Many people turn back the calendar to the 1990s when they need a good love song. From pop to R&B, there were tons of romantic love songs in this decade – was it the approach of the millennium that got songwriters all mushy, who knows!
So, without further ado, here’s our pick of the best 90s love songs. Enjoy!
Contents
- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
- As Long as You Love Me – Backstreet Boys
- Friday I’m In Love – The Cure
- Love Is All Around – Wet Wet Wet
- Don’t Let Go (Love) – En Vogue
- I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf
- The Power Of Love – Celine Dion
- Lovefool – The Cardigans
- (At Your Best) You Are Love – Aaliyah
- To Love You More – Celine Dion
- Vision of Love – Mariah Carey
- Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart
- From This Moment On – Shania Twain
- All the Man That I Need – Whitney Houston
- Endless Love – Luther Vandross Feat. Mariah Carey
- I Knew I Loved You – Savage Garden
- I Live My Life for You – FireHouse
- Baby I Love Your Way – Big Mountain
- I Can Love You Like That – John Michael Montgomery
- (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You – UB40
- Always – Bon Jovi
- I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
- Nobody – Keith Sweat feat. Athena Cage
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
- (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
- 2 Become 1 – Spice Girls
- My Heart Will Go On – Céline Dion
- November Rain – Guns N’ Roses
- I’ll Make Love To You – Boyz II Men
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
When you’re so in love with someone that you don’t even want to go to sleep because that’d be too much time away from them, that’s how you know you’re in love. Steven Tyler sings of a love that’s so strong and passionate that dreaming of them while you’re sleeping next to them is still too far away! U2 was initially going to perform this song for the film Armageddon, but when Steven Tyler’s daughter was cast in the film, producers thought it would be a good idea for Aerosmith to sing it.
As Long as You Love Me – Backstreet Boys
This song paints a picture of what unconditional love should look like. As long as the love in the relationship is genuine, it doesn’t matter what the past looks like or what flaws each person may have. The song says, “doesn’t really matter if you’re on the run,” so it sounds like even if their partner is wrapped up in some trouble, the singer will still be there for them. Now that’s true love for you!
Friday I’m In Love – The Cure
This carefree song about Friday was meant to be a little goofy. It’s all about being in love right here, right now. Nothing else matters except for those intense feelings you’re feeling in the moment. Another interpretation of it is being eager to see someone on Friday like you’ve been waiting all week to go on a date with someone you’ve got a crush on. The part of the song that starts with “dressed up to the eyes” sounds a lot like a night out at the amusement park or county fair.
Love Is All Around – Wet Wet Wet
You could totally use this as a wedding song since it’s slow, sweet, and talks of eternal love. The singer assures his lover that they can depend on his love, and he feels like he always has since he says “there’s no beginning.” It sounds like the couple in the song have made a lifelong commitment and that the love will stay strong for many years to come. It also seems to be the kind of love that you can’t help but feel nostalgic and gushy about. (Aww!)
Don’t Let Go (Love) – En Vogue
This song is from the perspective of a woman who’s in love with her friend and wants to take it to the next level: a committed relationship. Unfortunately, the friend is afraid to dive in because they don’t want it to ruin their friendship. (That’s respectable.) The singer wants them to stop dragging their feet, and she “won’t be satisfied till we’re taking those vows,” showing that she wants to be best friends forever, with a marriage certificate and wedding bands to prove it!
I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf
Things Meat Loaf WILL do for love: “run right into hell and back,” “be there till the final act,” and well, anything, really. Things Meat Loaf WON’T do for love: lie, “don’t go all the way tonight,” do it better with someone else, stop dreaming of his lover, move on, or fool around. In this love ballad, Meat Loaf is trying to prove to his lover that he’s in it for the long haul and that he can be a trustworthy lover. He’ll do anything to prove it to her, but those are the six things he won’t do.
The Power Of Love – Celine Dion
The kind of love Celine Dion sings about in this song isn’t so much romantic love as it is physical love. Of course, the two go hand-in-hand in many relationships, so Celine might be singing about both. Celine sings about how she feels safe and secure in her lover’s arms even if the world is stressing her out. It’s as if she can ignore everything while she’s with him, which makes spending time with him even more enjoyable. This was also a hit for Jennifer Rush a few years earlier – you can hear it on our 80’s love songs playlist.
Lovefool – The Cardigans
Not all love is reciprocated, and in this song, the singer sings of her unrequited love that she can’t let go of. Her mother nags her to get rid of the guy who’s taking her for granted, but her feelings are so strong for him that she can’t bear to let go. She begs him to say that he loves her so she can go on pretending like everything’s fine so she won’t have to break up with him.
(At Your Best) You Are Love – Aaliyah
Aaliyah sings of her lover’s shortcomings but points out that at their best, they’re supportive, motivating, and loving toward Aaliyah, which makes it worth it to stay with them. Unfortunately, her lover seems to be at their worst more often than not, which causes Aaliyah to reassure them that they’re a good person after all. Her lover seems to have insecurities that get in the way, but she’s supportive and will be there for them no matter what.
To Love You More – Celine Dion
In this song, Celine Dion sings to a partner who is on the verge of leaving her for another woman. Celine begs him not to because her love can’t compare to anyone else’s, and she’ll always be there for him. She’s confident that their relationship can be saved and that her lover will want to stay in the end. It’s a heartbreaking song that shows that love can make you stick around for people who maaayyybe don’t deserve it.
Vision of Love – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey sings to a lover who was essentially an answer to her prayers. She had previously dreamed up what a perfect partner would look like, and she, fortunately, was able to find that in the person she’s singing to. She talks about all of the troubles she’s endured in life and how this person will make it better as if it was all worth it if it was what led her to meet this person.
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart
Van Morrison first sang this song in 1989. Some suspect that he wrote the song about his religious beliefs, probably because it mentions prayer. However, it certainly works as a love song you can sing to someone who brightens up your day and makes you feel grateful to be alive. The song is slow enough to dance to so it would make a beautiful song to play at a wedding or on a date.
From This Moment On – Shania Twain
This is the kind of song you should sing to the one you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. Shania Twain sings that she would gladly give her life up just to be with her partner and that she lives to bring them happiness. She promises that they’ll be together forever and that nothing can come between them. Add this one to the list of songs to play at your wedding reception!
All the Man That I Need – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston sings about how all her past loves caused her to believe there had to be emotional pain and turmoil in every relationship. Her thoughts on that changed when she met the only man she’d ever need. He makes her feel loved and complete and brings her a joy she didn’t know she could have. It’s pretty clear that they have a physical relationship, too, but she appreciates every aspect of the relationship.
Endless Love – Luther Vandross Feat. Mariah Carey
Originally sung by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, this song is about two lovers who appear to be newlyweds (based on “our lives have just begun”). They’re madly in love and know that the love between them will last a lifetime. The man tells the woman that she’s the only right thing in his life, and she says their hearts beat as one. This song is mushy in the best of ways and, as you’d expect, is one of the best 80s karaoke songs.
I Knew I Loved You – Savage Garden
Some people seem like they can only exist in your dreams, so when you finally find someone like that who loves you, it feels like you’ve loved them your whole life. Savage Garden knows what that’s like and sings about a love they’ve been waiting for. Looking into their lover’s eyes is just like seeing into a future that promises happy years and a happy ending. They’re like a puzzle piece that fits right into your life.
I Live My Life for You – FireHouse
If your partner ever doubts your love or dedication to them, this is the song you need to play to convince them you’re in it for the long haul. The singer can’t imagine his life without his partner and wants to be there for them no matter what they’re doing with their life. “I’ve built my world around you” is probably one of the sweetest and most sincere things you could say to a lover. (Take note of that for Valentine’s Day.)
Baby I Love Your Way – Big Mountain
This is a reggae rendition of this song first sung by Frampton in 1975. The song lends itself to the reggae style since most of the lyrics describe nature. It’s a calm, relaxing song where the singer expresses his love for his partner and compares their beauty to the natural surroundings. Their eyes are a sunset with beautiful browns, blues, and greys. As much as the singer loves to be in nature, he doesn’t mind interrupting his enjoyment to be with his partner.
Check out our songs with ‘love’ in the title list for more songs of a similar vibe.
I Can Love You Like That – John Michael Montgomery
In this song, a man who’s head-over-heels in love with a woman is trying to convince her that he’ll be everything she’s ever wanted in more. He’s bold enough to assure her that he’s the Prince Charming she’s been dreaming of, and he’ll devote his entire life to her. He promises tenderness and understanding and even says that he’ll prove that she’s everything he’s ever wanted. How could a girl say no to promises like that?
(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You – UB40
If you’re looking for a more upbeat version of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love,’ look no further. UB40 made a reggae version that’ll have you dancing faster than you would to Elvis’s! The lyrics are still the same in this version. It’s a sweet song about not being able to resist falling in love with someone even if you know it’d be foolish to rush into something. It’s about a love that you feel is destiny and you’re certain it won’t be able to go wrong.
Always – Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi sings of a lover that got away, but his love for her remains the same even though she’s moved on to another man. He says that he’s been “drowning in the flood” ever since she left and wants to give up without her. He’s left with pictures she didn’t take with her, which only makes him miss her more. He promises that he’ll always love her no matter what, and he still wants her back.
I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
Here’s one of the best songs about breaking up with someone you still love. The singer knows that her lover doesn’t love her as she loves them. She asks for one more night with them, where she’ll close her eyes and pretend like they feel the way she does. Then, in the morning, she’ll “do what’s right,” which is ending the relationship so her partner won’t have to live the rest of their life unhappy, even though it will hurt her.
Nobody – Keith Sweat feat. Athena Cage
Nobody’ was one of Keith Sweat’s most popular songs, having stayed on the Billboard Top 10 in December of 1996 and during the first part of ’97. The song is suggestive but isn’t too raunchy. It’s about a man and woman who want to share a bed for the night and have some fun times. The couple asks each other, “who can love you like me?” It’s a rhetorical question that they both know the answer to—nobody!
Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
This song was written for Disney’s The Lion King that debuted in 1994, and has remained one of the most loved animated films over the years. In relation to the movie, the song is about Simba and Nala, who grew up as friends and fell in love once they were adults. It’s a beautiful song about two adventurous people falling in love and being able to settle down with each other. The song talks about how life is wild but fate can bring unsuspecting people together.
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
This song is about a relationship that’s a little rocky and faces hardships. The singer tries to convince his lover that his love is genuine and always will be. He’d go to great lengths for his partner to make everything right. From his point of view, it’s evident that the two were meant to be together, which is why he says, “you can’t tell me it’s not worth trying for.” He’s not going to let this relationship end without a fight.
2 Become 1 – Spice Girls
The two lovers in this song have some kind of apprehension about turning their relationship physical. It’s not clear if they’re already in a relationship or if they just have a friendship, but they do seem to have a complicated history since the girl asks, “are you as good as I remember, baby?” Even so, the girl knows what she wants tonight, and she’s going to get it! They seem to have some problems, but they’re going to work it out and become one soon enough.
My Heart Will Go On – Céline Dion
“There’s a boat, Jack!” This song is the main theme of the 1997 film Titanic, and you probably can’t think of this song without thinking of the movie. The song talks about eternal love between two people that will outlive them both. In the scene where Rose and Jack are stranded in the water, Rose promises never to let go. The song references this promise when it says that love will “never let go ’til we’re gone.”
November Rain – Guns N’ Roses
A lot of love songs talk about love that will last forever, but Guns N’ Roses is under the assumption that nothing lasts forever, not even love. The song talks about a relationship that isn’t going well. The two still love each other, but things aren’t the way they used to be. The song doesn’t end on a negative note, though. Nothing lasts forever, not even the hard times. As long as they want to work on their relationship, they’ll be able to get through the tough spots.
This track also appears on our songs about rain list.
I’ll Make Love To You – Boyz II Men
The man in this song is helping his lover celebrate a special day (that sounds like a birthday or holiday) by giving her a fun time at night. He promises to do anything she asks and says he has all the time in the world for her. It’s not about him tonight—it’s whatever she wants to do! Play this song for your lady, and you’re sure to be on her good side for a while, wink wink.
