Love songs in Western music: world classics and recommended popular tracks

If I Can’t Have YouShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You (Official Music Video)

Shawn Mendes is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his sweet, captivating vocals.

Did you know that this track, released in May 2019, was actually written for Dua Lipa? The earnest lyrics insisting that everything is meaningless without the one you love tighten the chest all the more because of their contrast with the sparkling, upbeat melody.

As he himself has said, it’s a work he’s truly proud of, brimming with energy that uplifts its listeners.

Included on the deluxe edition of the album “Shawn Mendes,” it became so beloved that it racked up over a billion plays on U.S.

radio.

It’s the perfect song for anyone caught up in a one-sided crush or for those moments when you want to boost your mood and feel more positive!

We Found Love ft. Calvin HarrisRihanna

Rihanna – We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris

This is Rihanna’s 2011 smash hit featuring Calvin Harris, a DJ and producer from Scotland.

It’s well known among those familiar with the song that it was written about her relationship with her ex, Chris Brown.

I Just Called to Say I Love YouStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder I Just Called To Say I Love You

Stevie Wonder has many famous love songs, but isn’t this one of the best-known? It’s a wonderful track that, while very simple, captures straightforward feelings of love and lingers in your ears.

It’s like magic—turning an ordinary day into a special one!

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

It’s the debut single released in 2002 by American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton! The song expresses a woman’s pure love, and it also drew attention when the Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK performed it live.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You – Lyrics

It’s the famous song that was used as the theme for the movie The Bodyguard, in which she also appeared! Many people will recognize it as soon as they hear the high notes in the chorus.

It’s one of Whitney Houston’s signature songs and a universally acclaimed masterpiece of a love song!

All of MeJohn Legend

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)

A genius who has led the R&B scene and achieved the coveted EGOT, John Legend.

This masterpiece, All of Me, is a song in which he expresses his deep love for his wife, Chrissy Teigen.

Included on the 2013 album Love in the Future, it impressively reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts in May 2014.

Composed with just piano and vocals, its lyrics resonate as a portrait of unconditional devotion—loving someone wholly, awkward parts and all.

The music video, which features footage from their actual wedding, also drew attention.

Now a timeless wedding song around the world, it’s a perfect track to listen to while thinking of someone special.

If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Official HD Video)

It’s that beautiful piano ballad released as a single in February 2004 by New York–born singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.

Included on the acclaimed album The Diary of Alicia Keys, the song celebrates the preciousness of having the one you love by your side over wealth or fame.

It was reportedly written in response to the tragic events of 2001 and the state of the world, imbued with love for someone more important than diamonds or success.

In 2023, an orchestral version was featured in the Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, bringing it back into the spotlight.

It’s a timeless track perfect for weddings, or for an evening when you want to reaffirm your feelings for your partner.