And no, this isn’t your typical “love songs” list.
I thought I’d carry on the theme of the all-conquering force that is love, because who doesn’t have favourite songs about love?
Whilst there is a place for romantic songs about love, not all songs about love make people swoon and are lovey-dovey in nature. Some help to convey feelings of loss and grief, some a sense of despair or loneliness, while others may describe a love that once was or a cry for help or a general uplifting spirit of humanity.
So, time to spread the love around with some of my favourite songs about love.
Michael Jackson – Will You Be There
I could have completed this entire Take 5 using only Michael Jackson songs and it would still be an amazing list. I first heard this song as a part of the end credits to the 90’s hit kids movie “Free Willy” (seriously, can you even call yourself a 90’s kid if you have not seen this movie?). In the full version of the song, Michael ends with a truly emotional poem asking if you will be there through thick and thin and have the courage to hold people, through the good and the bad, in your heart.
Queen – Somebody To Love
I don’t know whether it is because I am a huge fan of Queen or the fact that I am single that this song resonates with me (probably a combination of the two). Either way, it is an absolutely fantastic song symbolising our need to love and be loved and the despair when we can't achieve this.
The Righteous Brothers – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
Immortalised as a pick-up routine that only peak Tom Cruise could pull off in a scripted movie, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” was etched into my memory with the amount of times I’ve consumed “Top Gun”. While the iconic bar scene is where most will remember the song’s use (video below), I believe the last scene blending with the credits is its best use in the film.
INXS – Never Tear Us Apart
Arguably my favourite INXS song, “Never Tear Us Apart” is almost too beautiful for words. Sung by one of the most charismatic frontmen the world has ever seen, Michael Hutchence, only adds to the emotional impact of the song.
Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven
One of the most moving songs I’ve ever had the privilege of listening to (more so if you know the origins to it), the opening guitar riff from “Tears In Heaven” is enough to get my eyes watery. Written in part for a movie, but also in remembrance of Clapton’s tragically dead 4-year old son, Conor, who fell to his death from the 53rd story of an apartment belonging to his mother’s friend, I regularly struggle to get through this song without tearing up.
And of course it wouldn’t be a Take 5 without a +1…
Frankie Valli – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
Heath Ledger’s performance of this song in the movie “10 Things I Hate About You” is what comes to mind every time I hear this song. Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I still hope to do this someday, if only I can find somebody to love.
So, what did you think? A group of songs conveying love in many different ways. Obviously, many songs had to hit the cutting room floor, so in addition, what are some of your favourites?