The universal language of music has united generations of lovers since the beginning of time. Falling in and out of love, grasping at unrequited love, mourning love lost and succumbing to deep love ...

The '60s were a pivotal time for music. The decade began with poppy girl groups and crooners and went on to create what we now know as classic rock. And of course, no discussion of the time is ...

Poetic allusions makes for the best song lyrics, and these three songs manage to say "I love you" without using the phrase at ...

MICHEL MARTIN, BYLINE: Love songs are so important. Think about all the songs that have been the soundtrack to your relationships. (SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "I HONESTLY LOVE YOU") OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN: ...

If you look at the Top 10 songs on the Billboard charts, odds are you’ll find nary a love song. Tracks about heartbreak, friendship and self-empowerment abound, but straightforward ballads about ...

We're not going to write you a love song, but we can certainly recommend some. The best love songs evoke feelings across the swinging pendulum of love, from just meeting and getting to know each other ...

While all musicians try and relay a story that their listeners can latch on to, no one does relatability like country artists. Something about the genre hits your heart in a way no other does.

While emo music might be most associated with sadness and heartbreak, those lovelorn artists couldn’t have written such songs without experiencing some serious romantic highs. Since it’s Valentine’s ...

Sometimes it’s hard to say out loud how we’re really feeling, but the best songs are able to take all those emotions and set them to music. When it comes to romance, though, hip-hop love songs are ...

No matter your relationship status, it's hard not to appreciate a sweet lil love song. Even if you're single as a Pringle, a romantic ballad or loved-up bop never fails to give ya an instant serotonin ...

So IDC how cynical or single you are—you’ve gotta admit that great love songs slap no matter what. A happy love ballad is like a rom-com for your ears, and even if you’re v much not about ~luv~ rn, ...

This essay first appeared in the NPR Music newsletter. Sign up for early access to articles like this one, listening recommendations and more. I love the word "heartthrob." It stops you whether you ...