Top Ten Valentine's Day Hits

So you're getting ready for Valentine's Day, and you need a touch of mood music to convince the object of your affection that your adoration is the real McCoy. The following ten tunes are 100% guaranteed to get you in like Flynn. Infinitely more effective than Side One of Led Zeppelin IV, in case you're still working that angle.

"Always"
Words and Music: Irving Berlin
Definitive Recording: Josephine Baker, 1926

Simply the greatest love song ever written. Period. End of story.

"Bring It On Home to Me"
Words and Music: Sam Cooke
Definitive Recording: Sam Cooke, 1962

A ton of choice love songs in the Cooke repertoire: "You Send Me," "Wonderful World," and "Cupid," among others. But none is more more achingly heartfelt than this one.

"Change in My Life"
Words and Music: Billy Straus
Definitive Recording: Angels of Mercy, 1992

Often performed by religious artists with a gospel interpretation, a straight reading of the lyrics make a powerful paean to the transformative power of love. Best known as performed by the a cappella group Rockapella, the gospel-choir rendition on the soundtrack of the Steve Martin film Leap of Faith is simply electric.

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"
Words and Music: Ewan MacColl
Definitive Recording: Roberta Flack, 1972

If this song doesn't move you to tears, see the undertaker immediately.

"I Will"
Words and Music: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Definitive Recording: The Beatles, 1968

Not as well-remembered as many of the Beatles' ballads, it's still the most gently eloquent love song the band ever recorded.

"Let's Stay Together"
Words and Music: Al Green, Willie Mitchell, and Al Jackson
Definitive Recording: Al Green, 1972

Wherein Mr. Green's sinuous tenor wraps itself around your heart and doesn't let go.

"Misty"
Words: Johnny Burke; Music: Erroll Garner
Definitive Recording: Johnny Mathis, 1959

Great enough to inspire the title of a Clint Eastwood film. Not reason enough for you? Get off my back, Evelyn.

"Open Arms"
Words and Music: Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain
Definitive Recording: Journey, 1981

Once saved my relationship with the girl I would eventually marry, and appears on the soundtrack of Heavy Metal. You don't get many two-fers like that in life.

"Unchained Melody"
Words: Hy Zaret; Music: Alex North
Definitive Recording: The Righteous Brothers, 1965

Yeah, it reminds me of that sappy Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore flick, too. Doesn't make it not a great song.

"Unforgettable"
Words and Music: Irving Gordon
Definitive Recording: Nat "King" Cole, 1951

Nat "King" Cole: the Monarch of Mack Daddies. It's all in the voice, baby.