The Ultimate BOB FM Love Song Playlist: 70s, 80s & 90s Edition
Love songs have been the soundtrack to romance for generations, and few decades did it better than the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Whether it’s heartfelt ballads, rock anthems, or soft pop melodies, these songs capture every shade of love—passionate, bittersweet, and everlasting. Here’s the ultimate BOB FM love song countdown, ending with the best, just like love itself.
15. Billy Joel – “Just the Way You Are”
- Album: The Stranger
- Release Date: 1977
- Achievements: Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year
Billy Joel wrote this timeless ballad for his then-wife, Elizabeth Weber, though ironically, they later divorced. The song’s smooth jazz influence and heartfelt lyrics make it an enduring classic about unconditional love.
14. Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight”
- Album: Slowhand
- Release Date: 1977
- Achievements: One of Clapton’s most celebrated love songs, frequently covered by other artists
Written for Pattie Boyd, the same woman who inspired “Layla,” this gentle, romantic tune tells the story of a man admiring his partner while they get ready for a night out. Clapton’s warm guitar work makes it an emotional favorite. Listen to “Wonderful Tonight.”
Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or somewhere in between, BOB FM has the perfect song for your mood. Click to listen!
13. The Eagles – “Best of My Love”
- Album: On the Border
- Release Date: 1974
- Achievements: The Eagles’ first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100
This soft rock ballad captures both the joy and pain of love. With its laid-back California sound and heartfelt lyrics, it became one of the defining love songs of the ’70s. Listen here.
12. Chicago – “If You Leave Me Now”
- Album: Chicago X
- Release Date: 1976
- Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance
Chicago’s signature blend of rock and orchestral arrangements shines in this song about heartbreak and regret. Peter Cetera’s tender vocals add to its emotional depth, making it one of the band’s most beloved songs.
Explore more modern pop songs about love.
11. Fleetwood Mac – “You Make Loving Fun”
- Album: Rumours
- Release Date: 1977
- Achievements: Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100
One of Fleetwood Mac’s rare joyful love songs, this upbeat track was written by Christine McVie about her new romance—ironically, while she was still in the band with her ex-husband. The groovy bassline and warm harmonies make it a standout.
10. Elton John – “Your Song”
- Album: Elton John
- Release Date: 1970
- Achievements: Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
With simple yet deeply romantic lyrics, “Your Song” remains one of Elton John’s most cherished tracks. Written with Bernie Taupin, the song captures the beauty of expressing love in the most honest way.
Looking for the grungier list of anti-love songs?
9. Queen – “Love of My Life”
- Album: A Night at the Opera
- Release Date: 1975
- Achievements: A staple in Queen’s live performances, with legendary audience singalongs
Freddie Mercury wrote this piano-driven ballad for his longtime love, Mary Austin. Though Queen was known for their rock anthems, this song proved they could craft tender, emotional love songs just as powerfully.
8. Bryan Adams – “Heaven”
- Album: Reckless
- Release Date: 1984
- Achievements: No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Originally inspired by Journey’s “Faithfully,” this song’s soaring chorus and Adams’ raspy voice made it an instant classic. It’s a love song that perfectly captures the feeling of finding “the one.” Listen here.
7. Berlin – “Take My Breath Away”
- Album: Top Gun Soundtrack
- Release Date: 1986
- Achievements: Academy Award for Best Original Song
As the defining love song from Top Gun, “Take My Breath Away” pairs ethereal synth melodies with passionate lyrics. Berlin’s biggest hit remains one of the most recognizable love songs of the ’80s.
6. Roxette – “It Must Have Been Love”
- Album: Pretty Woman Soundtrack
- Release Date: 1987 (re-released in 1990)
- Achievements: No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Originally a Christmas song in Sweden, Roxette reworked this ballad for Pretty Woman, making it a global hit. Its poignant lyrics and emotional vocals capture the pain of love lost. Listen here.
5. Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
- Album: Armageddon Soundtrack
- Release Date: 1998
- Achievements: Aerosmith’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Written by Diane Warren, this power ballad became an instant classic thanks to Steven Tyler’s dramatic vocal delivery. Featured in Armageddon, it’s a love song with cinematic grandeur.
4. Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris”
- Album: Dizzy Up the Girl
- Release Date: 1998
- Achievements: Grammy-nominated, No. 1 on multiple charts
Written for City of Angels, “Iris” perfectly captures deep, unconditional love. The Goo Goo Dolls combined soaring strings, heartfelt lyrics, and Johnny Rzeznik’s raw vocals to create a ’90s anthem. Listen here.
3. Earth, Wind & Fire – “Reasons”
- Album: That’s the Way of the World
- Release Date: 1975
- Achievements: A beloved staple of Earth, Wind & Fire’s live performances
Unlike traditional love ballads, “Reasons” explores the complexities of love and desire, with Philip Bailey’s soaring falsetto adding a layer of vulnerability. Though the lyrics hint at fleeting romance rather than lasting devotion, its lush instrumentation and heartfelt delivery have made it a timeless favorite among R&B and soul fans. Explore Earth, Wind $ Fire’s enduring influence on music.
Need a list of the best Earth, Wind & Fire songs?
2. N’Sync – “This I Promise You”
- Album: No Strings Attached
- Release Date: 2000
- Achievements: Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100
Penned by Richard Marx, this romantic ballad became one of N’Sync’s most heartfelt hits. Its soothing harmonies and earnest lyrics made it a wedding favorite, closing this list with a vow of everlasting love. Listen here.
1. Whitney Houston & Dolly Parton – “I Will Always Love You”
- Album: The Bodyguard Soundtrack
- Release Date: 1992 (originally written and released by Dolly Parton in 1973)
- Achievements: No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, Grammy Award for Record of the Year
Originally penned by Dolly Parton as a farewell to her mentor, Porter Wagoner, “I Will Always Love You” took on new life when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard. Her powerful vocal delivery, combined with the song’s raw emotion, turned it into one of the most iconic love ballads of all time. Houston’s a cappella opening and soaring high notes solidified it as an unforgettable declaration of love and loss.
Love That Stands the Test of Time
These songs defined romance for their respective decades and continue to resonate across generations. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past love or celebrating a current one, this playlist is a perfect soundtrack for the heart.
