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 second of a 5 part series on love songs, here are the top 10 love songs that deal with the period when two people twine together as one - romance. Songs are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the artist.
1. Beyonce featuring Jay-Z - Crazy In Love (2003)
As she stepped out on her own for the first time away from the group Destiny's Child, Beyonce chose this deliriously happy, romantic tune featuring raps from her main squeeze Jay-Z.
2. Boyz II Men - I'll Make Love To You (1994)
The boys from Philadelphia have recorded many songs about love and romance. This one is perhaps the best song ever recorded for a prelude to a magical night with a lover.
3. Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack - Tonight I Celebrate My Love (1983)
Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack recorded an entire album of r&b duets, but this song towers over the other tracks on the album. It is a perfect record for slow dancing with your lover.
4. Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1972)
This song would turn anyone into a believer in love at first sight. Roberta Flack's unadorned voice with simple accompaniment was featured in the Clint Eastwood movie Play Misty For Me and made her into a star. Hearing her take off with "I thought the sun rose in your eyes..." can still send chills up the spine.
5. Debbie Gibson - Lost In Your Eyes (1989)
With this song, Debbie Gibson made a generation of teenagers believe in romantic love. It's not complex, but the message of dreamy romance is unmistakable.
6. Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (2003)
Norah Jones comfortably straddles the worlds of pop and jazz. "Come Away With Me" evokes the dreamy escapism of being overcome with feelings of romantic love.
7. Dave Matthews Band - Crash Into Me (1996)
Romantic or trashy? The song has been equally discussed as speaking of voyeurism and celebrating romance with a carnal edge. Matthews' lyrics are impressionistic enough to allow the song to be what the listener wishes it to be.
8. Paul McCartney - My Love (1973)
Derided by critics as hopelessly sappy, "My Love" has survived as a simple tribute to an all-encompassing romantic love. As Sir Paul sings "Only my love holds the other key to me."
9. Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply (1997)
This duo's song of a love encompassing mountains, sea and sky was an instant romantic classic. Few songs capture the moment of pledging deep undying love so well.
10. Barry White - You're the First, the Last, My Everything (1975)
Few singers could flatter a lover like the masterful Barry White. He's so overcome with praise for his lover here that his deep growl positively bursts into the chorus of "You're the first, the last, my everything!"
