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 that deal with that giddy first flush of love - the crush.
10. One Direction - "One Thing" (2011)
Courtesy Syco
British boy band One Direction continue the tradition of great infatuation songs with the single "One Thing" from their debut album Up All Night. The group were put together on X Factor from singers who originally auditioned as soloists. After finishing third on the show the group signed a recording contract which has led to two top 3 pop singles and a #2 charting album in the UK. They head to the US in March 2012.
9. David Archuleta - "Crush" (2008)
Courtesy Jive Records
David Archuleta just really needs to know. He's both hypnotized and mesmerized, and, "This crush ain't going away..." The love of a 17 year old is unfolding. "Crush" charted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
8. Partridge Family - "I Think I Love You" (1970)
Courtesy Bell Records
"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.
7. Kylie Minogue - "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" (2002)
Courtesy Capitol Records
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 10 years.
6. Little Peggy March - "I Will Follow Him" (1963)
Courtesy RCA
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."
5. Madonna - "Crazy For You" (1985)
Courtesy Warner Bros.
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.
4. Carpenters - "Close To You" (1970)
Courtesy A&M
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. "Close To You" was first recorded and released on a single by Richard Chamberlain in 1963. However, it is the Carpenters version that became the definitive interpretation of "Close To You" reaching #1 on the pop singles chart in 1970.
3. Mariah Carey - "Fantasy" (1995)
Courtesy Columbia
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." The song became only the second to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Fantasy" was nominated for a Best Female Pop Vocal Grammy Award.
2. Beatles - "I Want To Hold Your Hand" (1964)
Courtesy Capitol Records
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. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" roared to the top of the pop singles chart in just three weeks in early 1964.
1. Paul Anka - "Puppy Love" (1960)
Courtesy Rhino
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. It reached #2 on the pop singles chart making "Puppy Love" one of the top 5 hits of Paul Anka's career. Donny Osmond also had a hit with the song 12 years later in 1972.
