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 fifth of a 5 part series on love songs, here are the top 10 songs that celebrate a relationship that lives on happily ever after. Songs are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the artist.
1. Ashford & Simpson - Solid (1984)
Courtesy Capitol Records
Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, married in 1974, released this song after 10 years of marriage. It is an anthem of commitment between lovers. Ashford & Simpson have been successful not only as performers but also as one of the most successful songwriting teams having written other classics such as "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand," and "I'm Every Woman."
2. Beatles - And I Love Her (1964)
Courtesy Capitol Records
This simple love song was included on the A Hard Day's Night soundtrack and has endured as a Beatles fan favorite. The lyric "I know this love of mine will never die, and I love her" sums up the enduring sentiment.
3. Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight (1977)
Courtesy RSO
Eric Clapton's depiction of the interaction between a man and woman before, during and after going out for the evening is powerful in its intimacy and also in the praise, admiration and love expressed. It has been a slow dance favorite for nearly 3 decades.
4. Amy Grant - Baby, Baby (1991)
Courtesy A&M
The joy and happiness of a great relationship bursts from every line of Amy Grant's breakthrough pop hit. The song was paired with a video that brilliantly depicts the fun of a young couple in love. The video was so convincing that many suspected the actor in the video was actually Amy Grant's husband.
5. Heatwave - Always and Forever (1976)
Courtesy Epic
This smooth romantic classic was written by Heatwave group member Rod Temperton who later wrote such r&b classics as "Rock With You," "Give Me the Night," and "Stomp." "There will always be sunshine when I look at you..."
6. Modern English - I Melt With You (1982)
Courtesy 4AD
Although many of their songs were more downbeat, the new wave band Modern English created an all-time classic with "I Melt With You." The sentiment is best summed up "There's nothing you and I won't do...the future's open wide."
7. Orleans - Still the One (1976)
Courtesy Asylum Records
It's been used over and over for commercials, events and celebrations, but the sentiment is evergreen. The gently rocking hit joyously celebrates long-term relationships simply and effectively.
8. Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe (1965)
Courtesy Atco
Sonny Bono and Cher almost defiantly continued to sing this even when their personal relationship was in tatters. It launched their career and is perhaps the most memorable of their joint creations. In many additional versions through the years it remains one of the best "us against the world" anthems ever.
9. Turtles - Happy Together (1967)
Courtesy White Whale
The Turtles created some of the most upbeat hit singles of the late 60's. This one celebrates finding the perfect partner, "The only for me is you and you for me, so happy together" with a sunny accompaniment leaving the listener smiling.
10. Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine Of My Life (1972)
Courtesy Tamla
Commitment and praise for one's life partner is the sole subject matter of this Stevie Wonder classic. It asks the question only a fulfilled lover can ask "How could so much love be inside of you?"
