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Harmonies From The Heart- Love Songs Then & Now
There is something about a heartfelt love song that can take you to the beautiful places in your heart you may have forgotten about.
Love has certainly been in the air for so many of you as a significant amount of our readers have gotten engaged, married or fallen in love.
All that Valentine's day candy can also make you silly and giddy with joy. I thought it could be fun, and even educational to take a stroll through the gardens of love songs from the yesteryears and through today.
I was for sure that love songs had changed drastically over time. But in actuality, no. For the most part it is still about falling in love and living out the rest of your days on planet earth and ever after w/ "The One". Yay, I'm so relieved. :) What follows are songs our pizza jury deemed worthy of this blog post, and I snuck in a personal fave or two. :)
They weren't all chart toppers and a few are deep album cuts. The songs picked cross genres generations and vocal styles. What they do have in common is that they are all about the fabulous fluttering of the heart when you link up with something special. Some of the wardrobe and hair though I'm not too sure about.. Lol..
Come Fly With Me (1957)
We cannot have a conversation about beautiful love songs without the Chairman of the Board Frank Sinatra. Old Blue Eyes. The album topped the charts for five weeks and was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
"Once I get you up there, I'll be holding you so near
You may hear all angels cheer because we're together"
Walk Through This World With Me (1967)
Have you ever heard of Lowell Knipp? He was the first to record this George Jones classic. This song was one of my grandfather's favorites as it is mine as well. Thank God for YouTube and classic country music enthusiasts that keep these germs alive. Interesting fact, Tammy Wynette recorded the song mere days after George. This was two years before they married. It was George's third number one hit!
"In life we search, and some of us find
I've looked for you for a long, long time"
(1974) You Make Me Feel Brand New
The Stylistics were part of the Philly Sound emanating from the City of Brotherly Love in the 60's and 70's. This song was one of five gold records for the group, and reached number two on both the U.S. Billboard charts, and in the U.K. The band has since come out of retirement and have a new collab with none other than Shania Twain.
"Without you, life has no meaning or rhyme
Like notes to a song out of time.."
(1980) Lady
A massive hit penned by one of the founding members of The Commodores, Lionel Ritchie. Unbelievably, the band passed on the song. Kenny Rogers recorded it at Lionel's studio. It was Ritchie's first production credit outside of the band and catapulted his career as a songwriter and eventually as a solo artist. The song charted on the Country, Soul, Pop, and Adult Contemporary charts, shooting to number one on almost all.
"Let me wake to see you each and every morning.."
(1998) I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Aerosmith is one of the most enduring rock bands of the century. Throughout their 50+ year career, they have amassed multiple platinum records and an enviable stealthy following. It may come as a surprise that this Diane Warren penned tune we are featuring was their first, and onl number one hit on Billboard's Hot 100 chart! I was in utter shock when I found this little tidbit out while conducting research for this post. Most of us remember the song because it was featured in Bruce Willlis's Armageddon movie. The song was nominated for multiple awards including an Oscar.
"Then I kiss your eyes
And thank God we're together.."
2005 Home
As often is the case, songs about real life resonate. Michael wrote Home when he was touring in Italy. At the time, his then girlfriend, now wife was back home. He was feeling lonely and missed her terribly. The sentiment is something many can relate to. The song did strike a chord as it topped the Adult Contemporary charts, and was a top 40 hit in the U.K. Blake Shelton recorded a fantastic cover of the song.
"And I know just why you could not come along with me
That this was not your dream, but you always believed in me.."
(2011) Lovesong
Originally recorded by The Cure, the lead singer, and co-writer of the song, Robert Smith said it was a wedding present to his wife. I was only familiar with Adele's version of the song. Now that i've listened to both versions, Adele's take is a bit more stripped down creating a hyper focus on the beautiful lyrics. The original version has a very emotive, and funky vibe that I also like. The original version reached #2 on the Billboard 100. Adele's version was certified silver in the U.K. and was included in the best selling album of the century Adele's 21.
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again
2020's Music Finds
And here we are in the 2020's and though it does seem like we're going through a cynical cycle in music as love songs may not always appear in the top Billboard spots. However, there are still some standouts that make us hopeful for the future.
(2020) God Whispered Your Name-Keith Urban
"And then God whispered your name
And that's when everything changed
And love came out of the rain
And talk about being saved"
(2021) Forever After All- Luke Combs
Is this actual footage from Luke Comb's wedding?
"They say nothing lasts forever
But they ain't seen us together
Or the way the moonlight dances in your eyes.."
2022 Misty-Samara Joy
Beautiful take on a Great American Songbook standard.
I get misty just holding your hand
(2023) Dying Man
I never believed in angels
Until one believed in me that night
(2024) God Made You- Two Lane Summer
"You′re a miracle if there ever was,
I swear you heal me every time we touch.."
(2025) Something Special- SANA
Partially inspired by my grandparent's 70+ years of marriage. :)
"There’s a place In your embrace
I can hear my heart sing
Melodies intertwined and resonating
"Like a song where I belong and I'm living in.."
As you can hear love songs across genres, and decades haven't changed as much as we think they have. At our core, humans need to feel a sense of belonging and love can play a role in fullfilling that very human need. Never settle, hold out for the real deal, and you'll last longer than my grandparents. :)
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