Paramore, "The Only Exception"
How does one even begin to try to choose a favorite love song? Thousands of incredible ones have held up over the years, and it's hard to have a definitive answer. I think you have to begin by asking yourself a few questions like: How often do you listen to the song? What strong emotions does the song evoke? Because of those strong emotions, has this song made you tear up and/or cry? Or made you want to dedicate it to a special person in your life? For me, "The Only Exception" checks all the boxes. Paramore had a chokehold on me in the late 2000s, and to this day, they still end up in my lists of most-played songs each year. 2024's list had no less than five Paramore songs, "The Only Exception" being among them. This 2009 favorite is equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful; the lyrics evoke feelings of sadness and longing. Hayley Williams' vocals are a powerhouse here, especially as she sings, "I've got a tight grip on reality / But I can't let go of what's in front of me here / I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up / Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream." Williams is a vocalist who will be remembered for generations to come, and songs like "The Only Exception" highlight the greatness that is Paramore. (Emilee Atkinson)
The Beatles, "I Will"
Love has been expressed in a variety of ways, and while the sentiments sometimes seem redundant, the best songs tend to emphasize emotion succinctly. Consequently, the Beatles' "I Will"—written by Paul McCartney and appearing on the so-called "White Album"—expresses the optimism and enthusiasm felt in the first flourish of a relationship, and which then hopefully lingers on. "Love you forever and forever / Love you with all my heart / Love you whenever we're together / Love you when we're apart." Surprisingly enough, although the melody came fairly quickly, those simple lyrics took time. McCartney began writing them in India during the Beatles' meeting the Maharishi in Rishikesh, and while he had some help and encouragement from Scottish musician Donovan, the song remained unfinished until the band began recording in London. Notably, McCartney says that even now, "I Will" remains one of his favorite melodies. Given the sweetness and sincerity, that's easily understood. (Lee Zimmerman)
Selena, "Amor Prohibido"
One of the most beautiful, yet tragic love stories in pop culture is that of Selena Quintanilla and Chris Pérez. They developed a relationship when Pérez was lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos in the 1990s, despite the disapproval of Quintanilla's father. Their "forbidden love" brought them a stronger sense of intimacy and an "us against the world" mentality until the very end. When Quintanilla was fatally shot and killed in 1995, her music has continued on with a cult following. The still-recognizable hit "Amor Prohibido," released in 1994, tells the story of forbidden love: "Amor prohibido, murmuran por las calles, / Porque somos de distintas sociedades..." ["Forbidden love, they murmur on the streets / Because we're from different societies..."]. Quintanilla's emotional and powerful voice is accompanied by a modernized version of cumbia music with guitars, accordions, bass guitar, flutes, drums and other percussion. Sorta that spunky cumbia that makes you feel like, yes, the love is forbidden, but that is what makes it that more enticing. Posthumously, the song immortalizes the love between herself and Pérez. (Arica Roberts)
Biz Markie, "Just a Friend"
Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" is a renowned hip-hop classic that narrates the story of a man who is hopelessly in love, only to discover that his sweetheart is unfaithful. The track is spare and compelling, the rhymes fantastic, the tale humorous and the voice unforgettable and real. "Just a Friend" is brilliant in its own way; if it had been calculated to sound as it did, it never would have worked. The practical reason that no one else would show up to the studio to sing the choruses led to Biz doing it himself, and enjoying it full-tilt. You can hear it in the song. His performance was stellar because the expression is perfect. Biz always had that lighthearted braggadocio, reflection and madcap sensibility that made him a true individual talent. And look, if it's "bad" singing, I never knew it. I still sing right along to this day. (Mark Dago)
Crowded House, "Better Be Home Soon"
One of the most popular groups of the 1990s and beyond—outside of the U.S., at least—Crowded House has released an impressive string of critically-acclaimed albums. The New Zealand- and Australia-based group led by Neil Finn has seen two dozen of its singles chart in Australia. And while the group's biggest hit is 1986's "Don't Dream It's Over," it's arguably Crowded House's sixth single—1988's "Better Be Home Soon"—that ranks as the band's greatest love song. Against a lovely melodic backdrop, Finn sings of lies, deception, pain and nothingness. But in the end, he's saved by love: "And I know I'm right," he sings in a plaintive and heartfelt voice, "for the first time in my life. That's why I tell you: You'd better be home soon." The song brings a lump to my throat—and a tear to my eye—every time I hear it. (Bill Kopp)z
