Time Out's Top 10 Love Songs: From Etta James to Billie Eilish
In a recent article, Time Out has identified the 30 greatest love songs ever, highlighting the top 10. Coming in at number 10 is 'All of Me' by John Legend, which he dedicated to his spouse, Chrissy Teigen. At ninth place is Frank Ocean's 'Thinkin Bout You' (2012), notable for its queer representation in R&B. Beyoncé's 'All Night' (2016) follows at eighth, emphasizing themes of reconciliation. Seventh is Jackie Wilson's 'Higher & Higher' (1967), praised for its joyful essence and vocal prowess. Dolly Parton's 'I Will Always Love You' (1974), famously covered by Whitney Houston, is sixth. Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together' is fifth, while Mariah Carey's 'Vision of Love' (1990) ranks fourth. Third place goes to Olivia Dean's 'A Couple Minutes,' and Etta James's 'At Last' (1960) is second. Finally, Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather' (2024) secures the top spot.
Key facts
- Time Out ranked the 30 best love songs of all time, with the top 10 listed.
- John Legend's 'All of Me' is a wedding default, dedicated to Chrissy Teigen.
- Frank Ocean's 'Thinkin Bout You' from Channel Orange (2012) is noted for queer representation.
- Beyoncé's 'All Night' closes Lemonade (2016) with a theme of reconciliation.
- Jackie Wilson's 'Higher & Higher' (1967) is celebrated for its pure joy.
- Dolly Parton wrote 'I Will Always Love You' as a farewell to Porter Wagoner in 1974.
- Whitney Houston's cover of 'I Will Always Love You' became more famous.
- Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together' was featured in Pulp Fiction and sung by Barack Obama in 2012.
- Mariah Carey's 'Vision of Love' (1990) introduced her whistle register.
- Olivia Dean's 'A Couple Minutes' is from The Art of Loving, nominated for a Brit Award.
- Etta James's 'At Last' (1960) was performed by Beyoncé at Obama's 2009 inauguration ball.
- Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather' (2024) topped the list and dominated TikTok.
Entities
Artists
- John Legend
- Chrissy Teigen
- Frank Ocean
- Beyoncé
- Jackie Wilson
- Dolly Parton
- Porter Wagoner
- Whitney Houston
- Al Green
- Quentin Tarantino
- Barack Obama
- Mariah Carey
- Olivia Dean
- Etta James
- Billie Eilish
Institutions
- Time Out
- Spotify
- Brit Awards
Sources
- Quartz —