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Kickin' it old school!
By Rebecca Jane Stokes and Samantha Maffucci — Written on Sep 19, 2020
I miss the days of mix tapes. Heck, I'd even settle for the relatively recent bygone era of making someone a burned CD with the best racks you managed to crib off of Napster or Limewire.
It used to be the best way to woo someone, but nowadays if you want to make a list of love songs, you could always make a playlist. But that's nowhere near as charming as the physical act of giving someone something to listen to that you made for them.
While the 1990s might never be coming back, you can at least get a taste of those romantic days with these 90s love songs.
Feel free to steal this playlist of love songs for the 90s kid in your life.
Top 10 90s Love Songs
1. "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor
Sinead O'Connor's cover of this Prince epic speaks of a love so powerful that even eating dinner at a fancy restaurant can't hold a candle to its power.
2. "Wonderwall" by Oasis
The band Oasis is sadly known more for their acrimony than their music these days, but that doesn't make "Wonderwall" any less perfect.
3. "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls
“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is a “to die for” song. Any man who would give up forever just touch you? Yes please!
4. "Two Princes" by The Spin Doctors
This song by the Spin Doctors is a slacker ode to the bygone era of chivalry. Also, it makes me think of playing hacky sack, but that is unrelated.
5. "Killing Me Softly" by the Fugees
The Fugees' remarkable cover of this classic has a beat that makes you sway and to die for vocals. Hill can kill me with her song any day.
6. “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal
From the very first line of this catchy song, there’s no doubt it’s a reminder of how epic love can feel.
7. "Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe
If you don't know this Bell Biv DeVoe classic, just know that it contains the lyrics, "Never trust a big butt and a smile."
8. "Closing Time" by Semisonic
This song by Semisonic is a total earworm. It conjures all of the feels if you've ever been at a bar at last call, pining for that one special person to show up and take you home.
9. "Lovefool" by The Cardigans
This song by the Cardigans is a pleading pop beg-fest, demanding that the singer be loved. You won't be able to get it out of your head, and he won't be able to get you out of his.
10. "More Than Words" by Extreme
The band Extreme shows off their mellow side with this tender ballad. Also, their hair is quite impressive. This is one heck of a way to end a mixtape.
Popular 90s Love Songs
11. “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden
True love extends beyond just an emotional connection; it means being physically present, whether it’s on a mountain, in the sea, or until the sky falls down.
12. “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Going to sleep and dreaming about your love just doesn’t compare to the feelings you get when you’re with them.
13. “I Swear” by All-4-One
This song is all about the promise you make to your one true love. It’s a promise to always be there, and never doubting you have support.
14. “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams
Love means being so selfless that you’ll do anything for this person. Even if that means sacrificing your happiness or even your life.
15. “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes
If the one you love were to ever leave, how would you live without them? That’s exactly what LeAnn Rimes makes us think about with this beautiful song.
16. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John
While Elton John wrote this song for The Lion King, it’s about much more than fictional lions starting to fall in love! In the end, love conquers all.
17. “I'll Stand by You” by The Pretenders
When you don’t know where you’re going in life or which path to take forward, you can count on your soulmate to never lead you astray.
18. "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind's pop love song is about getting it on and casual recreational drug use. But under that, it’s about two people living for each other.
19. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Though originally written and sung by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston made this song her own, adding in gorgeous riffs that are impossible to belt out like she did.
20. “You're Still the One” by Shania Twain
Even after all the years together, you still have your partner or spouse there by your side. They said you wouldn’t make it, but just look at you both holding on -- still together, still holding strong.
Famous 90s Love Songs
21. “I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)” by Meat Loaf
When you’re so in love with someone, you’d do anything for them to make them happy. Except lie. You’ll do anything but that.
22. “Head Over Feet” by Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette is known for her songs about scorn and heartbreak, but this one is all about falling “head over feet” in love with someone who treats you just right.
23. “I Do (Cherish You)” by 98 Degrees
A perfect wedding song, this one by boy band 98 degrees hits you right in the feels. Just promise you’ll cherish your spouse for the rest of your life, for better or worse.
24. “I Love You (Always Forever)” by Donna Lewis
Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it can also make you think about how the strongest love will stand the test of time, no matter how far apart you are.
25. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
From Titanic, this song is technically about lost love. But it’s having your love in your heart that makes it possible to go on and spread your love to others.
26. “My Love is Your Love” by Whitney Houston
Another wonderful song about love conquering all, “My Love is Your Love” is about the bond never breaking. It lasts an eternity.
27. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
Never forget to tell this person how much you adore and love them. Especially after all they do for you.
28. “Back at One” by Brian McKnight
If your partner ever doubts your devotion to them, consider this song a step-by-step guide on winning them back. And always start back at one.
29. “Always” by Bon Jovi
This is technically a heartbreak song, but it still is a great reminder that even though your relationship is over, the love will never fade.
30. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Be thankful for the one you love, because even though they may not realize it, they helped shape you into the person you are today. And that’s incredibly powerful.
31. “Want You Back” by NSYNC
When you learn from your mistakes and want to get back together, you’re at the mercy of your ex. Hopefully, they can forgive you and start fresh.
32. "Brown Sugar" by D'Angelo
Now, this song isn’t about the love of a person, but the love of, well... marijuana. The good news is that you can sing it to your partner and pretend they are the “brown sugar” you’re getting high off of.
33. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey
A love that makes you feel things is incredibly powerful and life-changing. Because these feelings cause a chemical reaction in your brain.
34. "Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here" Deborah Cox
When you’re focusing on yourself and guarding your heart, somehow, that one person is always there every time you turn around. Well, it wouldn’t be love if it didn’t hurt, right?
35. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton
When a man falls in love with a woman, there’s nothing he won’t do for her: spending money, thinking about her all the time, and giving up your happiness for hers.
Early 90s Love Songs
36. “Baby I Love Your Way” by Big Mountain
Such a romantic song that’s all about loving someone so much, all you want to do is be around them. And there’s nothing about them you don’t love.
37. “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey
Another song that’s not quite about romantic love, it’s about the love you have for God. Still, it can double as a song about romance, in that an ideal vision of love is about the one you adore.
38. “Justify My Love” by Madonna
When you hope and pray that the object of your affection, you may wait for a long time for them to come around. But that won’t ever stop you from being open to what may come.
39. “Rush Rush” by Paula Abdul
Send this song to that person you have a huge crush on, and maybe they will get the hint. Because, as Abdul sings, “What I'm saying is, I'm into you.”
40. “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey
You may dream of the perfect soulmate, someone who knows you and holds you. Don’t ever give up hope that they are out there somewhere.
41. “I Adore Mi Amor” by Color Me Badd
If there are two people vying for your affection, but you know that only one of them is right for you, well... just be sure to let them down easy.
42. “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie & the Blowfish
Even when your partner makes you crazy and you wonder why you’re with them, remember why you’re together in the first place.
43. "One" by U2
This song serves as a great reminder that couples who stay together have the strongest relationships. No matter the issue, you can make it work if you stay united as one.
44. "Something to Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt
The love for a friend is like nothing else in the world. But when that platonic love starts to turn romantic, it’s up to you to decide if that’s where to take your relationship.
Late 90s Love Songs
45. “(God Must Have Spent) a Little More Time On You” by NSYNC
Sometimes, you meet someone and they end up changing your life forever. And that’s in the best way possible.
46. “Amazed” by Lonestar
What’s lovely about this song is that while it was being written, two of the co-writers started falling for each other. And just like them, you also want to spend the rest of your life together.
47. “As Long as You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys
All the minutiae of life doesn’t matter, as long as the one you love, loves you back. Because unrequited love never did work out.
48. “This Kiss” by Faith Hill
Who knew a kiss could cause such an explosion of emotion? Imagine feeling perpetually happy alongside the one you adore. Awww!
49. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer
This romantic song is about an innocent kind of love, perhaps the feeling you get when you’re starting to fall in love with someone. Just kiss her, already!
50. “I'll Be” by Edwin McCain
“I’ll Be” is about the promise you make to your future partner, especially after you’ve been heartbroken so many times. Because a relationship won’t work without undying support.
51. “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden
When words fail to describe the love you have for someone, it’s the deep connection that makes you fall even deeper.
52. "You Got Me" by The Roots ft. Erykah Badu & Eve
You may live in the same area, but never even notice each other until a chance encounter. Then, when that turns into a relationship, love means having trust in the other person.
53. “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
If you’re engaged to your best friend, consider using this as your first dance song! It describes the feeling of having so much to look forward to in the future as husband and wife.
54. “2 Become 1” by Spice Girls
After a huge fight, couples reconcile by jumping into bed together. But it’s meaningful, powerful love-making that makes it so special.
R&B 90s Love Songs
55. “I'll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Men
Whew, this song is sexy! Why not add it to your hot and heavy playlist, since it’s perfect for those romantic moments in the bedroom.
56. “Angel of Mine” by Monica
Love not only changes your brain, but your life. And sometimes, all it takes is an “angel” to save you and make you a better person.
57. “No Ordinary Love” by Sade
While there’s sadness in this song, many can relate to that feeling of giving your all in a relationship, and then being let down. Remember to never take your partner for granted.
58. “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
Another song about losing your loved one, it’s a good reminder that you will be together again, “one sweet day.”
59. “Understanding” by Xscape
A relationship built on love and understanding is one that will stand the test of time. So, put in equal effort and have open communication.
60. “One in a Million” by Aaliyah
When you find your soulmate, this song is the perfect way to describe your love: it’s one in a million.
61. “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo
When you spend your life hoping for true love, it comes along and you’ll never let it go.
62. “Endless Love” by Luther Vandross ft. Mariah Carey
Love between two people can be endless, especially when they are your world. And it’s not a love that will fade away, either.
63. “Spend My Life with You” by Eric Benét
Just like the title suggests, spending the rest of your life with the one you love won’t feel like a very long time at all.
64. “For Your Love” by Stevie Wonder
You’ll do anything for the person you adore the most. Because making them smile is worth more than anything.
65. “Have You Ever?” by Brandy
Love can even move you to tears when you just think about the feeling in your heart. Well, have you ever?
Classic Rock 90s Love Songs
66. “Friday I'm In Love” by The Cure
It’s Friday, it’s the weekend, and you’re with your love. Who cares about the other days of the week anyway?
67. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
No feeling lasts forever, but listen to this song when you’re falling in love and make that amazing emotion last just a bit longer.
68. “November Rain” by Guns N' Roses
When the one you love starts to have doubts, it’s up to you to decide if you can fix the relationship. Otherwise, you’ll be left cold out in the November rain.
69. “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana
While this song was most likely written about Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love’s tumultuous relationship, it can also serve as a song to play during an argument between spouses.
70. “With Arms Wide Open” by Creed
There’s no stronger love than that of a child and parent. This song was written when lead singer Scott Stapp found out he was going to be a dad, and embraced that love with arms wide open.
71. “Linger” by The Cranberries
Even when you catch your partner doing wrong by you, you’re just in too deep. Do you have to let those bad feelings linger on any longer?
72. “Strong Enough” by Sheryl Crow
No matter how much someone loves you, will they stand by you when you’re at your lowest? That’s a test all relationships must ultimately face.
73. “Can’t Stop Loving You” by Van Halen
When your relationship is on the verge of ending, the love doesn’t just go away. Because even after the breakup, you just can’t stop loving that person.
74. “Now And Forever” by Richard Marx
Marriage, especially, is all about being there through the ups and downs. And despite losing your mind, you can count on your partner to understand. Now and forever.
75. “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band
While this song is said to be about a peeping tom, for consensual partners who are in love, it serves as a reminder of how important physical intimacy is.
Rebecca Jane Stokes is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cats, Batman and Margot. She's the Senior Editor of Pop Culture at Newsweek with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, and true crime.
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Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.