10 Most Romantic Classic Rock Songs

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The best romantic songs are not always found in R&B, country, or traditional Jazz standards. Sometimes, the best romantic stuff is found in good old classic rock and roll. This list puts together 10 classic rock and roll songs to feed the romance. If you are looking for the right song for the right moment, we got your back.

# 10 – Love Song – (Live At The Royal Festival Hall) – Elton John

We kick off our 10 Most Romantic Classic Rock Songs list with Elton John’s steamy live performance of Leslie Duncan’s “Love Song.” Originally featured on Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection album, it was the live version from his 1976 live album Here and There that truly captivated audiences. Personally, I’ve always preferred this live version, which also featured Leslie Duncan on backing vocals, adding a layer that transformed it into one of Elton John’s most enchanting ballads. Backed by the Elton John band—Nigel Olsson, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Ray Cooper—this track showcases the distinctive sound that defined many of Elton John’s hits from the mid-70s. “Love Song” was released as a single from the album.

# 9 – Sandy – Bruce Springsteen

It doesn’t get more cinematic than Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 track “Sandy.” The song was originally released on his second album The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle. In the song, Springsteen paints a very cinematic scene of boardwalk life in New Jersey at night, hanging out on the boardwalk with his girlfriend, watching the lights of the amusement park rides and longing for a better life. This was a common theme in the music on his first three albums: the need to escape, but not alone, with his girl on the back of his motorcycle, searching for a new beginning. The live version was always much more powerful.

# 8 – Absolute Beginners – David Bowie

There are many tender, sweet-sounding love songs in classic rock history. There are also some really brilliant deep tracks that convey the same message of unconditional and unshakable love in a more artistic fashion. That’s what is happening here on this classic David Bowie tune, “Absolute Beginners.” Those chord changes that weave around the song’s melody are just brilliant. The song was written for the 1986 film Absolute Beginners. The stunning piano on the track was performed by the legendary Rick Wakeman.

# 7 – “Thank You” – Led Zeppelin

In the number seven position on our 10 Most Romantic Classic Rock Songs list is the classic Led Zeppelin song “Thank You.” With lyrics that begin with “If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you,” you just can’t go wrong with this one. I remember all the girls in high school loved this song. It was released on Led Zeppelin’s second album, simply titled Led Zeppelin II. Robert Plants tender vocal really sell this one. It was released as the last song on side one.

# 6 – “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Bad Company

Not all romantic classic rock songs have to be sweet and gooey. Sometimes it’s right to just get to the point. That’s what Bad Company did with their classic hit single “Feel Like Making Love.” The song was released on Bad Company’s sophomore album Straight Shooter. It was released as the second single from the album, following the debut song “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad.” The song was written by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love” became a top 10 hit, peaking at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. I remember playing at a wedding once in the ’80s as a musician and a piano player in the band, and the bride and groom’s first dance was to this song. It’s probably one of the most fun weddings I ever performed at.

# 5 – So Into You – Atlanta Rhythm Section

Can you say it any better than this? I don’t think so. The Atlanta Rhythm Section, known as a Southern rock band, came up with a very cool, soulful tune that crossed many genres in 1977 called “So Into You.” The song was released on the Rock and Roll Alternative album. This is one of the band’s biggest hits of their career, tying with “Imaginary Lover” for its highest charting song ever released; both songs peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Although the song could be used in anyone’s life as a tribute to their partner, the original song was actually about drummer Robert Nix’s infatuation with a woman who had just walked into the room and whom he didn’t really know well. Supposedly, and it’s just kind of a rumor, that woman was one of the backup singers in Lynyrd Skynyrd.

# 4 – I Go Crazy – Paul Davis

At the number four spot on our 10 Most Romantic Classic Rock Songs list is the classic Paul Davis ballad “I Go Crazy.” We just had to have this one on the list. Paul Davis released some real pop gems in the late ’70s and early ’80s with songs like “Cool Night,” “’65 Love Affair,” and “Sweet Life.” However, the song that was the most memorable was his 1977 hit “I Go Crazy.” It’s a song about a chance meeting and the urge to rekindle an old love that has never died. We’ve all been through that before.

# 3 – Crazy On You – Heart

Heart’s first album was fueled by the success of the massive hit single “Magic Man.” However, the song that won over the hearts of many young teenagers was Ann Wilson’s addictive love song “Crazy On You.” I mean, just the title alone turned your head. The song’s spellbinding melody and breathtaking vocal performance by Ann was only further cemented in romance by lyrics such as, “I was a willow last night in a dream, I bent down over a clear running stream, Sang you the song that I heard up above, And you kept me alive with your sweet flowing love.” Yes, that’s what I’m talking about!

# 2 – Jersey Girl – Tom Waits

It’s amazing how many people thought Bruce Springsteen had written the song “Jersey Girl.” It was the perfect Springsteen song and fit his style so well. Of course, his recording of the song on the live 1985 album, when he was at the peak of his popularity, also helped to convince people that this was a Springsteen song. But Tom Waits fans knew better. There is a very big difference between Springsteen’s version and Tom Waits’ version. We love Springsteen’s version, but there’s something just a little bit more genuine about Waits’ version. In this one, you can really feel the joy and pain of love in the same breath. That’s what Tom Waits was all about.

# 1 – In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel

This is one of those songs that became known as one of the most romantic songs in classic rock history because of its use in a major motion picture. Everyone remembers that pivotal scene in the movie Say Anything… where John Cusack stood outside holding up the boombox in order to win the girl back. It was one of the most memorable scenes of the 1980s. The song will forever be tied to that touching moment. “In Your Eyes” was originally released on Peter Gabriel’s album So in 1986. It was the second single released from the album.