Selecting just 10 songs and ranking them in exactly the right order was a harder task than I anticipated. As a result, this list took over an hour to compile. I tried to provide a good variety, limiting myself to one song per artist, and I ranked songs based not only on how they sound but also the meanings of their lyrics. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite love songs:

10. “Slipping Through My Fingers,” ABBA
Now, this song is not about romantic love, but rather the love a mother has for her daughter. This song always brings me back to me of the scene from “Mamma Mia” where Meryl Streep’s character is helping her daughter get ready for her wedding, which is such a perfect depiction of that motherly love.
Favorite line: “Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture / And save it from the funny tricks of time / Slipping through my fingers”

9. “Smitten,” Leanna Firestone
For starters, this song has a super fun, catchy rhythm to it and though I’ve never really heard any of Leanna Firestone’s other songs, I think she has a beautiful voice. More than this, however, the lyrics themselves are so touching to me and share a message of gratitude and attention.
Favorite line: “… you covered your mouth cause you’re insecure about your crooked teeth / But can I just say this? I’m kinda glad that you never got braces / ‘Cause I like your smile just the way it is”

8. “Share Your Address,” Ben Platt
I adore Ben Platt’s voice, and I think this song is straight-up cute, with all of the tiny, meaningful things that he sings about. The lyrics in combination with his passionate singing reflect the feeling of someone completely and totally in love, and it’s wonderful.
Favorite line: “And if I’m coming on too strong / It’s ‘cause I’ve waited far too long / For someone just like you”

7. “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” The Mamas and The Papas
The gentle guitar paired with Mama Cass’s gorgeous voice make this song tug your heartstrings right from the start, and once the rest of the instruments kick in it’s even more powerful. Not only that, but the simple demand that she asks over and over, asking the listener to think of her, even while sleeping, is so touching on its own.
Favorite line: “Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you / But in your dreams, whatever they be / Dream a little dream of me”

6. “Cecily Smith (Bonus Track),” Will Connolly
I had to include at least one show tune in here, of course. I prefer the bonus track version of this song because Will Connolly has such a sweet voice that matches the innocence of the song, and the first time I really listened to the ending of this song, with its incredible guitar picking and Connolly’s sad voice, I cried.
Favorite line: “Life is not the things that we do / It’s who we’re doing them with”

5. “Serenata Huasteca,” Omar Chaparro
This song is certainly not the original, but I love Omar Chaparro’s voice, and this version comes from the soundtrack of a movie called “Como Caído del Cielo” (“Out of the Clear Blue Sky”), a fantastic Spanish-language romantic comedy inspired by the life of the celebrated Mexican singer, Pedro Infante. The movie itself is one of my favorites, but the song alone is so touching, as it is sung from the perspective of someone who never thought that they would find themselves in love and doesn’t quite know what to do about it.
Favorite line: “Qué voy a hacer / Si de veras te quiero / Ya te adoré / Y olvidarte no puedo”

4. “I Say a Little Prayer,” Aretha Franklin
This song’s message of not only constantly thinking of someone, but constantly praying for them, too, is so powerful to me. And, of course, Aretha Franklin’s beautiful voice with the catchy chorus in the back makes this easily one of my favorite love songs of all time.
Favorite line: “The moment I wake up / Before I put on my makeup (Makeup) / I say a little (Prayer for you)”

3. “Always a Woman,” Billy Joel
I adore Billy Joel, which made it really difficult for me to choose just one of his songs for this list, but, in the end, the moving lyrics of this song won me over. The way he acknowledges every nuance of this woman, even things that would not necessarily make you fall in love with someone, and sings about them with such love and respect for her.
Favorite line: “But she’ll bring out the best and the worst you can be / Blame it all on yourself ‘cause she’s always a woman to me”

2. “Your Song,” Elton John
Elton John is another one of my favorite artists, and this is easily one of his most well-known songs. This song’s value lies in the fact that it is a gift of love for someone, and he wants everyone to know it.
Favorite line: “I hope you don’t mind / That I put down in words / How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”

1. “You’re My Best Friend,” Queen
Finally, Queen. They are my favorite band of all time, so it’s only fitting that this should be number one on this list. This song is so perfect for all kinds of love — while it’s titled “You’re My Best Friend,” it really is a song about love, and finding that one person you can lean on no matter what.
Favorite line: “… you’re the first one when things turn out bad / You know I’ll never be lonely / You’re my only one…”