A proverb we invented says: Love goes through the eavesdroppers. Sit back and enjoy together with us the 100 best love songs of the 2010s. You will quickly notice that the artistic approach to the romantic theme can take on the most diverse facets, which is why we are sure that our selection has something to offer for every taste.
Have fun!
(You’ll find a Spotify playlist at the end of this article.)
1st place: John Legend – All of Me (2013)
John Legend gave the world a universal love anthem in 2013, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful singles of the decade. In his powerful ballad, the U.S. artist drops all emotional shells and takes us listeners on a lyrical journey, bursting with heartwarming metaphors and believable expressions of love.
The catchy melody of the track, in combination with the inimitable voice of the musician, becomes an absolute hit Earworm.
“All of Me” is not only one of the best love songs of the 2010s but also the most commercially successful track by John Legend. The artist enjoyed more than 9.3 million copies sold in 2013. These immense sales figures helped the song, part of the album “Love in the Future,” to substantial international chart successes.
In the home country of the US singer alone, the musical ode to love was awarded eight platinum records.
2nd place: Adele – Hello (2015)
When the British artist Adele stands for something, these are full songs dedicated to touching themes. The track “Hello,” which was released in 2015, is in no way inferior to this tradition. Unlike other pieces on our list, Adele looks at love within “Hello” from a slightly different angle, which is noticeably different from the euphoric perception through rose-colored glasses.
The artist deals with the content of a failed relationship and thus operates a musically packaged, emotional reappraisal of her past. Even though there is an inherent heaviness to the song, “Hello” is still infused with a powerful note at all times, giving the piece a sense of optimism.
The work became an absolute box-office hit and secured first place on the charts in countless countries.
3rd place: Ed Sheeran feat. Beyoncé – Perfect Duet (2017)
A song awarded the title “Perfect” must be measured against the self-imposed high expectations. However, a look at the song’s performers suggests that musical perfection is likely achieved with somnambulistic certainty. With Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé, two of the most important artists of modern pop culture came together.
The two artists form an incomparable symbiosis within “Perfect Duet,” characterized by a good portion of depth. The lyrics about a perfect love relationship know how to touch skillfully without straying too much into the kitschy area.
The rendezvous of music giants could score enormous international chart successes for themselves. In the United States, “Perfect Duet” was even honored with a diamond record.
4th place: James Arthur – Say You Won’t Let Go (2016)
A love affair can sometimes be a damned confounded affair. Especially when the lovebirds can’t bring themselves to reveal they’re true feelings to each other.
As we learn within the lyrics of “Say You Won’t Let Go,” the performer James Arthur could finally bring himself to pay his emotional respects to his beloved, whereby he now leads one of those relationships that we otherwise only know from dreamlike fairy tales. The sensitive release from the album “Back from the Edge” is characterized by an engaging vibe that inevitably gives us a blissful feeling in the stomach area.
The number of British artists, which won the casting show “The X Factor” in 2012, hit like a bomb, especially in the artist’s home climes. “Say You Won’t Let Go” grabbed the top spot on the British music charts, where it also went quadruple platinum.
5th place: A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera – Say Something (2013)
Even if love is one of the most beautiful things in the world, we must not forget that many relationships, unfortunately, perish one day. In the song “Say Something,” released in 2013, pop duo A Great Big World and music veteran Christina Aguilera tells us about those same final moments of a once-thriving partnership.
The song is transported in such a heart-touching way, both in terms of content and composition, that we can’t help but shed a tear or two in the corner of our eyes.
In this country, the heartbreak ballad met with open ears and achieved gold status quickly.
6th place: Lady Gaga feat. Bradley Cooper – Shallow (2018)
The Music film “A Star is Born” hit theaters in 2018 and roots from the 1937 classic “A Star Is Born.” The film also marks the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, who also plays one of the main roles in the film.
At his side, we see the pop diva Lady Gaga, who stands out within “A Star is Born” by a hitherto unimagined acting talent. The title song to the film was named “Shallow” and was unceremoniously sung by that same protagonist duo. The captivating ballad possesses a profound flair that could enthuse critics and fans alike.
Not only did the smooth number enjoy numerous top positions in the international charts, but it also won an Oscar in the “Best Film Song” category.
7th place: Justin Bieber – Love Yourself (2015)
Given the title “Love Yourself,” one could assume that the number of the Canadian artist Justin Bieber is an upbeat anthem that should encourage all listeners to genuine self-acceptance. However, the track, released in 2015, represents a kind of musical reckoning with an elapsed love affair of the artist. In terms of content, the pop star accuses his ex-girlfriend of having lost touch with reality due to her pronounced self-absorption.
From a musical point of view, we get with the song, which went to one in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, among others, a coherent work whose melodic presentation immediately catches the ear.
8th place: Lukas Graham – 7 Years (2015)
While the Danish band Lukas Graham could already celebrated immense successes in their home country since the early 2010s, the music group finally achieved an international breakthrough with the single “7 Years” in 2015. The single from the album “Lukas Graham (Blue Album)” is not necessarily a love song in the classical sense.
We are not dealing with a sweet romance but rather with the deep feelings that the lead singer Lukas Forchhammer has for his family and friends. The song’s very personal makeup gives a deep look into the performer’s soul life, giving “7 Years” a believable character that feels authentic through and through. The German audience was also taken by the musical soul striptease of the Danish formation and bought the single to the sixth place in the national hit list.
Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello released “Señorita,” a track that combines hot-blooded temperament with passionate love. The song, which thoroughly tastes of summer romance, is characterized by a captivating rhythm that encourages exuberant grooving. The number, which appeared on the market in 2019, was littered with countless awards.
Among other things, the clip belonging to the song was able to win an “MTV Video Music Award,” In the charts, the collaboration of the two artists was known to convince completely. Thus, “Señorita” was able to take the international hit lists by storm and also clear all imaginable records.
10th place: Dermot Kennedy – Power Over Me (2018)
Love songs don’t always have to come in the form of thoughtful ballads. In 2018, Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy provided the world with further proof that romantic content can also fully function as powerfully staged works. The song’s content is about the enormous power that comes from love.
The driving beat and the catchy lyrics quickly helped the track become an international phenomenon. Even if the huge chart successes should be missing, “Power Over Me” knew to perform very solidly in the various hit lists. For example, the song reached double-platinum status in Switzerland.
11th place: Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (2010)
Currently, Bruno Mars is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists on the scene. However, if we turn the clock back 10 years, we end up in a time when the artist’s solo career was beginning.
Songs like “Just The Way You Are” helped the US-American R&B singer to establish itself in the international music market. The artist tells us about unconditional love in his song, knowing no superficialities or trivialities. At the center of the lyrics is the full acceptance of the partner, regardless of his quirks and foibles.
The love song immediately became an international box office hit and has sold nearly eight million copies to date.
12th place: Maroon 5 – Memories (2019)
Don’t we all dream of someday sitting in a rocking chair on our front porch and reveling in the many fond memories of our lives? “Maroon 5” shows us how such an endeavor could be successful with the single “Memories,” launched in 2019. The song has a sentimental character, so we follow the music with a laughing and a crying eye. At the same time, lead singer Adam Levine tells about all the people who accompany him through the ups and downs of his life or have once accompanied him.
The number encourages us to reminisce about our past and creates in us feelings of wistfulness, but also of sincere gratitude. The deep track knew how to perform grandiose within the charts and occupied, among others, the second place of the US-American “Billboard Hot 100”.
13th place: Taylor Swift – Lover (2019)
The U.S. pop icon Taylor Swift has always stood for soulful tracks, which address the most diverse facets of love in a stylistically confident manner. In her song “Lover,” the artist devotes herself to a sensitive love story that tells of the deep bond between two people, which in its perfection is stronger than any conceivable adversity of everyday life.
The gently building track leads into an expressive chorus, a melodic celebration of romance. The release from the album of the same name was quite convincing in the international hit lists, even if top positions in the charts should ultimately fail to materialize. After all, with the 10.
Place in the United States to record a respectable success.
14th place: Labrinth feat. Emeli Sandé – Beneath Your Beautiful (2012)
Are you also fed up with superficial relationships that leave no room for emotional depth? In his song “Beneath Your Beautiful,” the British artist Labrinth tells about the longing desire to look behind the perfectionist mask of his beloved to fathom the unvarnished soul-life of his beloved. The smoky yet powerful voice of the artist is wonderfully suited to convey the theme of the track in a perfect musical way.
The harmonious parts of Emeli Sandé ensure that “Beneath Your Beautiful” becomes a coherent overall work, which stands out from comparable offshoots of the genre, mainly due to its profound vibe. From a commercial point of view, the song was compelling in the British homeland of the artist. In addition to first place in the charts, there were also two platinum records to clean up.
15th place: Lauren Daigle – You Say (2018)
“You Say” by U.S. singer Lauren Daigle comes with an infectious piano beat, which excellently underlines the artist’s powerful performance. But what is the song about? The love that Lauren Daigle tells us about in her track does not primarily refer to the romance within a partnership but to her unshakable faith. The musician tells us about different scenarios in her life, in which her religion gives her power and strength.
The Christian pop singer enjoys a large fan base in her home country, which regularly helps the artist score major chart successes. You Say” also made a strong impression on the American music market, easily securing the number one spot on the sales list.
16th place: Lewis Capaldi – Hold Me While You Wait (2019)
In “Hold Me While You Wait,” we encounter a heartbreaking love story that transcends all boundaries of earthly life. The emotional number can convince with its stunning depth, which truly goes under the skin. The track by Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi was released in 2019 and moved rather under the radar globally.
In Great Britain, however, the rousing ballad knew how to hit the mark fully. Here the song secured fourth place on the charts and was also awarded double platinum status thanks to immense sales figures.
17th place: Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris – We Found Love (2011)
The beauty of love is that it can blossom like a flower in the desert, regardless of external circumstances. In 2011, the song “We Found Love” by Rihanna was released, showing us that a romantic connection between two people can happen even in the most hopeless situations. With the help of dreamlike metaphors, we learn about the magical moments the song’s protagonists go through during their passionate journey.
The excellently danceable song is bursting with energy and again proves the incredible power of love.
The track immediately became an international chart success and achieved countless top positions in the charts. In the United States alone, “We Found Love” achieved the feat of nine platinum records.
18th place: Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful (2013)
Many lovebirds lightly swear to each other the much-quoted eternal love. But how long does the emotional attraction within a partnership last? This is precisely the question that artist Lana Del Rey ponders in her song “Young and Beautiful.”
Will you still love me when I’m old and gray? When I have nothing left to offer you but my sincere love? As we are used to from the US-American artist, “Young and Beautiful” also comes with a sad note, which lifts the track to a profound, touching level.
The theme song to “The Great Gatsby” from 2013 charted solidly, without reaching the very high ranks. In the U.S., at the end of the 22. Ranked number one on the “Billboard Hot 100” as well as a platinum award.
#19: Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do (2015)
You may think what you want about the “Fifty Shades of Grey” universe, but the theme song to the film of the same name is an extremely successful release, regardless of the film itself. In terms of content, the song deals with the turmoil and fears that a new liaison can bring, but ultimately all doubts are cleared away by the desire for unconditional love.
The single of the British singer-songwriter went over the counter about 12.6 million times, making it the most successful release in the musician’s career.
20th place: Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (2014)
Before we slowly but surely approach the end of our top 20 list, let’s take another look at “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. The British redhead gave the music world anno 2014 a touching love ballad, which creates in us a warm feeling. As soon as the Briton gushes about his beloved, we can wonderfully lose ourselves in the melodic composition of the track.
While “Thinking Out Loud” reached sixth place in the charts in this country, the number went to second place in the “Billboard Hot 100” in the United States and achieved the legendary diamond status there.
Places 21-100 of the most beautiful love songs of the 2010s:
Place:
Song/Performer:
Listen:
21.
Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
22.
Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
23.
Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande
24.
Happier – Ed Sheeran
25.
Hey, Soul Sister – Train
26.
Unconditionally – Katy Perry
27.
That’s What I Like – Bruno Mars
28.
Waves – Mr Probz
29.
Love Somebody – Maroon 5
30.
Don’t Let Me Down – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
31.
Style – Taylor Swift
32.
Without Me – Halsey
33.
Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
34.
Latch [feat. Sam Smith] – Disclosure
35.
Trampoline – ZAYN
36.
Your Love Is My Drug – Kesha
37.
Stay With Me – Sam Smith
38.
Never Be the Same – Camila Cabello
39.
Closer – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
40.
Million Reasons – Lady Gaga
41.
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction
42.
I’ll Never Love Again – Lady Gaga
43.
Let Me Love You – Ne-Yo
44.
Love On The Brain – Rihanna
45.
Talk – Khalid feat. Disclosure
46.
Photograph – Ed Sheeran
47.
I Need Your Love – Calvin Harris
48.
Boo’d Up – Ella Mai
49.
Girl Like You – Jason Aldean
50.
Sucker – Jonas Brothers
51.
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
52.
Sign of the Times – Harry Styles
53.
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
54.
Delicate – Taylor Swift
55.
Meant to Be (feat. Florida Georgia Line) – Bebe Rexha
56.
Let It Go – James Bay
57.
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
58.
Capital Letters – Hailee Steinfeld, BloodPop®
59.
Domino – Jessie J
60.
Treasure – Bruno Mars
61.
When We Were Young – Adele
62.
Stay [feat. Mikky Ekko] – Rihanna
63.
Jealous – Nick Jonas
64.
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
65.
Sit Next to Me – Foster The People
66.
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
67.
Dancing With A Stranger – Sam Smith & Normani
68.
Adorn – Miguel
69.
Sweet Nothing – Calvin Harris
70.
Where Have You Been – Rihanna
71.
Mine – Taylor Swift
72.
Adore You – Harry Styles
73.
Treat You Better – Shawn Mendes
74.
Thinkin Bout You – Frank Ocean
75.
Location – Khalid
76.
Now Or Never – Halsey
77.
Let Me Love You [feat. Justin Bieber] – DJ Snake
78.
With You – Mariah Carey
79.
Only Girl (In The World) – Rihanna
80.
Royals – Lorde
81.
Somebody That I Used To Know [feat. Kimbra) – Gotye
