Love songs in Western music: world classics and recommended popular tracks

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

A gem of a ballad that gently stays close to the hearts of those in pain.

Hailing from Scotland, Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and deep emotional expression.

Released in November 2018, this work is a soulful song that tenderly embraces the ache of heartbreak and loss.

Set to the sound of piano, it quietly portrays the earnest feelings of a protagonist who has lost someone dear.

The music video features actor Peter Capaldi, and through a story of organ donation, it conveys both the sorrow of parting from a loved one and the connection to a new life.

Included on the album “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent,” it won Song of the Year at the 2019 Brit Awards.

It’s a track that gently gives you a push when you stand at a crossroads in life with a deeply wounded heart.

Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful

A gem-like ballad from the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby that deeply questions the enduring nature of beauty and love.

Sung by American artist Lana Del Rey, the song renders a universal anxiety—whether love endures even when youth and looks fade—through a cinematic soundscape.

Its grand, orchestra-based arrangement and her wistful vocals beautifully portray the fear of passing time and a bittersweet plea for love.

Released in April 2013 and peaking at No.

22 on the Billboard Hot 100, this piece is recommended for those feeling uneasy about their relationships or facing life’s transitions.

Your SongElton John

Your Song – Elton John

A masterpiece by Elton John, who has sold over 300 million records worldwide! When you think of love songs in Western music, this is such a famous track that it’s likely the first to come to mind.

He’s said it’s such a confident work that he hasn’t written another love song since!

Make You Feel My LoveAdele

Adele – Make You Feel My Love (Official Video)

A classic love song by Bob Dylan that has been covered by a variety of artists, including Bryan Ferry, Billy Joel, and Ed Sheeran.

This time, we’re introducing a cover by the British singer Adele! Adele has many wonderful ballads, but isn’t this one a particularly outstanding gem among them?

Crazy For YouMadonna

Madonna – Crazy For You (Official Video)

Speaking of the Queen of Pop Madonna’s love songs, isn’t it Crazy For You? Written for the 1985 film Vision Quest, it was released as Madonna’s first ballad.

Hymne à l’amourEdith Piaf

Edith Piaf – L’hymne à l’amour + Paroles

It’s one of the signature songs of the great French chanteuse Édith Piaf, and it’s also known as a classic of chanson! In Japan it’s known by the title “Ai no Sanka” (Hymn to Love), and it’s a magnificent love song that has been covered by many singers, including Akihiro Miwa.

Marry YouBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Marry You (Official Lyric Video)

A love message song inspired by a spontaneous Las Vegas wedding that adds sparkle to any anniversary.

Crafted by American artist Bruno Mars, this lively number beautifully blends doo-wop rhythms reminiscent of 1960s pop with a modern pop sound.

Included on the 2010 album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” it received high acclaim on charts around the world.

The track has also enjoyed extensive media exposure, including its use on the TV show Glee and in a viral proposal video on YouTube.

It’s the perfect song for a proposal or as background music for an anniversary video—a gem of a love song that expresses deep affection for someone special with a bright and joyful touch.