For as long as long as rock music’s been around (65+ years and counting), the #1 topic in its songs has been, far and away, love. When it’s going right, when it’s gone wrong, when it’s new, when it’s stood the test of time, when it never really was – love is all around, all you need and a 4-letter word.
We would be presumptuous if we said this is a list of “the” greatest rock love songs. Choices, especially in this category, are always intensely personal. It’s the song that always makes you think of that one man or woman, the one that reminds you of a specific time and place or simply one that helped you get through a tough time when you thought you’d never love again.
Here’s our list. What’s on yours?
Something – The Beatles
George Harrison’s exquisite ode to his then-wife Pattie Boyd. A song so beautiful even Frank Sinatra named it as one of the greatest compositions ever (and we know how Frank felt about rock in general).
- Walk Away Renée – Left Banke
Not all great love songs are written about happy love affairs or even about bad break-ups. This classic was written by Michael Brown about a love that never was. He was hopelessly in love with a young girl named Renée Fladen, but even writing this classic didn’t melt her heart. She never ever gave him a tumble.
- Faithfully – Journey
Written by Journey keyboard player Jonathan Cain in about a half hour, the composer claimed the melody came to him in a dream. He also said the lyrics were inspired by his Christian faith. That may give you something to think about the next time you hear it.
- Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Van Morrison
Speaking of Christian faith, this deeply felt love song was composed by Van Morrison not about a woman. The song is actually about God. The song has been covered by dozens of artists (Rod Stewart took it into the Top 10), most of whom, we’ll bet, are unaware of this fact.
- She’s the One – Bruce Springsteen
At the opposite end of the spiritiual spectrum, if there’s a better song that expresses the sweet torture of pure carnal yearning for someone who may not be the wisest choice for you, we haven’t heard it. “With her soft French cream, standing in that doorway like a dream, I wish she’s just leave me alone.” And yet, you know that’s neither what he really wants, nor what’s going to happen.
- Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Believe it or not, the inspiration for this song was the 1979 science-fiction film, Time After Time. Unsurprisingly, the song’s lyrics arose from the romantic problems the tune’s co-authors, Lauper & Rob Hyman, were having with their respective significant others.
- More Than a Feeling – Boston
The song that introduced the world to Boston remains their best and most recognizable song. Composer/guitarist, Tom Scholz credits another song on this list as his main inspiration – “Walk Away Renée.”
How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees
While disco eventually imploded, it’s worth remembering that not all of that music was bad. In fact, the Bee Gees created truly great pop songs before, during and after the dance craze. This song, coming at the height of the craze and the Bee Gees' career, has stood the test of time.
- Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Impossible as it may seem, this tender ballad was also written about Pattie Boyd when she was married to Harrison’s best friend, Eric Clapton (who also penned “Layla” in her honor). Written while Clapton was waiting for her to get ready for an evening on the town.
- Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel
Billy Joel captured what every woman longs to hear from her significant other and makes the lyrics and melody flow so effortlessly, this remains one of the best expressions of a love that endures one day at time.
