Top 10 Love Songs

There is nothing better than sipping on a glass of wine, snuggling with the one you love and listening to soulful, love making and rendering, romantic songs. While many opinions contradict that statement, the following recommendation ought to be heeded as right and true. These songs have brought families together, garnered wedding proposals and have been the keynote presentation at such joyous occasions as 50th anniversaries and weddings alike. Trust that you are in the best hands with these soulful ballads.

Still, here is the disclaimer….If you are a person who enjoys crooners like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, this is not the article for you! However, if you are into diverse music that rings across color, age and gender lines, look no further than right, here!

Chiming in at number 10 is the- oh so indulgent, Michael Buble, with “Home”. With lyrics like, “Maybe surrounded by, A million people I, Still feel all alone, I just wanna go home. Oh I miss you, you know”, who wouldn’t feel loved? Well, if you need proof….this song carries significant meaning for me and many other volunteer like me. See, I volunteer at a retirement home for terminally ill patients. This song was played for one of the sick and shut residents who had refused to leave her room because she felt like no one cared for her. After just one verse and a chorus, Anna Bell smiled the sweetest of smiles. Needless to say, to left her room and rejoined the world of the living. The love in this song was enough to kick start her heart, soul and spirit as she continued to live, months later.

Swinging and jazzing in with sweet, harmonic tones at number 9, is Luther Vandross, with “Dance With My Father”. Singing the warmest of dedications to his father, Luther Vandross inspired many with this song. One such inspired soul, was Katlyn, a 27 year old student who recently lost her dad. When asked, “What is your favorite love song?” Katlyn quickly retorted, “Dance with My Father.” Initially, I was perplexed by the choice. Then she explained, her dad had recently lost his battle with colorectal cancer and she was still mourning the loss. After hearing Mr. Vandross’s song, she began to let go of her dad and move on with her life. Though, her story doesn’t end there. Katlyn realized that the kind of hurt a child feels when they lose a parent and devastating enough to cause long- term damage to the child’s psyche. Therefore, she began a small, outreach program for kids in her community; helping them over come grief from loss. Music is something isn’t it?

Then, again, at number 8 is Sade, with “No Ordinary Love“. Sade’s smooth, rhythmic tones add culture and spice to any love song collection. Yet, that is not what makes this song so special. Aside from being about the persecution and struggle of unsupported, mistrusted love, this song exemplified the very nature of Joy and Rocco’s love affair. Joy and Rocco were from two totally different lifestyles and well, worlds. Joy was the lower, middle class working girl who had to nickel and dime her way through life. Rocco was the spoiled upper classman with rich parents and a trust fund. As different as their worlds were, Rocco and Joy shared one thing. They shared the strongest thing that any two persons could share, love. Unfortunately, that did not stop Rocco’s family from intervening and trying to tear them apart. But they were in for a surprise! Have you ever heard that music can tame the savage beast? That beast- no pun intended- was Rocco’s mom Gloria and Joy tamed her by singing this song.

At number 7 is the awe inspiring Brian McKnight with, “Crazy Love“. This song is breathtaking. It is a writer- and English teacher’s- dream. Filled with metaphors and analogies, this song is a blue print for love. I should know, my husband sung this song to me when he proposed! I love him.

Soulful and joyous is number 6, Prince, “Betcha By Golly Wow”. Although this is a remake for Prince he sings it masterfully. I especially love the intonation of his voice on such lyrics as, “There’s a spark of magic in your eyes…” Imagine a father singing this to his daughter as he gives her away. Seems strange at first thought but, it was truly a special and love filled give away at Tonisha’s wedding last spring. I would have never thought of this song for that occasion, and in that manner until her daddy sung it to her. You go! Daddy of the year, anyone?

Now let’s take a little interlude here. The next five songs are the greatest of greats in my book. Each of these songs have earned many, many awards and carry such significant meaning in their own rights- without story or explanation, that they have made it to the Top 5 of 10, greatest love songs!

Now rejoining the broadcast, already in progress is number 5, Mariah Carey’s “Hero“. This song is sung at just about every graduation, tribute performance and heartfelt gathering from California to Tennessee, and beyond. Why? Just listen to the lyrics!

Number 4 is Maxwell’s “A Woman’s Worth“. As a title song for the acclaimed, Love and Basketball movie soundtrack, “A Woman’s Worth” gained notoriety as one of R & B’s greatest love song contributions because it speaks to the heart of a man who loves a woman. More importantly, it doesn’t discriminate with a specific kind of love for a woman, like lovers’ love. Nope! This song speaks to lovers, mothers and children, fathers to mothers etc.

Rounding out the top at number 3 is India Arie’s “Ready For Love. Soul singing and music at its finest, India Arie puts her on sweet, magical touch on a guitar to belt out a cry for love. She speaks to the heart of all single people, looking for love in this world. She embodies the desperation and hope that many singles feel, during their quest for happiness with someone.