Our Top 10 Diane Warren Songs list includes a successful songwriter and producer. She is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award winner. She has been nominated for Oscar Awards but never won. Her songs have sold over 250 million copies worldwide. She is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She is the first songwriter in history to have seven hits by different artists on the singles charts. She is considered to be one of the most influential songwriters in music.
Diane Warren was born Diane Eve Warren on September 7, 1956. She enjoyed listening to music when she was growing up. She always wanted to be a performer. She started writing music before she was a teenager. Her first big hit was “Solitaire” by Laura Branigan. She would go on to write “Rhythm of the Night” by DeBarge. This was her biggest hit in the 80s. She has written nine number-one hit songs and 32 top 10 songs. In addition to her songwriting, she also has studio albums.
Diane Warren Presents Love Songs was released in 2004. It is a collection of her love songs. Some of the songs include “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “I Learned from the Best,” “Because You Loved Me,” “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “I’ll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me” and “How Do I Live.” Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1 was released in 2021. She collaborated with different artists on this album. It features the singles “She’s Fire,” “When We Dance Slow,” “Where Is Your Heart” and “I Save Me.”
Diane Warren has a huge body of work. Her catalog is filled with some of the biggest hits in music. She is known for writing power ballads in pop, rock, and R&B. She has written and produced songs with David Foster, Babyface, Albert Hammond, and Walter Afanasieff, as well as other songwriters and producers. She is one of the most famous female songwriters in music. This Top 10 Diane Warren Songs list was hard to compile because she has a lot of songs that could have made the list. We were up for the challenge and created a Top 10 list. This Diane Warren Top 10 Songs list will feature her best songs.
# 10 – It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be – Aretha Franklin ft. Whitney Houston
The first song on our Top 10 Diane Warren Songs list is “It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be” from Aretha Franklin’s Through the Storm album. The song has a New Jack Swing, pop and house beat. The cautionary tale is about a woman warning another woman not to go after her man. She is telling the other woman that he’s taken, and she won’t get him. The song’s theme is similar to Whitney Houston and Deborah Cox’s song “Same Script, Different Cast.” It is also the original version of “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica.
Here is some trivia about the song. When Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston recorded this song, Aretha Franklin wasn’t happy with Whitney Houston. Yet, Whitney Houston sang her vocals perfectly, which made Aretha Franklin upset because she had to keep recording her vocals to keep up with Whitney Houston. Aretha Franklin did several takes so she could outperform Whitney Houston.
The song has a classic late 80s sound. It has a funky, excellent dance beat. There is no way to sit still while you are listening to it. The music is a little dated, but it is still enjoyable. The keyboard and drums sell the music. You would never know that Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston didn’t get along while recording this track because it sounded like they were having fun. Aretha Franklin sounds soulful, while Whitney Houston sounds like an angel. You can clearly hear the vocal battle between the divas, but unfortunately for Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston won the round.
# 9 – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
The next song on our Top 10 Diane Warren Songs list is “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the Armageddon soundtrack. The song has a hard rock and pop-rock beat. The power ballad is a love song about a couple missing each other even when they are sleeping. They don’t want to miss out on being with each other. They want to cherish every moment they have together. This romantic song is relatable to couples in love.
Here is some trivia about the song. Diane Warren wanted Celine Dion to sing this song. This isn’t a surprise because it seems like something Celine Dion would sing. Diane Warren was inspired to write this song based on James Brolin and Barbra Streisand’s relationship. This song is out of Aerosmith’s wheelhouse because they are known for heavier songs. They aren’t known for ballads like this. They manage to put a rock spin on a power ballad. They included the right amount of guitar elements to maintain their style of music. It makes you want to play air guitar. The song also contains orchestral elements, which makes it a power ballad. The drums give the song some tempo.
Steven Tyler put his own spin on the song to make it more of an Aerosmith song, not a Diane Warren power ballad. He belts throughout the song, which helps bring the song to a climactic finish. His vocals are strong enough to be heard over the loud music. He does his signature screeching towards the song’s end, which lets you know it’s an Aerosmith’s song. This is their biggest hit single. Unsurprisingly, it was number one because it’s a perfect song.
# 8 – I Was Here – Beyonce
The inspirational song is from Beyonce’s 4 album. The song has an R&B beat. The vulnerable song is about her wanting to make a difference in the world while still here. This song will motivate you to make a difference in the world. The September 11th attack inspired the song.
Here is some trivia about the song. Diane Warren wrote this song specifically for Beyonce. She had always wanted to work with Beyonce while she was at Destiny’s Child. The song is timely because there are so many things going on in the world so this uplifting song will inspire you to want to help others while you can. Diane Warren wrote a beautiful piece about making a difference in the world. The message is deep and melancholy, which gives Beyonce a mature sound.
The music is soft and melodic. The music has orchestral swells. It features a keyboard, piano, synths, indie guitars, and drums. Diane Warren brought the best out of Beyonce. She sings the song in different pitches. She also has a double in parts of the song. One half is in her normal register, while the other is in her lower register. Her voice has an edge to it. She sings with some grit in her voice, which makes the song sound genuine. She doesn’t turn the song into a typical Diane Warren power ballad but does an excellent job with the lyrics.
# 7 – Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship
The feel good song is from the Mannequin soundtrack and Starship’s No Protection album. The song has a soft rock beat. This is a romantic song about love overcoming obstacles. The song was written for the movie Mannequin, but it doesn’t have to be for the movie. This song will resonate with couples that will do anything to be together. This isn’t an inspirational song.
It’s a theme that has been covered many times by different artists. This is one of the tracks that helped establish Diane Warren as a credible songwriter. This is one of her number-one hit songs and the first song to be nominated for an Oscar. Here is some trivia about the song. Diane Warren and co-writer Albert Hammond wanted the song to be a duet between a man and a woman.
They wanted Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald to sing the song. They also wanted Laura Branigan and John Parr to sing it. An executive from RCA wanted Starship to record it since the group had a male and female singer. The executive made the right choice because Starship was the perfect choice for the song. They did an excellent job with the material. Grace Slick does a fantastic job with her vocals. Her smoky voice was the perfect accompaniment to the soft rock beat.
She has incredible power in her voice. She holds notes towards the end of the song. Mickey Thomas also does an excellent job with his vocals. Grace Slick has stellar moments in the song, but he also does a great job. They harmonize well as they sing the infectious chorus towards the song’s end.
# 6 – Dream Away – Babyface and Lisa Stansfield
The moving song is from the Pagemaster soundtrack. The song has an r&b, pop and soul beat. The tender song is about imagination and how far it can take you. It lets you know that you always have hope. The lyrics have a great message on life. Diane Warren wrote this for the movie, but anyone can relate to this ballad. She wrote a lovely and emotional song that anyone can relate to.
Diane Warren and Babyface usually write or produce songs together. This song allowed Babyface to sing one of Diane Warren’s songs without having to write or produce the song. Frequent Diane Warren collaborator David Foster produced the track. This song is in Diane Warren’s wheelhouse because it’s the kind of song she usually writes. The music is smooth and melodic. It matches the theme of the lyrics. It starts off softly and then musically explodes.
Babyface and Lisa Stansfield engage well with each other. Their voices are silky smooth. They are an unlikely duo that worked well together. They gave each other room to shine vocally. The music suits both of their voices beautifully. Their creamy voices were a perfect match for this track. They both start their vocals softly and then build to a crescendo. They both win the vocal battle. This may not be one of the first songs you think of by Diane Warren, but it’s definitely a song worth checking out.
# 5 – There For Me – Mariah Carey
The next song on our Top 10 Diane Warren Songs list is “There For Me” from Mariah Carey’s “Never Too Far/Hero” medley single. The song has a pop and r&b beat. This is an eloquent song about being in love with someone who was there for her. Here is some trivia about the song. Diane Warren and Mariah Carey didn’t get along with each other while writing and producing this song. They didn’t agree with each other on how the song should have been written and produced. Luckily they got over their differences to create a magical song.
This wasn’t released as a single, but it is a classic Mariah Carey song. This is in Diane Warren’s wheelhouse because it is a signature power ballad. The music starts off softly and then musically soars. The music features the keyboard, soft drums and finger snaps. The music is stripped down to focus on Mariah Carey’s angelic voice. It gives Mariah Carey a chance to show the world how great of a singer she is. The stunning melody shows her sentimentality and vulnerability.
She shows off her versatile side by singing in different pitches. She starts the song in her lower register and goes up in the pre-chorus and chorus. She gives the song an epic finish that will send chills up and down your spine. This song should have been released as a single because it is truly amazing. Despite the issues Diane Warren and Mariah Carey’s faced while writing the song, they created a masterpiece. They would go on to collaborate on other songs together.
# 4 – Missing You Now – Michael Bolton
The longing song is from Michael Bolton’s Time, Love & Tenderness album. The song has a blue-eyed soul pop and smooth jazz beat. The heartbreaking song is about missing someone the minute they are away from you. We have all been in this situation where we miss someone we love. Diane Warren and Michael Bolton wrote the perfect song to describe how it feels to miss someone you love.
The music is sexy and rhythmic. Fans of r&b, pop and jazz will appreciate the music. This is the perfect quiet storm song. The music is a little misleading because it sounds like bedroom music even though the lyrics are about heartbreak. Here’s a fun fact about the music. Kenny G is playing the saxophone. The sensual saxophone gives the song a jazzy sound. He has a solo that is definitely worth listening to. Michael Bolton sounds incredibly soulful.
He manages not to sound cheesy as he is expressing how much he misses the woman he loves. He shows a vulnerable side while he is singing. He starts the song off softly and then vocally explodes. His vocals are fire. He is able to do a lot with his voice. He has deep vocals, but he is able to belt and hold notes effortlessly. He sings with perfect phrasing, which allows you to understand what he says. He sings in time with the music without missing a beat. Diane Warren and Michael Bolton created a very heartwarming song about love and heartbreak.
# 3 – I Get Weak – Belinda Carlisle
The emotional song is from Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven on Earth album. The song has a pop-rock beat. The charming song is about her getting weak in the knees over the man she loves. This song is relatable to anyone who has ever had a crush on anyone. Diane Warren knew the right words to describe how it feels to fall in love with someone. Here is some trivia about the song. Diane Warren wrote this song with Stevie Nicks in mind. The producer thought the song would be a better fit for Belinda Carlisle to sing. Belinda Carlisle was known for her work with the Go-Go’s. This was one of her solo hits.
The music has a classic 80s sound. The music is a little dated, but it can still be appreciated. The strumming electric guitar is the standout instrument in the song. The drums also stand out in the track. It will allow you to move around in your seat. Belinda Carlisle sounds similar to Stevie Nicks in this track. Belinda Carlisle sings with a similar tremble that Stevie Nicks uses in her songs. Belinda Carlisle sings with a vibrato throughout the song. She sings in time with the music.
She sings in a yodel that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she pulls it off. The only thing missing were power notes, but it doesn’t hurt the song. Diane Warren wrote a great song for Belinda Carlisle. Diane Warren brought the best out of Belinda Carlisle. Everything about this song works from the incredible music to the amazing vocals. The chorus will stay in your head long after the song is over.
# 2 – Spanish Guitar – Toni Braxton
The unrequited song is from Toni Braxton’s The Heat album. The song has a Latin pop and r&b sound. The metaphoric song is about her having feelings for someone who doesn’t know she exist. She wants him to hold her in his arms like a “Spanish Guitar.” Diane Warren worked with Toni Braxton on her hit single “Un-break My Heart.” The melody of the song sounds similar to “Un-break My Heart.”
Diane Warren is an expert when it comes to writing songs about love and heartbreak. She manages to make each song sound different from the other. The sensual music is smooth and soothing. The guitar gives the song a Latin flavor. The mix of Latin and r&b was a great touch on Diane Warren’s part. It gives the music a sexy vibe. Toni Braxton’s alto vocals are phenomenal with the music.
She has amazing vocal control when she sings. She can sing in a whispered tone and still sounds beautiful and melodic. She can do a lot with her deep voice. She can sing really deep as well as vocally soar. She starts the song off softly and deeply and then vocally soars after the bridge. She also has huskiness to her voice throughout the track. She turns the song into a power ballad. The song caters to her vocal strengths. Diane Warren and Toni Braxton worked on another song together. They worked well together and should do more songs together.
# 1 – Love Will Lead You Back – Taylor Dayne
The number one song on our Top 10 Diane Warren Songs list is “Love Will Lead You Back” by Taylor Dayne from her Can’t Fight Fates album. The song has a pop and soul beat. The gorgeous song is about a woman who lets her man go because she is convinced he will come back to her someday.
You would have to be really confident to sing a song like this because there is a chance that the man may not come back. Here is some trivia about the song. Diane Warren wrote this song with Whitney Houston in mind. Clive Davis thought the song was a better fit for Taylor Dayne. Whitney Houston would have probably done a great job with this song, but Taylor Dayne made it the classic jam it is today.
This is one of Taylor Dayne’s biggest hit singles. Diane Warren wrote an amazing song for Taylor Dayne. The second you hear the first note of the music, you know you are in for a treat. The music will touch your heart and soul. It has the perfect mix of pop and r&b music. Taylor Dayne’s vocals are smoking hot. She sings the song with the right amount of sass needed to pull off a song like this.
She has a lot of vocal control over her voice. She manages to go up and down vocally without missing a beat. Her vocal phrasing is flawless. Her voice is pure gold. She builds the vocals up to a climactic finish. She turns the song into a fantastic power ballad. She holds nothing back when she holds her big notes. Maybe she wanted to show that she could blow like Whitney Houston. This song will move you. It is so great that you will want to hear it over and over again. This song deserved to be number one on the charts and number one on our list.
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Top 10 Diane Warren Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
