Will Fenton
Rock isn’t a genre that is always associated with love.
But when the power of the rock genre meets with the passion of romance, magic can start to happen.
This collision of worlds has led to some of the most famous and popular songs of all time.
This list features many of the iconic faces of rock – Queen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith – as well as some more recent rising stars.
From classic rock to power ballads to modern-day hits, here is a compilation of some of the best rock love songs of all time.
1. “Friday I’m in Love” – The Cure
“Friday I’m in Love”, released in 1992, takes us through a miserable week in the narrator’s life.
It all turns around on Friday when he finds himself ‘in love’.
The song depicts love’s ability to turn everything around, to make us see the world through rose-tinted glasses.
2. “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
“Dreams” tells the story of somebody feeling let down by their lover’s inevitable withdrawal and the narrator’s certainty that they will come to regret it.
This iconic, heartfelt anthem of the 70s has remained a beloved classic throughout the generations, finding a recent revival on the TikTok social media platform.
3. “Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls
This song is about the all-encompassing euphoria of love and how it turns everything else into nothingness; a simple moment can become something earth-shattering.
‘Iris’ won the Grammy Award for ‘Song of the Year’ after its release in 1998.
4. “Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows
“Accidentally in Love” found worldwide popularity after its feature in Shrek 2 in 2004.
Following the theme of the film, this track tells the story of someone who has fallen in love without realizing it, with someone they would have never expected.
The narrator cannot stop themselves, so they surrender to their feelings, like a ‘snowball running’.
5. “If You Want My Love” – Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick’s “If You Want My Love” was released in 1982 and showed a more romantic side to the band, that hadn’t been seen before.
The song’s uplifting tune and heartfelt lyrics – ‘if you want my love, you got it’ – lands the song on the love song hall of fame.
6. “Fell in Love With a Girl” – The White Stripes
This punky song from American garage band The White Stripes is instrument-heavy with a slashing guitar groove and skipped snare drum.
Short and uptempo with an almost manic feel, this song symbolizes the punk-rock zeitgeist of the early 2000s.
7. “Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow” – Freddie Mercury
“Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow” is about the agony of loving someone you’re about to lose and wanting to cling on to every second before it ends.
Released in 1985 as a single for Mercury’s debut solo album, Mr. Bad Guy, the song is thought to be inspired by his relationship with Austrian actress Barbera Valentin.
8. “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” – The Police
This 1981 hit from The Police is upbeat and happy, a representation of the joys of being in love and seeing the other person as nothing short of perfect.
This pop-rock single reached the top of the charts in the UK, beating its predecessor “Beating Sun”.
It is unique within The Police’s repertoire, featuring both piano and synthesizers.
9. “Love of My Life” – Queen
“Love of My Life” is an iconic Queen ballad from the 70’s about the pain of having your heart broken by the love of your life.
Featuring classic Queen harmonizing and guitar solos, the tune became such a crowd favorite at concerts that Mercury would conduct the audience as they sang.
10. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” – REO Speedwagon
This power ballad from REO Speedwagon reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks after its release in 1985.
It’s about giving in to your feelings and refusing to deny them any longer, finally feeling ready to give everything up for love.
The song has been re-popularised in recent years after features on Glee, Stranger Things, and The Boys.
11. “Free Fallin’” – Tom Petty
Despite being written and recorded in only two days, “Free Fallin’” is one of Tom Petty’s most famous songs.
It tells the story of a good girl meeting a bad boy and getting her heart broken.
The upbeat tune symbolizes the carefree attitude of the 80s music scene.
It references many known locations in Los Angeles: Mulholland Drive, The Valley, Reseda, and the 101 ‘Ventura’ Freeway.
12. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” – Journey
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’”, released in 1979 by American rock band Journey, is about the pain of picturing your lover with someone else, doing all the things that the two of you used to do together.
It was Journey’s first Top 40 hit in the US and is a classic rock love song.
13. “Crimson & Clover” – Tommy James and The Shondells
Crimson & Clover’s simple lyrics and happy melody found success in 1968 with Tommy James and The Shondells, spending 16 weeks on the US charts and becoming their best-selling song.
It has since been covered by many artists, most famously by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1981.
14. “Love of a Lifetime” – Firehouse
Firehouse’s “Love of a Lifetime” is a power rock love ballad about the joy of finding your soulmate, the perfect person for you.
It is upbeat, romantic, and powerful, and has since been used as a ‘first dance’ song in countless weddings.
15. “The Only Exception” – Paramore
Paramore’s heartfelt “The Only Exception” trod new ground for the American rock band.
The song is about the narrator’s experiences of pain and heartbreak as a child.
They made a promise to themselves to never sing of love if it doesn’t exist.
However, they find their ‘only exception’, the person they feel is worth singing about.
16. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
“Kiss Me” is an icon of 1990s and 2000s rom-coms: uplifting, carefree, and romantic.
It has been featured in She’s All That, How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 10 Things I Hate About You.
Released in 1998, it is the American pop rock band’s highest-charting single.
Three music videos were made for the song, including one that pays tribute to the French romantic drama film Jules and Jim.
17. “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” – The 1975
This more recent hit from The 1975’s third album laments the inability to think about anything else when you’re in love because everything else feels like it’s not really ‘living’.
The London Community Gospel Choir and Amber Bain (AKA Japanese House) feature as vocals on the track.
The song can also be interpreted as being about Healy’s experience with heroin, drawing parallels between heartbreak and addiction.
18. “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” – Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” is thought to be about the end of the relationship between Buckley and musician and actress Rebecca Moore.
The lyrics and melody feel pained and emotional, lamenting the loneliness that follows a lost love.
It has since been covered by many artists, including John Mayer, Nothing But Thieves, and Jamie Cullum.
19. “It Must Have Been Love” – Roxette
There have been four official versions of “It Must Have Been Love”, including an edited version for the 1990 film Pretty Woman.
Telling the story of the narrator’s pain in realizing their relationship was love only after it was over, this power love ballad became Roxette’s third number one in the U.S.
20. “Sweet Disposition” – The Temper Trap
This song reached No 14 in Australia after its release but later found renewed success after it was featured in the 2009 film 500 Days of Summer.
It then reached No 9 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart.
21. “Ever Fallen In Love” – Buzzcocks
This 1978 Alternative Rock hit is about falling in love with someone you shouldn’t.
Despite knowing that it’s wrong and isn’t going to last, the narrator isn’t able to control their emotions. It was a No 12 hit on the UK Singles chart.
22. “You Give Love a Bad Name” – Bon Jovi
The melody of “You Give Love a Bad Name” was originally written with different lyrics by Bonnie Tyler for her song, “If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man).
After limited success, the rock love song was rewritten with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora.
The lyrics tell the story of a villainous woman who has caused pain to the narrator.
23. “Stevie” – Warpaint
Warpaint’s “Stevie” was released this year as the second single for their album, Radiate Like This.
The band described the track to NME as ‘a love song, pure and true’, which they see as a ‘contribution to one of the most beloved song genres’.
24. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
This Aerosmith classic is about the obsessiveness of love, wanting to be with the other person at all times and not ‘miss a thing’ that they do.
It was written for the 1998 Sci-Fi disaster film, Armageddon, which starred lead singer Stevie Tyler’s daughter, Liv.
25. “Don’t You Want Me” – The Human League
This New Wave hit from synthpop group The Human League is widely regarded as their most successful song.
It was the UK’s biggest selling single of 1981 and became that year’s Christmas number one.
The lyrics are supposedly inspired by a story that lead singer Philip Oakley read in a teen magazine.
26. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” was written by Crowded House frontman Neil Finn in 1986 for their debut studio album.
It found success in the U.S., reaching the No 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as finding success in Finn’s native country of New Zealand.
The song’s lyrics tell a story about not letting anything come between love.
27. “Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
This iconic hit from the mid-80s found fame when it was used for John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club rom-com.
The song was written for the film by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff, who were huge Simple Minds fans and had the band in mind for the track.
28. “Don’t Delete the Kisses” – Wolf Alice
Alternative rock band Wolf Alice’s 2017 track is about the nerves of a new relationship: wanting to get to know someone, typing them messages, and finding everything else fading when they walk into a room.
It was the band’s first single to chart on the UK Top 100.
29. “Hungry Heart” – Bruce Springsteen
“Hungry Heart” was Springsteen’s first big hit on the Billboard Hot 100, setting him up for many more successes to follow.
The romantic rock song was originally composed by Springsteen with The Ramones in mind, but he decided to keep it for himself, after having sold many other songs that went on to become successes for other bands.
30. “The Best of My Love” – Eagles
This Eagles track laments the pain of giving each other the best of your love, but it still not being enough.
It became the band’s first Billboard Hot 100 after its release in 1975.
31. “Because The Night” – Patti Smith
“Because the Night” was written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith and still remains Smith’s most known song.
The lyrics are about the night being the time for lovers and elicit meetings, where things happen that wouldn’t take place in the daytime.
It was later covered by Cascada for their album Perfect Day.
32. “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” – Heart
This classic rock love song tells the of the narrator driving along and coming across a boy walking in the rain when she offers him a ride.
They go to a motel and have a night of passion, despite the singer being in love with another man.
The woman intends to get pregnant because her partner is infertile.
33. “How Deep Is Your Love” – Bee Gees
This rock love ballad was written and recorded by the Bee Gees in 1975 and subsequently used as part of the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever.
It hit the Billboard Hot 100 on Christmas Day of 1977 and stayed in the top 10 for 17 weeks.
34. “Don’t Speak” – No Doubt
“Don’t Speak” – by American rock band No Doubt – is about the ending of a relationship.
The singer doesn’t want to know that it’s really the end, because it hurts too much to hear.
It was released in 1985 as the third single for their album Tragic Kingdom.
35. “I Won’t Forget You” – Poison
“I Won’t Forget You” depicts the story of a narrator reminiscing on a past relationship, thinking about how things might have turned out.
The song is positive about their ex-lover, believing that it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.
It peaked at No 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
36. “Miracle” – Jon Bon Jovi
“Miracle” was the second solo by Bon Jovi’s frontman Jon Bon Jovi.
It was released in 1990 for his album, Blaze of Glory.
Jon Bon Jovi has released 15 studio albums with the band and 2 subsequent solo albums.
37. “What Once Was” – Her’s
Her’s were an indie rock duo from Liverpool, made up of Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading.
Tragically, the pair died in a road traffic accident in Arizona while on tour in the U.S.
The success of the band continues to live on, with their most famous song – “What Once Was” – finding renewed success as a trending sound on TikTok.
38. “I Want To Know What Love Is” – Foreigner
This Foreigner power ballad is about the desire to experience one of life’s greatest emotions.
It was released in November 1984 as the lead single for their fifth album, Agent Provocateur.
It has remained one of their most known songs, continuing to garner critical acclaim, a classic rock love song.
39. “Since You Been Gone” – Rainbow
“Since You Been Gone” was originally written by Russ Ballard and released in 1976 before being covered by Rainbow in 1979.
The song is about the misery that can follow a breakup, being unable to take your mind off it and wanting that person back. It became a top 10 hit single in the UK.
40. “Love Conquers All” – Deep Purple
Deep Purple is an English rock band formed in 1968. They began as a psychedelic rock act, before moving into a heavier sound a few years later.
Their soulful and romantic rock song is about the power of love to beat the odds.
Random fact, they won a Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Loudest Band’ after a 1972 concert in London.
41. “Love Will Keep Us Alive” – Eagles
This melodic Eagles track is about putting love before all else, needing it more than anything to survive.
First performed in 1994, this was the last single to feature Don Felder, who was terminated from the band in 2001.
42. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” was released in 1987 by the American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses.
The narrator sings about a woman so beautiful that they are reminded of their childhood, filling them with the feelings of love and protection that they would have for a child.
43. “Some Kind of Love” – The Killers
The Killers’ song is written by Brandon Flowers and is about his wife and her constant displays of strength throughout difficult times, and her continued ability to be there for her family.
It was released as a single for the band’s album, Wonderful, Wonderful (2017). The track also features vocals from their three sons.
44. “With Your Love” – Jefferson Starship
This upbeat, playful song from Jefferson Starship for their 1976 album, Spitfire.
The lyrics are about the early days of falling in love when everything feels wonderful.
The song has a jazzy, cheerful feel that is infectious, leading to its success in the U.S. and Canada.
45. “The Last Goodbye” – Jeff Buckley
Another song from Buckley’s Grace album, “The Last Goodbye” was released in 1994 and was nominated for the MTV Video Music Awards for Best New Artist.
The rock love song is about the heartbreak of ending a relationship, and the pain of feeling the love between them die.
46. “Still Loving You” – Scorpions
“Still Loving You” is about fighting for a love that you’ve lost, begging the other person to trust you again.
It’s a power ballad from German rock band Scorpions, released in July 1984.
47. “Keep on Loving You” – REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon’s second song in this list is a soft rock power ballad from their 1980 album High Fidelity.
The tracks ings of continuing to love someone, even if there is something missing.
It was nominated for the American Music Award for Favourite Pop/Rock Single.
48. “With Or Without You” – U2
Irish rock band U2’s most iconic hit is about waiting for someone without knowing if they’ll ever come.
It was released as the lead single for their fifth album, Joshua Tree.
It became their first No 1 U.S. hit, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.
49. “Never Tear Us Apart” – INXS
INXS’s 1988 single is written in the tempo of a modern Viennese waltz.
It is dramatic and powerful, culminating in a saxophone solo.
The song reached No 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. William Hutchence wrote the lyrics, and the song was later played at his funeral in 1997.
50. “I Know The End” – Phoebe Bridgers
This recent indie rock love song from singer-songwriter Bridgers starts off slow and mournful in her classic indie style, before reaching a rock crescendo towards the end, a representation of her feelings of depression and euphoria.
Bridgers described it as a ‘big metal song’, featuring the vocals of her Boygenius bandmates Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker.
51. “Faithfully” – Journey
And Journey’s “Faithfully” is categorized as one of the greatest power ballads of all time by Classic Rock magazine.
Many also agree it’s one of the band’s best songs.
Either way, if you’re looking for a popular romantic rock song for your wedding, Journey’s hit may be the right choice for you.
52. “Something” – The Beatles
And maybe you’re more fond of The Beatles.
Their track “Something” is arguably one of the most famous rock and roll love songs.
It was released on the band’s iconic album “Abbey Road.”
53. “God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys
Without a doubt, “God Only Knows” is one of the most romantic rock songs from the 60s.
It’s positive and gentle yet cheerful… It’s just lovely.
54. “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton
When thinking about rock ballads, Eric Clapton immediately comes to mind.
And “Wonderful Tonight” is undeniably one of his most romantic tunes.
And then she asks me
“Do I look all right?”
And I say, “Yes, you look wonderful tonight.”
55. “More Than Words” – Extreme
“More Than Words” is another timeless classic.
It’s all about gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and raw, honest emotions…
It’s arguably one of the most beautiful rock love songs ever written.
56. “505” – Arctic Monkeys
Alex Turner admitted this is the band’s first love song.
In short, it’s about Alex meeting his girlfriend in room 505.
And in our opinion, it’s one of the best Arctic Monkeys songs in general.
57. “I’ll Stand By You” – The Pretenders
“I’ll Stand By You” is a rock ballad about love and devotion.
After it was released in 1994, the song quickly became an international hit.
58. “Always” – Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi released this power ballad as a single on their 1994 greatest hits album.
It became one of their best-selling singles – it sold millions of copies in the US and more than 3 million worldwide.
59. “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5
The message behind “She Will Be Loved” is pretty straightforward.
It’s a pop rock love song that marked the year 2004.
And it became one of the band’s most memorable tunes.
60. “Maybe I’m Amazed” – Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” is often described as one of the greatest love rock songs.
And although it’s much softer than typical rock tunes, it’s still Paul McCartney – and we’re still amazed.
61. “Yellow” – Coldplay
“Yellow” is arguably one of Coldplay’s most beloved songs.
It was released in 2000, and it won an NME Award for Best Single.
It’s also one of the sweetest rock songs from the early 2000s.
Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you…
62. “Just Like Heaven” – The Cure
Another song we can listen to without getting bored is “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure.
It’s one of the cheerful rock love songs that will immediately lif your spirits up.
63. “Breathless” – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nick Cave’s ballads are powerful and memorable, but they’re often quite gloomy.
However, his track “Breathless” feels like falling in love during the first days of spring… It’s just lovely.
64. “Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol released “Chasing Cars” in 2006, and it’s been stuck in our heads ever since.
But we don’t mind – it’s a beautiful rock ballad that captures that feeling of connection between two people perfectly.
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
65. “This Must Be The Place” – Talking Heads
When you think about romantic rock music, “This Must Be The Place” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
However, David Byrne made this song with an idea of creating a non-cliche love song.
And we think he succeeded.
66. “Heaven” – Warrant
Warrant’s Jani Lane actually wrote this song for his daughter Maddi.
And in 2017, Maddi Lane did a cover of this song as a tribute to his late father.
So this tune is like an ode to unconditional family love.
67. “Close Your Eyes Forever” – Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne
On the other hand, “Close Your Eyes Forever” clearly talks about romantic love.
It’s Lita Ford’s highest-charting single and one of the greatest hits of Osbourne’s solo career.
68. “Everlong” – Foo Fighters
“Everlong” is Foo Fighters’ beloved song and one of their biggest hits.
And it’s interesting that the band’s frontman Dave Grohl was going through a divorce while he was finishing this song.
69. “You Make Loving Fun” – Fleetwood Mac
“You Make Loving Fun” sounds just like the song’s title – romantic, fun, and enjoyable.
Sweet wonderful you
You make me happy with the things you do…
70. “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
“The Luckiest” is a sweet love ballad with beautiful lyrics.
If you’re looking for romantic rock songs for her, this may be a good choice.
It’s not pure rock, but the atmosphere of the song is just right.
71. “Can’t Stop Loving You” – Van Halen
If you’re searching for classic rock love songs, this song is for you.
“Can’t Stop Loving You” is Van Halen’s most successful single from their album “Balance.”
72. “Crazy On You” – Heart
“Crazy On You” is Heart’s debut single released in 1976.
The song has that recognizable 70s rock vibe.
And it’s often categorized as one of the top rock love songs of that music era.
73. “Head Over Feet” – Alanis Morissette
Lyrically, “Head Over Feet” could be about falling in love with your best friend.
Either way, it’s a great rock tune from the 90s.
It’s taken from Alanis’ iconic album “Jagged Little Pill.”
74. “Wonderwall” – Oasis
When it comes to romantic rock songs, “Wonderwall” is a classic.
And it’s fair to conclude that most people (millennials, at least) listened to it at one point of their life.
75. “Such Great Heights” – The Postal Service
“Such Great Heights” is an indie rock tune released in 2003.
It’s really catchy and sweet.
Plus, the song ranked 27 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of the Decade list.
76. “Heroes” – David Bowie
“Heroes” is probably one of Bowie’s most loved songs.
There is something incredibly uplifting and captivating about it.
So although it’s not his most romantic song, it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
77. “The Perfect Drug” – Nine Inch Nails
Many would agree that love is the best drug.
And Trent Reznor seems to agree.
Also, “The Perfect Drug” was written for the David Lynch film ‘Lost Highway’ and released in 1997.
78. “Here’s To Us” – Halestorm
In a way, “Here’s To Us” is a typical rock love song.
And it’s actually the band’s anthem – but the lyrics could be applicable on any relationship.
Here’s to us, here’s to love
All the times that we messed up.
79. “You’re My Best Friend” – Queen
Queen’s bass player John Deacon wrote this song about his wife.
It’s an upbeat song that will make you fall in love with your partner even more.
80. “Head Over Heels” – Tears For Fears
“Head Over Heels” peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985.
And that comes as no surprise – it’s romantic, simple, and genuine.
81. “Lovesong” – The Cure
Although we’ve already mentioned The Cure, we can’t skip this song.
It’s one of the sad rock love songs though – but it’s iconic and timeless.
Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again…
82. “More Than A Feeling” – Boston
“More Than A Feeling” is a classic rock love song.
It was released as the lead single from the band’s 1976 debut album.
And it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
That being said, it’s arguably one of the greatest rock love songs of all time.
83. “Lady” – Styx
If you like 70’s rock, you will probably like our next suggestion.
“Lady” by Styx is a classic.
Dennis DeYoung from Styx wrote it for his wife, and it was the first song he ever wrote for her.
84. “Me & You Together Song” – The 1975
If you’re looking for something more youthful for your romantic rock playlist, look no further.
“Me & You Together Song” is an ultimate young love anthem.
85. “Heart Shaped Box” – Nirvana
Rock musicians tend to express their feelings in the most creative ways.
And “Heart Shaped Box” is a good example.
Kurt Cobain allegedly wrote this song about his relationship with Courtney Love.
86. “Time After Time” – Cindy Lauper
“Time After Time” is a beautiful rock ballad about love and devotion.
Many artists made their own version of a song over the years.
And it’s still nice to hear it, time after time.
87. “In Your Eyes” – Peter Gabriel
And “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel is an 80’s classic.
But there is something unique about this song… It’s seemingly simple but very uplifting and captivating.
88. “Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the Stones.
And although it sounds like a romantic song at first, Keith Richards actually wrote it for his song; and that makes it even more sentimental.
89. “Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin
Released in 1969, “Whole Lotta Love” is an ultimate rock love song.
And although it doesn’t sound like a typical love song, thanks to its lyrics and meaning, it quickly became a lover’s anthem.
90. “Baby, I Love You” – Ramones
Let’s wrap things up with Ramones’ take on the Ronette’s classic “Baby, I Love You.”
This tune sounds like a celebration of love and life.
It’s just a simple, beautiful masterpiece.
Rock Love Songs – Final Thoughts
All in all, it could be argued that there is no better genre to depict the passions of love than the visceral and powerful sounds of rock.
While the classic rock songs from the ’60s, 70s, and ’80s continue to live on, there is much to be said for the more recent alt-rock and indie-rock additions.
It is clear that the rock love song will continue to live on and make history.
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