50 Best Valentine’s Day Songs to Add to Your Playlist
Including slow ballads for a candlelight dinner and upbeat songs for dancing the night away.
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When you can't find the right words to tell your partner how much they mean to you, music can often times string together lyrics into a form of poetry that perfectly captures your feelings. Love songs in particular can put you in your feels anytime of the year, and perhaps even more so on Valentine's Day. Whether you are celebrating February 14 with your significant other, a longtime partner or a group of friends, these best Valentine's Day songs range in genre from classic R&B love ballads to upbeat pop tunes from the 2000s. And, of course, we've included a few sad love songs because those lyrics always hit, even if you have found "The One."
Whether you already have a Valentine's Day playlist in the works, you would be remiss to not include these songs by Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Adele and Taylor Swift (to name just a few). You can blast rock n' roll love songs at a Valentine's Day party with friends or write your favorite lyric in a Valentine's Day card for your partner.
Here are the best Valentine's Day songs of all time to listen to — whether it's over a romantic dinner or on the dance floor.
When it comes to romantic song lyrics, Ralph Tresvant knows a thing or two. The New Edition alum croons about his lover who is all his on this sentimental ballad. As a bonus, fellow N.E. member Johnny Gill provides powerful background vocals.
Smooth and sultry, this Janet Jackson classic packs major sex appeal. Produced by legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the ‘90s track is sure to set the mood any day of the week.
Not even the afterlife can separate the love shared between Nick Jonas and the object of his affection in this 2021 release. We'd guess that this heartfelt song is dedicated to his wife, actor Priyanka Chopra.
Drifting off into a deep slumber, a hopeful romance blooms in this sweet ‘90s song. With every note, Selena's rich tone makes it seem possible to turn elusive dreams into reality.
Upbeat and catchy, this Doja Cat track exudes playful sexiness. After listening to this award-winning hit, which also features R&B singer SZA, who could resist a sweet kiss?
Want to let your significant other know exactly how you feel about them? Play this classic Minnie Riperton track and leave no room for doubt. High notes and all, this song says it best.
Chances are, if someone makes you feel at your best when you're with them, it's a love match. Adele makes this clear in this simple yet poignant hit off her Grammy Award-winning “21” album.
Powerful and endearing, this Clinton Kane song encapsulates the phenomenal feeling of finding your special someone. Its anthemic feel-good vibes make it a modern-day classic.
In case your significant other isn’t sure where they stand, play this Toni Braxton track and let them know. Penned by Babyface, this sultry ballad is one of several hits from her self-titled debut album.
If you’re ecstatic that you’re off the market, this one's for you. In this chart-topping song, British singer Ella Mai describes how it feels to have a special someone by your side.
Arguably one of the greatest musicians of our time, Stevie Wonder hits all the right notes with this sentimental tune. The soft, melodic song describes the overwhelming love that radiates from an adoring partner.
Classic and captivating, this Peter Frampton song pairs romantic lyrics with soft rock appeal — creating an unforgettable tune. Plus, the top-notch acoustic chords make it a standout decades after its release.
The lyric “If God one day struck me blind, your beauty I’ll still see,” is just a sampling of the melodic magic that Prince brings to this masterpiece. The ballad's seductive, high-pitch vocals exude sensuality, making it a timeless classic.
This quintessential soft rock love song could easily be the soundtrack for all romantic movies of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Rock band Chicago sings about how their love interests are all they need to survive.
When you have trouble finding words to express your love for your sweetheart, this song may help. Canadian-born artist Tamia sings of being heads over heels in love in this carefree, mid-tempo track.
If Cupid can’t do the trick, play this ditty from The Ronettes to shoot your shot. This 1963 pop release expresses the desire to make that one you've been eyeing your own.
For Charlie Wilson, February 14th is just another day. The R&B crooner sings about how every day is Valentine's Day when he's with the one he cherishes.
Taylor Swift is no stranger to love songs. This particular pop track was aptly penned for the 2010 movie, Valentine’s Day, and is filled with tender lyrics that tell a story of a teenage romance seemingly pulled from the pages of a storybook.
When your beloved has you under their spell, nothing can deter your gaze. This enchanting song by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons captures this charming sentiment perfectly.
There’s no greater love than self-love. This Lizzo track celebrates the person staring back at you in the mirror. Regardless of relationship status, finding inner peace is key. With lyrics like, “Cause I'm my own soulmate. I know how to love me,” the hip-hop, pop and R&B artist lets listeners know that if we can’t love ourselves first, who will? Take note.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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