The 25 Greatest Love Songs of the 1990s (2024)

The 25 Greatest Love Songs of the 1990s

Discover the most iconic love songs from the 1990s that captured the hearts of millions. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, these tracks defined a generation and continue to be cherished classics today.

I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston is considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The powerful ballad was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, but it was Houston's rendition for the soundtrack of the film 'The Bodyguard' that catapulted the song to iconic status. The song spent a record-breaking 14 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won two Grammy Awards. Whitney Houston's flawless vocals and emotional delivery make 'I Will Always Love You' a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton's iconic ballad 'Un-Break My Heart' is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The song, released in 1996, topped the charts and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Written by Diane Warren, the emotional lyrics and Braxton's powerful vocals make this song a timeless classic. 'Un-Break My Heart' tells the story of heartbreak and longing for a lost love, striking a chord with listeners all over the world. The song's music video, featuring Braxton in various glamorous outfits and settings, further solidified its status as a standout love song of the decade.

My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

Celine Dion's iconic ballad 'My Heart Will Go On' from the 1997 film 'Titanic' is undoubtedly one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The song became an instant classic and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It topped the charts in multiple countries and became one of Dion's signature songs. 'My Heart Will Go On' is a power ballad that perfectly captures the epic romance of the film, making it a timeless love song that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith

'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing' by Aerosmith is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. Written by Diane Warren, the power ballad was featured on the soundtrack of the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler (who is the daughter of Aerosmith's lead singer Steven Tyler). The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become a staple at weddings and romantic events, with its heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals resonating with audiences around the world.

Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

Kiss From a Rose by Seal

Kiss From a Rose by Seal is undoubtedly one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. Released in 1994 as part of the Batman Forever soundtrack, the song became a massive hit and won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. Seal's soulful vocals combined with the haunting melody and poetic lyrics make this song a timeless classic. The song's popularity was further solidified when it was featured in the film Batman Forever, adding to its iconic status. Kiss From a Rose perfectly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by love and remains a favorite for romantics everywhere.

I Swear by All-4-One

One of the most iconic love songs of the 1990s is 'I Swear' by All-4-One. Released in 1994, this ballad topped the charts and became a staple at weddings and proms. The song's heartfelt lyrics and smooth harmonies struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic. 'I Swear' won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its universal message of love and devotion continues to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying its place as one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s.

I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men

'I'll Make Love to You' by Boyz II Men is a classic love song from the 1990s that has stood the test of time. The song was released in 1994 and quickly became a hit, topping the charts in multiple countries. It won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1995. The smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics of the song have made it a favorite at weddings and romantic occasions. Boyz II Men's powerful vocals and soulful delivery make 'I'll Make Love to You' a standout track in the R&B genre of the 1990s.

Hero by Mariah Carey

One of the greatest love songs of the 1990s is 'Hero' by Mariah Carey. Released in 1993, this powerful ballad quickly became an anthem for love and strength. The song showcases Carey's incredible vocal range and emotional delivery, making it a timeless classic. 'Hero' has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. The lyrics speak of being someone's hero and standing by their side through thick and thin, making it a perfect choice for weddings and romantic occasions. Mariah Carey's 'Hero' is a true gem of the 1990s and continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Vision of Love by Mariah Carey

Vision of Love by Mariah Carey is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. Released in 1990 as Carey's debut single, the song showcases her impressive vocal range and emotional delivery. It quickly became a chart-topping hit and solidified Carey's status as a powerhouse vocalist. The song's lyrics speak of a deep and unconditional love, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. Vision of Love won Carey her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1991. The song's success helped launch Carey's career and set the stage for her many future hits.

You Were Meant For Me by Jewel

'You Were Meant For Me' by Jewel is a timeless love song from the 1990s that captures the essence of longing and heartbreak. The song was released in 1996 as part of Jewel's debut album, 'Pieces of You,' and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts. The lyrics depict a relationship that has ended, but the singer still holds onto the hope that they were meant to be together. Jewel's haunting vocals and emotive delivery make this song a standout in the era of 90s love ballads. 'You Were Meant For Me' remains a classic love song that continues to resonate with listeners today.

I Want to Know What Love Is by Mariah Carey

'I Want to Know What Love Is' by Mariah Carey is a powerful ballad that was released in the 1990s and quickly became a classic love song of the decade. The song was originally recorded by the band Foreigner in the 1980s, but Mariah Carey's rendition brought a new level of emotion and vulnerability to the lyrics. With her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt delivery, Carey's version of the song resonated with audiences around the world. The song's message of longing for true love and connection struck a chord with listeners, making it a standout track of the 1990s. Mariah Carey's rendition of 'I Want to Know What Love Is' remains a timeless love song that continues to be cherished by fans to this day.

Can't Help Falling in Love by UB40

One of the greatest love songs of the 1990s is 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by UB40. Originally written by Elvis Presley, UB40's reggae-infused cover of the classic song became a huge hit in the 90s. The band's unique take on the track, combined with their signature sound, helped to make it a timeless love ballad. 'Can't Help Falling in Love' showcases UB40's ability to put their own spin on a well-known song while still capturing the essence of the original. It's no wonder this song is considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s.

I'll Be by Edwin McCain

'I'll Be' by Edwin McCain is a timeless love song that perfectly captures the essence of romance in the 1990s. The song was released in 1998 as part of McCain's album 'Misguided Roses' and quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Known for its heartfelt lyrics and McCain's soulful vocals, 'I'll Be' has been a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions for over two decades. The song's enduring popularity and emotional resonance make it a standout in the landscape of 1990s love songs.

More Than Words by Extreme

'More Than Words' by Extreme is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. Released in 1991, the acoustic ballad became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song's heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down arrangement struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic. Fun fact: 'More Than Words' was written by Extreme's lead vocalist Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, showcasing their songwriting talents. The song's success helped propel Extreme to stardom, solidifying their place in music history.

All My Life by K-Ci & JoJo

'All My Life' by K-Ci & JoJo is a timeless love song that captured the hearts of many in the 1990s. The track was released in 1997 and quickly became a classic, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. K-Ci & JoJo, who are brothers and former members of the R&B group Jodeci, poured their hearts into the soulful ballad, expressing their deep love and devotion. The song's heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals struck a chord with listeners, making it one of the greatest love songs of the decade. 'All My Life' continues to be a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions, proving its lasting impact on music lovers everywhere.

When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss

When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss is considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The song was originally recorded by Keith Whitley in 1988, but it was Alison Krauss' version that became a hit in 1995. The song showcases Krauss' angelic voice and heartfelt delivery, making it a timeless classic. The lyrics speak to the power of love and communication, emphasizing that sometimes words are not needed to express how you feel. When You Say Nothing at All continues to be a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved love songs of the decade.

Don't Speak by No Doubt

No Doubt's hit song 'Don't Speak' is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The emotional ballad, written by band members Gwen Stefani and Eric Stefani, tells the story of a breakup and the pain of not being able to communicate with a former lover. Released in 1996 as part of their album 'Tragic Kingdom,' 'Don't Speak' topped the charts around the world and solidified No Doubt's place in music history. The song's raw lyrics and Stefani's powerful vocals struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan

'I Will Remember You' by Sarah McLachlan is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The song was released in 1995 and became a hit, reaching the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Sarah McLachlan's haunting vocals and emotional lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic. The song has been featured in various TV shows and movies, further solidifying its place in music history. 'I Will Remember You' continues to be a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic moments, making it a standout love song of the decade.

Breathe by Faith Hill

Faith Hill's 'Breathe' is often considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. Released in 1999, the song reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. 'Breathe' showcases Hill's powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, making it a timeless classic. The song tells the story of a deep and passionate love that takes your breath away, capturing the essence of true romance. With its emotional melody and heartfelt delivery, 'Breathe' continues to be a favorite among fans of 90s music and love songs.

I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys

'I Want It That Way' by Backstreet Boys is considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The song was released in 1999 and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics about longing for a lost love struck a chord with listeners around the world. The music video, featuring the Backstreet Boys in an airport hangar, further added to the song's popularity. 'I Want It That Way' remains a classic ballad that continues to be beloved by fans of 90s music.

As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys

'As Long As You Love Me' by Backstreet Boys is a classic love song from the 1990s that continues to resonate with fans today. The song was released in 1997 as the second single from their album 'Backstreet's Back' and quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Known for its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics, 'As Long As You Love Me' is a favorite among fans of the boy band genre. The song showcases the vocal harmonies and smooth dance-pop sound that the Backstreet Boys are known for, making it a standout track from their extensive discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Backstreet Boys or just discovering their music, 'As Long As You Love Me' is sure to tug at your heartstrings and make you feel all the feels.

How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes' hit song 'How Do I Live' is considered one of the greatest love songs of the 1990s. The song was originally written by Diane Warren for the movie 'Con Air' and was also recorded by Trisha Yearwood for the film's soundtrack. However, it was Rimes' version that became a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking 69 weeks. 'How Do I Live' showcases Rimes' powerful vocals and emotional delivery, making it a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. The song's success solidified Rimes' status as a country music superstar and earned her numerous awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. With its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody, 'How Do I Live' remains a classic love song that captures the essence of 90s music.

Lovefool by The Cardigans

'Lovefool' by The Cardigans is a standout love song from the 1990s that captures the essence of infatuation and heartache. The song was released in 1996 as part of the band's third studio album, 'First Band on the Moon.' With its catchy melody and dreamy vocals from lead singer Nina Persson, 'Lovefool' became a massive hit worldwide, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The lyrics tell the story of unrequited love and the pain of being deceived by someone you care about. The Cardigans' unique blend of pop and alternative rock elements helped them stand out in the music scene of the 90s, and 'Lovefool' remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.

I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders

'I'll Stand By You' by The Pretenders is a timeless love ballad that resonated with audiences in the 1990s and continues to do so today. The song was released in 1994 as part of The Pretenders' album 'Last of the Independents' and quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the charts. The emotional lyrics and powerful vocals of lead singer Chrissie Hynde make this song a standout in the band's discography. 'I'll Stand By You' is a heartfelt promise of unwavering support and loyalty, making it a perfect addition to any list of the greatest love songs of the 1990s.

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The 25 Greatest Love Songs of the 1990s (2024)
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