For many couples, Valentine’s Day is the most romantic occasion of the year. It’s a time to be together, and often involves: a candlelit dinner, roses, chocolate, expensive wine, and jewelry.
Of course, for all of these things to add up to a romantic evening, the proper mood must be set. Listening to the appropriate music can help enhance the feelings of love and adoration that two people share for each other as they spend an intimate evening together.
There is no shortage of love songs that are great for Valentine’s Day and they cover all genres of music. From jazz to country and from hard rock to rhythm and blues, it seems that almost every artist to ever record an album has at least one song that is worthy of a slow dance.
For those with a preference for rock ballads, the following 10 songs are perfect for adding to a playlist or a mixed CD so that they may be listened to with that special someone on February 14th each year.
Extreme – More Than Words
These Boston rockers hit it big during the late 80s and early 90s with their mix of funk and heavy metal, but it was their ballad More Than Words that really pushed them into stardom.
The soft and gentle vocals of Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt are spine-tingling as they perform this smash hit that still gets plenty of radio play 19 years after becoming a top 40 single. The key message here, is that saying the words “I love you” to your significant other is not nearly as powerful as showing that you do.
Bon Jovi – I’ll Be There for You
Throughout their careers, Bon Jovi has released their fair share of ballads including, Always and Bed of Roses. What makes I’ll Be There for You so special is that it speaks out specifically to couples who have gone through rough patches.
It’s about begging for second chances and showing a commitment to being there for your loved one, no matter what obstacles stand in the way.
Firehouse – When I Look into Your Eyes
Over the years, Firehouse has become recognized among mainstream music listeners more for their power ballads than for their hard rock tracks. While Love of a Lifetime may have been their most successful hit, When I Look into Your Eyes seems to reach listeners on a more personal and intimate level.
Kiss – Forever
It’s hard not to think of Kiss as being all decked out in makeup and performing Rock and Roll All Nite in front of thousands of screaming fans.
Their ability to mix it up with some slower songs demonstrates a range of talents and is one of the reasons that they have had such a lengthy career. Forever starts off slow and picks up momentum as the lyrics focus on eternal and everlasting love. Listeners will feel heightened emotions as they try to reach the high notes while singing along with Paul Stanley during the song’s refrain.
Bryan Adams – (Everything I Do) I Do It for You
This Canadian rocker has enjoyed great success and (Everything I Do) I Do It for You, is still his biggest hit to date. The song was featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and reached number 1 on charts all over the world. Pretty much anyone who lived through the early 90s will remember dancing to this ballad at weddings or school proms.
Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
Featured in the motion picture Armageddon, this powerful love song is among the best that Aerosmith has to offer. Listening to the words can really help listeners realize how much they miss their loved one when they are apart.
For those that have seen the movie, it’s easy to picture themselves in place of Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler while playing I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing in the background.
Mr. Big – To Be With You
For those that have endured difficult relationships to eventually find that someone special, To Be With You is the song for them. The song’s popularity has faded since its 1991 release, but the message of patiently waiting for that certain person still rings out loud and clear.
Cheap Trick – The Flame
Cheap Trick is a rock band that has always enjoyed having a good old time. The Flame shows off their sensitive side and is one of the bands most memorable hits. The song is more about heartbreak than happiness, but that makes it all the more powerful. As couples give it a listen, they will find themselves holding each other and promising that they are going to make it.
Coldplay – Yellow
It’s true that Coldplay may have a totally different sound than any other band on this list, but there is no denying that Yellow deserves to some recognition. The sensual vocals of Chris Martin combined with the gentle but catchy instrumentation make this song easy on the ears, while the meaningful lyrics can demonstrate to couples how powerful love can be.
REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling
People often feel that they are helpless when it comes to love. You cannot force yourself to love certain people, yet at the same time you can’t help having that wonderful feeling for others. Can’t Fight This Feeling is a great example of how a simple friendship can grow into something that is much stronger.
Not everyone will agree with all of these choices. When it comes to rock ballads, there are plenty to choose from and opinions will vary. However, these songs were all popular hits at one time and still bring back good memories for many people. Whether it is on Valentine’s Day or any other romantic occasion, they are definitely worth a listen.
