Top Ten Valentine's Day Hits
"Always"
Words and Music: Irving Berlin
Definitive Recording: Josephine Baker, 1926
Simply the greatest love song ever written. Period. End of story.
"Bring It On Home to Me"
Words and Music: Sam Cooke
Definitive Recording: Sam Cooke, 1962
A ton of choice love songs in the Cooke repertoire: "You Send Me," "Wonderful World," and "Cupid," among others. But none is more more achingly heartfelt than this one.
"Change in My Life"
Words and Music: Billy Straus
Definitive Recording: Angels of Mercy, 1992
Often performed by religious artists with a gospel interpretation, a straight reading of the lyrics make a powerful paean to the transformative power of love. Best known as performed by the a cappella group Rockapella, the gospel-choir rendition on the soundtrack of the Steve Martin film Leap of Faith is simply electric.
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"
Words and Music: Ewan MacColl
Definitive Recording: Roberta Flack, 1972
If this song doesn't move you to tears, see the undertaker immediately.
"I Will"
Words and Music: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Definitive Recording: The Beatles, 1968
Not as well-remembered as many of the Beatles' ballads, it's still the most gently eloquent love song the band ever recorded.
"Let's Stay Together"
Words and Music: Al Green, Willie Mitchell, and Al Jackson
Definitive Recording: Al Green, 1972
Wherein Mr. Green's sinuous tenor wraps itself around your heart and doesn't let go.
"Misty"
Words: Johnny Burke; Music: Erroll Garner
Definitive Recording: Johnny Mathis, 1959
Great enough to inspire the title of a Clint Eastwood film. Not reason enough for you? Get off my back, Evelyn.
"Open Arms"
Words and Music: Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain
Definitive Recording: Journey, 1981
Once saved my relationship with the girl I would eventually marry, and appears on the soundtrack of Heavy Metal. You don't get many two-fers like that in life.
"Unchained Melody"
Words: Hy Zaret; Music: Alex North
Definitive Recording: The Righteous Brothers, 1965
Yeah, it reminds me of that sappy Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore flick, too. Doesn't make it not a great song.
"Unforgettable"
Words and Music: Irving Gordon
Definitive Recording: Nat "King" Cole, 1951
Nat "King" Cole: the Monarch of Mack Daddies. It's all in the voice, baby.
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