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The greatest songs from the last 20 years!
By Alice Kelly — Written on Dec 22, 2021
We've melted our hearts and graced our ears with 2000s love songs for the last 20 years. And as another decade draws to a close, it’s time to reminisce about all the most iconic and romantic songs from the 2000s and 2010s.
Love has changed a lot in the last 20-something years. From dance clubs to dating apps, we’ve opened ourselves up to so many new ways to find romance.
And while the way we pursue relationships is always developing, one thing remains the same: In every generation, across every art form, love remains the muse for musicians, filmmakers, painters, and ordinary folk.
The last two decades have gifted us many beautiful love songs, but only the greatest ones of them all made it onto this list.
These songs may have followed you from middle school dances to prom night, through college parties, and even down the aisle, marking the greatest loves and heartbreaks of your life. Or you may have been (or be) just a wee babe who's suddenly realizing how amazing these songs are now.
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to reminisce about your glory days, or if you just think this era is one you would have loved, you'll want to play these love songs from the 2000s and 2010s on repeat.
Best 2000s Love Songs
1. “Yellow” by Coldplay (2000)
Coldplay kicked off the decade with this heartwarming song about love and devotion. While they didn’t initially find international success, it later became one of their most loved songs around the globe.
I swam across / I jumped across for you
Oh, what a thing to do / 'Cause you were all yellow
2. “Umbrella” by Rihanna (2007)
This was the song of the summer back in 2007 and consolidated Rihanna’s early reign as a pop princess.
There's no distance in between our love / So gon' and let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more
3. “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson (2002)
Kelly Clarkson won the first-ever season of "American Idol" and rose to the top of the charts shortly after with this emotional first single.
Some people search forever / For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
4. “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé (2003)
Fresh out of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé collaborated with her future husband Jay-Z to kick start her long-lasting solo career. This would be the first of many iconic tracks inspired by her love for the Brooklyn rapper.
When you leave, I'm begging you not to go / Call your name two, three times in a row
Such a funny thing for me to try to explain / How I'm feeling and my pride is the one to blame
5. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane (2004)
This is for that nostalgic kind of love with someone you know so well, that being with them feels like coming home.
And if you have a minute, why don't we go / Talk about it somewhere only we know
This could be the end of everything / So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know
5. “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake (2002)
In a world grieving the end of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears’ relationship, this song and music video (featuring a Britney lookalike) broke hearts everywhere.
You told me you love me / Why did you leave me all alone
Now you tell me you need me / When you call me on the phone
6. “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue (2001)
Anyone who’s ever been to a gym dance class knows this song. The Aussie disco singer brings love to the dance floor with this track.
I just can't get you out of my head / Boy, your loving is all I think about
I just can't get you out of my head / Boy, it's more than I dare to think about
7. “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat (2007)
No song captures all that tingly feeling you get when you’re in love quite like this one.
It starts in my soul / And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose / The feelin’ shows
‘Cause you make me smile
8. “You And Me” by Lifehouse (2005)
Look out for the extended wedding version of this song if you want a first dance to remember.
It's you and me / And all other people
And I don't know why / I can't keep my eyes off of you
9. “Halo” by Beyoncé (2008)
This song faced controversy when Kelly Clarkson claimed the writers reused the musical arrangement in her own song "Already Gone," but we think there’s room for two emotional love songs with this riff.
Everywhere I’m looking now / I’m surrounded by your embrace
Baby, I can see your halo / You know you’re my saving grace
10. “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey (2005)
I mean, the title says it all really.
Oh, what I wouldn’t give / To have you lying by my side
Right here, cause baby
(We belong together)”
11. “Then” by Brad Paisley (2009)
We love a song that tells a good story. From that first kiss on your front porch after he drives you home to the proposal day, this mid-tempo ballad covers it all.
There were people around / But I didn’t care
I got down on one knee right there / And once again
I thought I loved you then
12. “Lost In This Moment” by Big & Rich (2007)
Big & Rich pick up where Brad Paisley left off with this song about the wedding of our dreams.
Sealing our love with a kiss / Waited my whole life for this
Watching all my dreams come true / Lost in this moment with you
13. “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt (2004)
In my opinion, Blunt’s hilarious Twitter comebacks are some of his best works, but this song is a close second. Ever fall in love with a stranger? This one is for you.
My life is brilliant / My love is pure
I saw an angel / Of that I'm sure
14. “Fallin'” by Alicia Keys (2001)
Somehow, Alicia Keys hasn’t aged a day since this music video. Wish we could say the same for the rest of us.
“Just when I think
I've taken more than would a fool
I start fallin' back in love with you”
15. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (2006)
We have "Grey’s Anatomy" to thank for popularizing this song. After appearing on the 2nd season finale of the drama series, it became the band’s best-selling single to date.
All that I am / All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes / They’re all I can see
16. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones (2002)
Soft and sensual, this is the kind of song that makes you push all your furniture to the walls and sway around your living room floor in the arms of the one you love.
And I want to wake up with the rain / Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms / So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
17. “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2003)
This alternative-rock jam isn’t your typical love melody, but if wailing to your lover to stay by your side isn’t an expression of romance, we don’t know what is.
Wait, they don't love you like I love you / Wait, they don't love you like I love you
Maps / Wait, they don't love you like I love you
18. “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová (2006)
After appearing in Irish indie film "Once," this song became an unlikely Academy Award winner in 2008. But Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s undeniable chemistry brought the song from the streets of Dublin to the Hollywood stage.
Take this sinking boat and point it home / We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice / You have a choice
You've made it now
19. “Making Memories Of Us” by Keith Urban (2004)
Several country artists have recorded their own versions of this song, which was originally written by American country music artist Rodney Crowell. But Keith Urban’s has to be our favorite.
And I’m gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I’ll earn your trust making memories of us
20. “First Day Of My Life” by Bright Eyes (2005)
For the kind of love that makes everything new again, you need this song to match.
Yours was the first face that I saw / I think I was blind before I met you
And I don't know where I am / I don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go
21. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele (2008)
Before she blessed our eardrums with emotional breakup ballads like “Someone Like You,” Adele’s version of this 1997 Bob Dylan song warmed our hearts... only for her to rip them back out again a few years later.
I've known it / From the moment
That we met / No doubt in my mind
Where you belong
22. “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service (2003)
Jimmy Tamborello and Ben Gibbard are the Seattle duo behind this indie supergroup. The song marked a thematic departure from their usual heartbreak tunes.
Gibbard told "Rolling Stone," "I think 'Such Great Heights' is the first time I've ever written a positive love song where it's a song about being in love and how it's rad, rather than having your heart broken."
I am thinking it's a sign / That the freckles in our eyes
Are mirror images / And when we kiss they're perfectly aligned
23. “With You” by Chris Brown (2007)
Chris Brown was just 18 when he wrote, recorded, and released this song for his second studio album.
You mean to me what I mean to you / And together, baby there is nothing we won't do
'Cause if I got you, I don't need money, I don't need cars / Girl, you're my all
24. “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé (2006)
Chris Brown’s stuttery R&B tempo drew a lot of comparisons to this iconic 2000s love song by the one and only Queen B. This one is about the most important relationship in the world: your love for yourself.
So since I'm not your everything
How about I'll be nothing / Nothing at all to you?
Baby, I won't shed a tear for you
25. “Knocks You Down” by Keri Hilson ft. Ne-Yo and Kanye West (2009)
There’s nothing more mid-2000s than this trio acting out a love triangle scenario for this music video.
I never thought I'd be in love like this / When I look at you my mind goes on a trip
Then you came in and knocked me on my face / Feels like I'm in a race but I've already won first place
26. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift (2008)
Drawing inspiration from the most famous love story of all time, Taylor Swift and her muse are a modern-day Romeo and Juliet navigating forbidden love.
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring
And said, 'Marry me, Juliet / You’ll never have to be alone
I love you and that’s all I really know'
27. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz (2008)
Like all good love stories, this song is simple but addicting.
Well open up your mind and see like me / Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
28. “Escape” by Enrique Iglesias (2002)
Enrique Iglesias is one of those singers who somehow just ceased to exist outside of this decade, but we’re glad he stuck around long enough to give us this song. His future fiancee and famous tennis player, Anna Kournikova, stars in this video, giving us true 2000s love.
“You can run
You can hide
But you can't escape my love”
29. “Everything” by Michael Buble (2007)
Some more 2000s celebrity dating trivia for you: actress Emily Blunt had a 3-year relationship with Buble, and was the muse behind this song and many others!
You're a carousel, you're a wishing well / And you light me up when you ring my bell
You're a mystery, you're from outer space / You're my every minute of my everyday
30. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton (2001)
You haven’t lived until you’ve belted this song out at the top of your lungs on a freeway.
If I could fall into the sky / Do you think time would pass me by?
'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles / If I could just see you tonight
31. “No One” by Alicica Keys (2007)
Haters are gonna hate, but nothing will stop Alicia Keys from loving her man.
You and me together / Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause / Everything's gonna be alright
32. “I’m In Love With You” by Erykah Badu and Stephen Marley (2000)
Badu was dating rapper Common at the time this song was released, causing a lot of speculation about whether he had inspired the track.
I'm so in love baby / I don't care what your mama say
Standing in love baby
33. “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (2009)
If summer-loving was a song, this is how it would sound. This indie hit makes us feel all warm inside.
Ah, home / Let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
34. “My Love” by Justin Timberlake (2006)
Before there was Justin Bieber, the only Justin we wanted to swoon us with a choreographed dance routine was Justin Timberlake.
I can see us holding hands / Walking on the beach, our toes in the sand
I can see us on the countryside / Sitting on the grass, laying side by side
35. “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely” Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera (2001)
The best love songs are passionate duets like this one. These two harmonize each other so beautifully that anyone would be convinced their love story was real.
Time is precious and it's slipping away / And I've been waiting for you all of my life
Nobody wants to be lonely, so why / Why don't you let me love you?
36. “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias (2001)
Yes, that is Jennifer Love Hewitt in the music video. Could this be any more 2000s?
I can be your hero baby / I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever / You can take my breath away
37. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift (2009)
We’ve all been there. Battling through our awkward teen years with a crush on the popular kid.
And I know your favorite songs / And you tell me 'bout your dreams
Think I know where you belong / Think I know it's with me
38. “Drops Of Jupiter” by Train (2001)
This song is often hailed as a romantic love song, and to many it is. But lead singer Patrick Monahan has stated the song was inspired by his late mother and his hopes that she out there somewhere drifting amongst the planets. Who else is crying?
Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star? / One without a permanent scar
And then you missed me / While you were looking for yourself out there?
39. “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige (2005)
Blige was at her peak with this soulful hip-hop song that had us all dancing in low-rise velour sweatsuits.
Chemistry was crazy from the get-go / Neither one of us knew why
We didn't build nothing overnight / 'Cause a love like this takes some time
40. “Promise” by Ciara (2006)
Back in the days where Ciara and Bow Wow were the newest "it couple," this song had us all envying their relationship.
There's nothing I won't do / To spend my life with you
I'll give my all to you / I promise that I will never lie to you, boy
42. “Last Request” by Paolo Nutini (2006)
Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini melted hearts everywhere with this gentle love song.
Grant my last request / And just let me hold you
Don't shrug your shoulders / Lay down beside me
43. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown (2008)
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown breathlessly serenading each other will forever be one of the most romantic pop songs of this decade.
I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew right off / The ground and float to you
There's no gravity to hold me down, for real
44. “The Only Exception” by Paramore (2010)
After years of watching Paramore storm stages with rock vocals and guitar solos, this song was a surprising but welcome shift to slower, more heartfelt melodies. And even though the bandmates were no longer dating at the time, knowing that Hayley Williams and Josh Farro had written the piece together made it sweeter.
And that was the day that I promised / I'd never sing of love
If it does not exist, but darlin' / You are, the only exception
45. “Love In This Club” by Usher ft. Young Jeezy (2008)
Our parents might have cute stories of courtship and romantic first meetings, but for most of us growing up in the 2000s, the only place to find love was in the club. Either that, or on a dating app.
You say / You searching for somebody
That'll take you out / And do you right
46. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys (2004)
Soulful singer Keys gets another entry on this list thanks to this heartfelt ballad. Keys has said this song was inspired by the death of singer Aaliyah and the September 11 terrorist attacks, which highlighted how material things in life don’t matter in comparison to love.
Hand me the world on a silver platter / And what good would it be
With no one to share / With no one who truly cares for me
47. “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera (2002)
Loving yourself first is the only way to make sure someone else can truly love you, too.
You are beautiful / No matter what they say
Words can't bring you down / Oh, no
You are beautiful / In every single way
48. “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge (2000)
Your wedding party can truly begin when your older aunts and uncles go to bed and the DJ spins this hip-hop track.
I know these so-called playas wouldn't tell you this / But I'ma be real and say what's on my heart
Let's take this chance and make this love feel relevant / Didn't you know I loved you from the start
49. “You’ve Got The Love” by Florence + The Machine (2009)
Florence Welsh made this Candi Stanton cover her own, capturing all those euphoric feelings you get when you’re in love.
When food is gone you are my daily meal / When friends are gone I know my savior's love is real
Your love is real
50. “Need You Now” by Lady A (2009)
Late-night drunk calls aren’t usually what comes to mind when we think of romance but, in this modern age, it might be all we’re getting. Plus, Lady Antebellum manages to make it sound almost loving.
It's a quarter after one / I'm all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now / And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now
51. “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver (2008)
Anyone with any kind of vocal skills who knows their way around a guitar has covered this song, and we can see why. It’s the kind of song that resonates with anyone who’s ever been in love.
I tell my love to wreck it all / Cut out all the ropes and let me fall
My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my / Right in the moment this order's tall
Best 2010s Love Songs
52. “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars (2010)
Bruno Mars has said he took months to come up with the right hook for this tune. Hard work pays off because this is one of the catchiest love songs of the decade.
When I see your face / There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing / Just the way you are
53. “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding (2015)
This Grammy-award nominated song was featured on the "Fifty Shades Of Grey" soundtrack. The plot isn’t what the film is best known for, but there was a love story in there somewhere, right?
You're the light, you're the night / You're the color of my blood
You're the cure, you're the pain / You're the only thing I wanna touch
54. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran (2014)
This song is all about a love that lasts a lifetime. If you’re looking for the perfect first dance song, look no further. This music video even has a routine for you to emulate!
And I'm thinking 'bout / How people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe just the touch of a hand / Oh me I fall in love with you every single day
And I just wanna tell you I am
55. “R U Mine?” by Arctic Monkeys (2012)
Britpop band, Arctic Monkeys, have redefined modern rock and roll throughout the 2000s. The snappy, wit of frontman and lyricist Alex Turner make this an unlikely but unique love song.
I guess what I'm tryna say is I need the deep end / Keep imagining meeting, wished away entire lifetimes
Unfair we're not somewhere misbehaving for days / Great escape, lost track of time and space
She's a silver lining climbing on my desire
56. “When We Were Young” by Adele (2016)
The jury’s still out on whether this is a love song or a heartbreak song, but sometimes even the best relationships have a bit of both going on, so this is for those moments.
Let me photograph you in this light / In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were / Before we realized
We were sad of getting old
57. “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz (2012)
Jason Mraz lived quite a philanthropic life while writing this song. From working to end slavery in Ghana, to fighting climate change in Antarctica with Al Gore, Mraz did it all while creating this track and his entire fourth album.
“Cause even the stars they burn / Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
58. “Baby” by Justin Bieber (2010)
It would be sacrilegious not to include Bieber’s breakout single on this list. There was an era when we all went to sleep chanting Ludacris’s rap on this song. Simpler times.
You know you love me, I know you care / Just shout whenever and I'll be there
You are my love, you are my heart / And we will never, ever, ever be apart
59. “Beyond” by Leon Bridges (2018)
Bridges gives us a taste of 1960s soul and blues with a modern twist in this song that captures just how terrifying it can be to surrender to falling in love.
I'm scared to death that she might be it / That the love is real, that the shoe might fit
She might just be my everything and beyond
60. “The Night We Met” by Lord Heron (2017)
After appearing in "13 Reasons Why," this song became a radio hit for its nostalgic lyrics and moving melody.
I had all and then most of you / Some and now none of you
Take me back to the night we met
61. “A 1000 Times” by Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam (2016)
The "13 Reasons Why" soundtrack also gifted us this passionate expression of the most heartwrenching but addictive kind of love there is: unrequited love.
I had a dream that you were mine / I've had that dream a thousand times
A thousand times, a thousand times
62. “We Found Love” by Rihanna (2011)
Why are all love songs slow? Rihanna knows love is worth jumping up and down for and gave us the perfect club anthem to show us why.
Yellow diamonds in the light / And we're standing side by side
As your shadow crosses mine / We found love in a hopeless place
63. “Little Things” by One Direction (2012)
Ed Sheeran wrote this slow acoustic song for everyone’s favorite 2010s boyband.
You've never loved your stomach or your thighs / The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine
But I'll love them endlessly
64. “Hold Back The River” by James Bay (2014)
Even without lyrics, Bay’s supple instrumentation tells a story of its own. His ageless croon is unlike any other voice heard in music in recent years.
Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes / Hold back the river, so I
Can stop for a minute and see where you hide / Hold back the river, hold back
65. “All Of Me” by John Legend (2013)
John Legend and Chrissy Teigan are proving to be one of the few couples who can withstand all that Hollywood throws their way. That’s why this song, inspired by their love, is one of our favorite love songs of the decade.
My head's underwater / But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
66. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri (2011)
For as long as you live, this song will only ever remind you of one thing: Bella and Edward’s long-awaited wedding day in the 4th "Twilight" movie.
I have died everyday, waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
67. “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers (2016)
When Rogers was still a student, she played this song for Pharrel in a seminar at NYU. Pharrel described the song as perfect and told her he had no feedback since there was nothing he would change.
And now, breathe deep / I'm inhaling
You and I, there's air in between / Leave me be
I'm exhaling
68. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith (2014)
That might sound like an entire choir hitting different notes in the chorus of this song, but Smith actually recorded every vocal himself and then layered the recordings over each other.
Oh, won't you stay with me / 'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see / But, darling, stay with me
69. “Love On The Brain” by Rihanna (2016)
This was the first song commissioned for Rihanna’s 7th album, "ANTI," and showed a rare shift to a retro, doo-wap melody for the Barbadian singer.
Oh, and baby I'm fist fighting with fire / Just to get close to you
Can we burn something, babe?
And I run for miles just to get a taste / Must be love on the brain
70. “Young And Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey (2013)
This haunting track was written for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby and captures a young lover’s apprehension about whether love will last.
Will you still love me / When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me / When I've got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will
71. “Budapest” by George Ezra (2013)
There are two kinds of love songs: the feel-good ones, and the ones that rip your heart out and stomp on it. Thankfully, this one is the first type.
Give me one good reason / Why I should never make a change
And baby if you hold me / Then all of this will go away
72. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran (2017)
A perfect song about a perfect love with a perfect name. So perfect that even Beyoncé hopped on an updated version of this song.
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love / Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time / Darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine
73. “Ophelia” by The Lumineers (2016)
Ophelia is one lucky girl to have this indie tune written about her.
Oh, Ophelia / You've been on my mind girl since the flood
Oh, Ophelia / Heaven help a fool who falls in love
74. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (2018)
The world may never know if Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper fulfilled all of our dreams with a romance on the set of "A Star Is Born," but whether it’s romantic or platonic, their love for one another radiates through this song.
I'm off the deep end / Watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground / Crash through the surface
Where they can't hurt us / We're far from the shallow now
75. “Adore You” by Harry Styles (2019)
Though the never-ending One Direction hiatus was the source of heartbreak for teens everywhere, this pop-funk song from the former band member does ease the pain a little.
Honey / I'd walk through fire for you
Just let me adore you
76. “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry (2010)
With the help of this song, Perry’s 3rd studio album broke global records for the most multi-platinum singles to come from one album.
Before you met me / I was alright
But things were kinda heavy / You brought me to life
Now every February / You'll be my valentine, valentine
77. “Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran (2013)
Separately, these two are responsible for more love songs in the last 2 decades than we care to count, so it’s only right that they joined together to give us the duet we never knew we needed.
'Cause all I know is we said, 'Hello' / And your eyes look like comin' home
All I know is a simple name / And everything has changed
78. “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish (2016)
Billie Eilish was just 14 when she recorded the song, written by her older brother Finneas, that would catapult her to fame. The song was written in Finneas’ childhood bedroom, which is where the duo still records most of their music to date.
I've been watching you / For some time
Can't stop staring / At those oceans eyes
79. “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus (2017)
The year is 2017, and against all odds, Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus have reunited, and their engagement is back on. Everything is right in the world.
We watched the sun go down as we were walkin' / I'd spent the rest of my life just standing here talkin'
You would explain the current, as I just smile
80. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi (2018)
Remember what we said about love songs that will tear your heart out? This is one of those. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
And you're not here to get me through it all / I let my guard down and then you pulled the rug
I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved
81. “Take Care” by Drake ft. Rihanna (2012)
There was a time in life where the only thing keeping us going was the fact that Drake and Rihanna maybe, kind of, could have been dating. Their on-off relationship might be a thing of the past, but this song will live forever.
I know you've been hurt by someone else / I can tell by the way you carry yourself
If you let me / Here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you
82. “Hello” by Adele (2015)
This song was quite the greeting for what was to come on Adele’s 3rd studio album, and though we don’t mind listening to it on a loop, perhaps the next decade will bring another era of iconic tracks from the British singer. Adele, if you’re reading this, we’re ready when you are!
I'm in California dreaming about who we used to be / When we were younger and free
I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet
83. “Into You” by Ariana Grande (2016)
Safe to say Ariana Grande has ruled this past decade with album after album filled with bangers that show off her amazing vocals. This song is just one of many love songs that will make you want to dance.
I'm so into you, I can barely breathe / And all I wanna do is to fall in deep
But close ain't close enough 'til we cross the line
84. “Señorita” by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello (2019)
These two gave all of us hope when they finally turned their longtime friendship into a relationship. Everything these two do together is pure art. Except for that awkward walking video during quarantine. That was weird.
I love it when you call me señorita / I wish I could pretend I didn't need ya
But every touch is ooh la la la
85. “Just Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur (2016)
Sometimes the love of your life is the guy who’s been hiding in plain sight all along.
I knew I loved you then / But you'd never know
'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go
I know I needed you / But I never showed
86. “Grenade” by Bruno Mars (2010)
2010 was a good year for Mars, whose debut album became one of the best-selling albums of the year.
I'd catch a grenade for ya / Throw my hand on a blade for ya
I'd jump in front of a train for ya / You know I'd do anything for ya
87. “Give Your Heart A Break” by Demi Lovato (2012)
Former Disney channel sweetheart Demi Lovato proved that she didn’t need "Camp Rock" to have a singing career with this upbeat love song.
There's just one life to live / And there's no time to wait to waste
So let me give your heart a break
88. “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay (2017)
Don’t think anyone was expecting electronic music duo The Chainsmokers to collaborate with one of the 2000s most famous British rock bands, but who are we to question how art comes to be?
I'm not lookin' for somebody / With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero / Some fairy-tale bliss
Just something I can turn to / Somebody I can kiss
89. “Shut Up And Dance” by Walk The Moon (2014)
You can try and not love this song, but its infectious melody will worm its way into your mind whether you like it or not.
We were victims of the night / The chemical, physical, kryptonite
Helpless to the bass and the fading light / Oh we were bound to get together
90. “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons (2012)
This emotional power song is the British rock band’s most commercially successful song to date.
Well I came home / Like a stone
And I fell heavy into your arms
91. “Love” by Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari (2017)
Lamar has been notoriously private about his relationship with his high school sweetheart Whitney Alford, but fans suspect this song is about their devotion to one another.
So give me a run for my money / Sipping bubbly, feeling lovely
Living lovely / Just love me
92. “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett (2015)
Love really is all we need in life. So long as we have someone to love, we can die happy.
And I know that I can't ever tell you enough
That all I need in this life is your crazy love
93. “All Night” by Beyoncé (2016)
Beyoncé’s "Lemonade" album was a cultural reset, and while we’re still not quite sure how we feel about Jay-Z, if Beyoncé can forgive him in this song, we can, too.
True love never has to hide / I'll trade your broken wings for mine
Trade your broken wings for mine / I've seen your scars and kissed your crime
94. “Stay” by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko (2012)
With countless iconic fashion looks, business ventures, dance records, and more, it’s easy to forget that Rihanna is a talented vocalist. This stripped-back song reminds us exactly why we fell in love with her in the first place.
Something in the way you move / Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way / I want you to stay
95. “Sugar” by Maroon 5 (2015)
Inspired by the 2005 movie "Wedding Crashers," Maroon 5 acted as wedding bands to perform for newlyweds across LA for this music video. Even though the whole thing was staged, we can still live in hope that if we play this at our weddings, Adam Levine and company might show up.
I don't wanna be needing your love / I just wanna be deep in your love
And it's killing me when you're away
96. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” by Selena Gomez (2014)
Rumour has it the spoken recording at the start of this part is Selena reflecting on her on-off relationship with Justin Bieber. While we’re glad the teen lovers have moved on happily, Jelena fans will always hold this song dear.
Save your advice 'cause I won't hear / You might be right but I don't care
There's a million reasons why I should give you up / But the heart wants what it wants
97. “Him & I” by Halsey ft. G-Eazy (2017)
These two are another musical couple we were all sad to let go of. Why can’t making sweet, sweet music together be enough to make a relationship last?
Cross my heart, hope to die / To my lover, I'd never lie
He said "be true", I swear I'll try / In the end, it's him and I”
98. “Sucker” by Jonas Brothers (2019)
These 3 brothers made all of our preteen dreams come true by reuniting in 2019. All grown up, the brothers now all have love stories of their own to sing about and each has a stunning wife to cast in their music videos.
I'm a sucker for you
You say the word and I'll go anywhere blindly
99. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen (2011)
For better or worse, this decade will always be remembered for Jepsen’s insanely catchy bubblegum pop song.
Hey, I just met you and this is crazy
But here's my number, so call me maybe
100. “Stuck With U” by Justin Bieber & Ariana Grande (2020)
Love in 2020 is summed up by this title, song, and music video. And while we would happily ditch quarantine for good, we can at least appreciate the copious amounts of quality time we got this year with our significant others.
There's nobody on these streets / If you told me that the world's endin'
Ain't no other way that I can spend it
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Alice Kelly is a writer and storyteller with a passion for lifestyle, entertainment, and trending topics. When she’s not creating content for Your Tango, you can catch her working on creative fiction and vintage shopping.