Throughout music history, love songs have long been the very heartbeat of the medium –– serving as a universal language that captures the joy, passion, and heartbreak of romance.
Over the years, several artists have utilized such a medium reinterpreted through soulful ballads, heartfelt lyrics, or sweeping melodies, to express emotions that words alone often cannot. No matter the language, love songs have provided the soundtrack to our most intimate moments across various generations and cultures — backing the first dances, wedding vows, late-night confessions, and even the tearful goodbyes that have made an impact on our lives.
From classic crooners, and timeless OPM hits, to modern chart-toppers, some of the greatest love songs continue to resonate with a varied audience because they tell stories we all know too well: the thrill of new love, the comfort of a lasting bond, or the bittersweet ache of a love lost.
In this Billboard Philippines staff picks edition, we’ve carefully curated a list of twenty of our top love songs of all time — tracks that have stood the test of time and continue to evoke deep emotions with each of us to this day. For these are the songs that make hearts race, elicit tears to our eyes, and remind us why love (in all its forms) remains one of life’s most profound experiences.
So feel free to sit back, turn up the volume, and experience the melodies of these timeless love songs that capture the many shades of romance in its most pure and unadulterated form.
“Just Like Heaven” – The Cure
It’s no surprise that The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” has been included in the soundtrack of various romantic comedies (including the Reese Witherspoon film of the same name from 2005), yet there stand a multitude of reasons as to why it deserves to be in all these films.
With its perfect blend of emotional depth and uplifting sound from the get-go, frontman Robert Smith’s impassioned crooning allow they lyrics to shine with how it describes the euphoric, yet slightly uncertain feeling of infatuation –– making it relatable to anyone who’s experienced the excitement of new love. Given the infectious melody and Smith’s signature balance of joy and melancholy, this one love song that retains its timeless, universal appeal, with its continued popularity and presence in pop culture further solidifying its place as one of the quintessential love songs of our time.
“Love Team” – The Itchyworms
What makes a great love team?
Just ask The Itchyworms — as their hit song of the same name has become one of the Philippines’ most beloved love songs, given its playful, catchy tune and relatable lyrics about a sweet, if idealized romance. The track’s sincerity and lightheartedness make a number of playful and witty jabs towards our country’s classic love team dynamics to strike a nostalgic chord with our listeners. Yet even in melody alone, the upbeat, feel-good sound make it an easy love song to sing along to, though it the clever and fun lyrics that perfectly reflect the joy and innocence of love.
“God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys’ discography is already quite impeccable — though if there’s one song we could preserve for eternity from their discography, it would surely be their classic hit “God Only Knows.”
With how the track poses the hypothetical question of what it means to live life without your special someone, it reels its listeners in with a deeply emotional set of lyrics and a sweeping arrangement that’s enough to make you swoon. Brian Wilson’s lush yet brilliant production perfectly capture that timeless devotion and unshakeable commitment that make the song’s intention much stronger than you’d think, especially when paired with the classic track’s serene yet powerful melody. For as transparent as the song’s heartfelt sentiment is, this love song perfectly captures the profound impact that such a force can have on one’s life.
“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” – Talking Heads
From the soothing rhythm that the song opens up with, Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” already captures the warm and fuzzy feeling of what it means to find a sense of home with the person you love.
Cherished by millions for its warm, introspective lyrics and its unique melody (which come as no surprise given David Byrne’s musical approach), it’s an unconventional choice for a love song that surprisingly delivers with its tender and wholehearted depiction of finding comfort with that special someone. Though beyond how it captures the feeling of finding a sense of belonging, its simple yet deeply emotional message about love and connection complemented by its dreamy, looping melody create an otherworldly yet relatable vibe that work as the perfect soundtrack for someone in love.
“Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” – Cigarettes After Sex
If there’s one thing Cigarettes After Sex know how to do well, it’s how to translate passion at its most cinematic form.
Such is the case with their 2012 hit single, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby,” which stands as a haunting yet beautiful love song, given its soft, dreamy melodies and tender, reassuring lyrics. Its slow, atmospheric vibe bask its listeners with a sense of calm and intimacy, especially as the lyrics promise safety and unconditional support in the face of life’s challenges. With credit to the song’s soothing tone and emotional depth, the track creates a comforting sense of vulnerability and trust between its audience, making it a serene expression of love and protection that’s sure to last.
“Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby)” – Orange & Lemons
To this day, Orange & Lemons‘ “Hanggang Kailan” resonates strongly with modern audiences (even ranking at No. 88 on the Philippines Hot 100 dated February 15, 2025), which stands as a testament to its timeless appeal.
As a heartfelt ballad that captures the longing and uncertainty of love, this love song utilizes its emotional lyrics and gentle melody to beautifully conveys the pain of waiting for someone who may never return. Sure, it could be considered as sawi by some, but its nostalgic vibe and poignant message of remaining devoted as they wait for someone draw listeners into the raw emotions of such a scenario. After all these years, this track remains a classic (also standing out as one of the group’s best songs), evoking both heartache and hope for those who have experienced similar feelings.
“About You” – The 1975
Though this is one of the more recent entries on this list, The 1975’s “About You” never fails to make us swoon.
Sure, several so-called musical scholars have developed their own interpretations and theories about what this song tackles, but at its core, this track encapsulates the feeling of holding on to one’s greatest love, while retaining the memories and all the reasons that endear such a person to you. The track’s blend of shoegaze elements, pop sound, a horn section, and Matty Healy’s echo-like vocals result in a love song that feels like a distant memory, giving its listeners a storyline that retraces the situations that make one happy in love, as they recall the things they miss most about their partner.
With such a narrative strengthened even further by Carly Holt’s guest vocals on the song, “About You” becomes more like a conversation than it is your traditional love song.
“Favoritism” – SOS
How does it feel to be in love with someone, despite being their second option?
That is a feeling that SOS was all too familiar with, especially on their track “Favoritism.” This emotionally charged song delves right the complexities of unbalanced relationships and the pain of feeling overlooked — perfectly translated by its raw lyricism, combined with a haunting melody, that capture the frustration and heartache of being treated as second best.
Its reflective tone and relatable theme of longing for equal affection strike a chord with listeners who have experienced similar feelings, making “Favoritism” resonate as an anthem for anyone grappling with the emotional weight of love and the desire for fairness and mutual care in a relationship.
“If We Fall In Love” – Yeng Constantino
Yeng Constantino‘s discography retains a timeless appeal that’s felt from listeners of all generations, and her sleeper hit track “If We Fall In Love” captures a feeling that we’re all too guilty of.
As a tender and hopeful love song that explores the excitement and uncertainty of falling for someone, Yeng transports us all in a situation that we know too well — whether we’d like it or not. Its heartfelt lyrics, paired with a very sweet melody, perfectly express the vulnerability of opening up to love while questioning what the future may hold. It’s made even better by Yeng’s gentle yet thoroughly emotional delivery, allowing it to resonate deeply with listeners, as it captures the beauty and uncertainty of taking a leap of faith in love.
“Crazy for You” – Madonna
Madonna has made a plethora of great songs, yet for us “Crazy for You” is easily a standout hit.
The Queen of Pop perfectly encapsulates the overwhelming intensity of infatuation, using the track’s dreamy melody and heartfelt lyrics to express the vulnerability and excitement of falling deeply for someone, while also longing for their affection. Her emotive delivery is akin to a plea, while the song’s romantic atmosphere makes it a timeless ballad that’s all too relatable with listeners who have experienced the thrill of love.
Even when you take away its fantastic needle drop from 13 Going on 30, “Crazy for You” remains one of Madonna’s most beloved tracks — embodying both the passion and uncertainty of romantic desire.
“Mundo” – IV of Spades
The legacy of IV of Spades has been warmly looked upon over the past few years, especially with the everlasting impact of their hit song “Mundo.”
When “Mundo” first came out, it was inescapable — being played just about anywhere and everywhere, and for good reason. Beyond its synth-heavy throwback sound, the track itself is a soulful, emotionally charged anthem that perfectly captures the themes of love, longing, and what it means to cherish what’s right in front of you. As a result of the electric chemistry among the band’s members, the song’s captivating melody, combined with heartfelt lyrics, conveys the feeling of finding a deep connection with someone who becomes your whole world.
Though some may find it a little too sweet for their taste, time has been kind to this track, solidifying its reputation not only as one of the greatest OPM songs in recent memory, but also one of the greatest love songs of our time.
“Last Dance” – Donna Summer
Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder are a music match made in heaven, as exemplified by the result of the disco classic “Last Dance.”
Its timeless resonance has allowed it to become recognized as one of the greatest disco love songs of all time, with credit to its vibrant and anthemic nature that blends the joy of dancing with the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye. Moroder’s infectious rhythm and Summer’s powerful vocals capture the urgency of making the most of a final moment, while its heartfelt lyrics convey a sense of longing and nostalgia.
Given its dynamic blend of upbeat energy and emotional depth, “Last Dance” is a love song that resonates with listeners who have experienced both the thrill of the dance floor and the poignant moments of closure. Even after all these years later, it remains a timeless classic — symbolizing both celebration and farewell.
“Lover” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift notably has a wealth of impressive love songs in her discography — though none are quite as sincere as Lover‘s titular track.
It’s sweet, simple, yet ultimately universal — beautifully capturing the warmth and joy of a loving relationship. This lovely and romantic ballad utilizes a dreamy melody and Swift’s heartfelt songwriting pen to express the comfort of being fully known and accepted by someone special. Hearing Swift’s gentle vocals evokes a tone of ease that encapsulates a sense of intimacy and devotion, making it a perfect anthem for those in love.
Though she’s certainly gone on to write a lot more poetic love songs later on, “Lover” continues to resonate with listeners for its sincerity and timeless portrayal of the tender moments that define a deep connection.
“Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi” – BINI
Sometimes, the sweetest scenarios can come from savoring the moment, which is exactly how BINI had described it in their love song “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.”
Beyond its vibrant and catchy nature, this track perfectly captures the carefree joy of spending time with someone special. Its upbeat melody and playful lyrics express the excitement of living in the moment, while also conveying a sense of youthful romance. Even if you aren’t a BLOOM, the track’s fun and sincere vibe makes it a perfect love song for anyone who has experienced the thrill of a spontaneous connection, as “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi” offers anyone in love with a refreshing reminder to savor the present and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
“Reasons” – Earth, Wind & Fire
As one of the group’s sleeper hits, Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Reasons” deserves a lot more recognition than it has been given.
At its core, “Reasons” is a soulful ballad that explores the complexity of love and the deep emotional connection between two people. With the use of Its smooth, rich melody and heartfelt lyrics to express longing, vulnerability, and the desire for unconditional love, it’s simultaneously a perfect capstone of the 1970s and a timeless hit that never fails to make us sway. Though it was initially composed as a “one-night-stand” anthem, the song has become beloved for Philip Bailey’s memorable falsetto vocals that capture the essence of love’s beauty and intensity.
Backed by lush instrumentation that creates an intimate atmosphere, there’s no doubt that “Reasons” stands out as a timeless expression of love’s complexities and the feelings that come with it.
“Weak” – SWV
Many songs have dealt with the toll that love has on us emotionally, yet SWV’s classic hit “Weak” delves deep into describing the physical effects such a powerful nature has on us.
Sampled, covered, and remixed countless times, nothing quite compares to SWV’s original rendition which beautifully captures the vulnerability of falling deeply in love. As a soulful and heartfelt R&B ballad, its smooth melody and honest lyrics perfectly express the overwhelming feeling of being so in love that it makes you feel weak and out of control. The song’s emotional depth, paired with SWV’s impressive and powerful harmonies (especially by its final chorus), continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced the intensity of infatuation.
Not many songs can capture the strength and fragility that come with being in love, yet that’s something that “Weak” does quite effortlessly as one of the best love songs of all time.
“Palagi” – TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan
While audiences have immersed themselves in a number of popular heartbreak anthems over the past few years, TJ Monterde’s 2023 single “Palagi” seems to re-usher a new era of love songs — particularly one that celebrates love in its purest form.
With how much the track has been able to hit Philippine audiences in the feels, it has managed to contribute to a steady yet continuous breakthrough into the mainstream consciousness of the nation with credit to its earnestness and heartfelt nature. The release of a ‘Wedding’ version and this special duet rendition with Tandingan have further boosted its impact (and lasting impression) amongst the public, almost as if Monterde is letting us into their unfolding love story that goes beyond their own experiences.
Though some may assume that such a track and what it evokes may be easy to replicate, there’s no denying that the magic that Monterde and Tandingan have conjured up with “Palagi” is unique, and ultimately irreplaceable.
“At Your Best (You Are Love)” – Aaliyah
Though Aaliyah’s rendition of “At Your Best (You Are Love)” is merely a cover of The Isley Brothers’ song of the same name, there’s an undeniable charm in her version that supersedes the original song by far.
The late R&B legend’s cover is a stunning rendition that brings a fresh, if soulful depth to the original. With her smooth, ethereal vocals and emotional delivery, she beautifully conveys the tenderness and admiration expressed in the lyrics. The song’s calming melody and heartfelt message of unconditional love have influenced listeners and lovers worldwide deeply, capturing a sense of vulnerability and devotion.
To this day, Aaliyah’s version remains a timeless tribute to love’s purity, showcasing her ability to blend soul and emotion in a way that continues to captivate listeners. It’s arguably one of the best tracks in her already iconic discography, leaving us with a beloved love song for the ages.
“Oras-Oras” – The Boyfriends
There are a ton of fantastic ‘Manila sound’ songs that showcase the nature of being in love, yet none are quite as swoon-worthy as The Boyfriends’ “Oras-Oras.”
This OPM classic captures the heart of Filipino love songs, utilizing its relatable lyrics about waiting for the right moment to express love to strike a chord with listeners of all ages even after all these years. There’s a sense of nostalgia that this love song emanates, given the catchy melody, smooth vocal harmonies, and emotional depth of the track, but it sonically recreates the lived-in, swoon-worthy nature of infatuation. Yet beyond its nostalgic charm and universal themes of love and longing, its production quality, instrumentation, and delivery make it a timeless track that deserves way more credit than it’s given.
L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
Of course, what list of great love songs would be complete without Nat King Cole’s iconic single, “L-O-V-E.”
Beyond what its title spells out, “L-O-V-E” is a charming and upbeat classic that celebrates the simplicity, integrity, and underlying beauty of love. With its catchy melody and playful lyrics, the song spells out the word “love” in an infectious, joyful way, that brings a sense of warmth and light to listeners — even making most of us sing along whenever it plays. Nat King Cole’s smooth, velvety voice is what adds an irresistible charm (that’s difficult to replicate!), making it a timeless anthem for all the lovers out there.
After all these years, “L-O-V-E” is one of those love songs that continues to capture hearts –– spreading a feel-good message about love’s enduring power and universal appeal that is felt all across the globe.