Love songs are a fundamental part of pop music. Most of us can think of particular songs we associate with the love relationships of our lives. In the first of a 5 part series on love songs, here are the top 10 love songs that deal with that giddy first flush of love - the crush. Songs are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the artist.
1. Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand (1964)
The Beatles first smash hit remains one of the top innocent love songs of all time. The simple joy of hand holding has never had a better theme song.
2. Mariah Carey - Fantasy (1995)
Set to the funky rhythm of the Tom Tom Club's "Genius Of Love," Mariah Carey demonstrates just how fine fantasizing about a potential lover can be. It makes Mariah get "kind of hectic inside," but it's all just a "sweet, sweet fantasy."
3. Carpenters - Close To You (1970)
With any other voice such praise as "they sprinkled moondust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue" would sound helplessly hokey, but Karen Carpenter, with her melancholic edge, carries it off. It's a song of true infatuation, but, somehow, it all sounds like it won't work out.
4. Madonna - Crazy For You (1985)
Madonna's first big ballad hit is a beautiful tribute to that first kiss, that first dance, and the incredible fluttering heart. By the time the evening is over, a romance has begun.
5. Little Peggy March - I Will Follow Him (1963)
Peggy March was only 15 when this classic of the girl-group sound reached the top of the charts in 1963. It's a song of complete devotion once you've found the one you love. As Peggy sings, "He is my destiny."
6. Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head (2002)
This may be the point at which admiration becomes obsession. In a perfect match with the song's subject matter, this is one of the most difficult songs to get out of your head released in the last 5 years.
7. Olivia Newton-John - I Honestly Love You (1974)
Olivia Newton-John is primarily remembered for sweet songs of romance and light. However, "I Honestly Love You," one of her best, is a bittersweet confession of illicit infatuation. It begins with "Maybe I hang around here a little more than I should," and we can all see the star-crossed direction it's all heading.
8. Partridge Family - I Think I Love You (1970)
"I spring up in my bed screaming out the words I dread...I think I love you!" Keith Partridge had it bad, and many guys could completely empathize. Decorated with a baroque harpsichord break, this massive debut hit by one of the ultimate TV families still sounds great.
9. Paul Anka - Puppy Love (1960)
Paul Anka was only 19 years old when he wrote and recorded this ode to young romance. The song was written in reference to a romance between Anka and Annette Funicello. Donny Osmond also had a hit with the song 12 years later in 1972.
10. Jessica Simpson - Irresistible (2001)
It was more than physical, deeper than spiritual, and Jessica could hardly breathe when she was near him. Simpson's breathy vocals and the gently danceable backing make this a great ode to love at step one.
