imaging of the 1983 R&B; love ballad of the same name, previously recorded by Rene & Angela. It’s noted that the original R&B; duo had proposed this song to Janet Jackson for her self-titled debut album but she had turned it down. Pity, quite a pity. “My First Love” is one of the saddest love songs ever recorded and this newer version manages to capture that same atmosphere as its original counterpart.
6. “Diary” (2004) by Alicia Keys featuring Tony, Toni, Tone
An alluring Alicia Keys hit single featuring Tony, Toni, Tone. Diary” is one of those slow love ballads that deserve to be played in dimly lit, cozy rooms or while driving along a semi-deserted road late at night with your significant other all snuggled up in the passenger seat. “Diary” is comforting yet sweet, it will lure you in with its smooth and soothing melody.
5. “Promise” (2006) by Ciara
Ciara’s “Promise” delivers just what it promises, a bold statement to one’s significant other which every person in a relationship should abide by. “Promise” shares many similarities to Destiny’s Child’s hit “Cater 2 U” at number 10 on the countdown. Both songs present a guide for women on how to treat, spoil, ravish, and love your man. Ciara seems to have a knack for making songs that sound like irresistible 80s tracks and turning them into something more modern but without ever altering its core spirit, much like “1,2 Step” and a few other singles.
4. “I Need A Girl: Part 1” (2002) by P. Diddy featuring Usher
One of P. Diddy’s biggest comeback hits after the flop that was the “Forever” album. “I Need A Girl: Part 1” was released during the P. Diddy and Usher dominated first and second half of 2002 where both had similar break-up and recovery songs. Usher and P. Diddy prove to be quite a team on this hot track, P. Diddy presents a smooth and understandable flow that is complimented by Usher’s smooth vocals.
3. “I Hate This Part” (2008) by The Pussycat Dolls
This is perhaps their hugest single to date. “I Hate This Part” was released in the fall of 2008 but still manages to dominate listeners to this day. The Pussycat Dolls scored a remarkable and timeless blockbuster with this track which has amazing build up and lyrics.
2. “U Got It Bad” (2001) by Usher
Who can possibly forget this track? “U Got It Bad” is a fantastic tragic love ballad from Usher. This was one of his last few good tracks before he started taking up after the crappy artists and music that exists today. His music nowadays simply doesn’t compare to what he has accomplished in songs like “U Got It Bad”.
1. “No Letting Go” (2003) by Wayne Wonder
Wayne Wonder’s crossover mega hit, “No Letting Go”, has it all – Tragedy and melody all blended successfully into one hot Caribbean uptempo. Listening to this track will make you wish it would never end, it’s so catchy and memorable that you’ll want it to keep on going and going. Pity it only lasts between 3 and a half minutes. Nevertheless, this is perhaps the most defining love song of the 2000s. It is unique, original, and unlike anything you will find on today’s radio stations. Ever.
