21 Songs Closer to Perfection - St. Valentine's Got Me Again Feb 09 '04    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Music The Dirtchamber Sessions, Vol. 1 by The Prodigy From $11 Jersey Boys [Original Broadway Cast Recording] by Original Broadway Cast From $8 The Bottom Line 21 Love Songs that mean something different. intro... Through all my denial and controversy, I am a big romantic sap. This is honestly not including in the movie genre; I’ve liked one and only one chick flick to ever exist. Music however, is a totally different story. Pretty much all of my favorite songs are romance songs. My taste in romantic songs is unique. Screw all the old-school stuff, most of my selection is new. Besides, all the older material sounds the same. So sue me. Besides that, there is really no way to fairly pair up all my favorites, so throughout much struggle, I’ve managed to list all my favorites in order. It was hard for me to decide just how many songs should be included, because I like so many. There is no way I can cram just 10 in a list like I did last time, so I’ve expanded it to 21 this time. Again, like in my Horror movie list, I expect much hate mail and a sizzling ball of human crap of complaints, but don’t get me wrong; controversy is what I’m good at. Enjoy, Wandering_Mage (Our kristinafh might want to be reading this.) P.S. What is the deal with this Janet Jackson thing? Why do (and what kind of) people have to make some big drama out of some crap that isn’t even that damned important? A people composed of bored housewives looking for something to yap about, that’s who! I’m sick of hearing about it on the radio, and I’m P.O.ed she wasn’t at the Grammy Awards performing. Get over it people. Enough is enough! #21 - Ride Wit Me - Nelly If you wanna go and take a ride wit me Wit three women in the fo' with the gold D's Oh, why do I live this way? (Hey, must be the money!) If you wanna go and get high wit me Smoke a L in the back of the Benz-y Oh, why must I feel this way? (Hey, must be the money!) In the club on the late night, feeling right Looking trying to spot something real nice Looking for a little shorty I noticed so that I can take home (I can take home) She can be 18 (18) with an attitude or 19 kinda snotty acting real rude But as long as you a thicky thicky thick girl you know that it's on (Know that it's on) I peep something coming towards me on the dance floor Sexy and real slow (hey) Saying she was peeping and I dig the last video So when Nelly, can we go; how could I tell her no? Her measurements were 36-25-34 I like the way you brush your hair And I like those stylish clothes you wear I like the way the light hit the ice and glare And I can see you Boo from way over there... For a rap afficionado like me, it was only fair I include a campy sex song...hey, it was either this or In Da Club. Come on, how can people not see it? It’s a simpler look at one night stands and the club scene. The rapping is better than most: I can actually understand what Nelly is telling me. Nelly’s smoother rap vocals are a breath of fresh air, no matter what all of you say. The backup guitar and drum beats help the song out. Mostly, it’s simply the smooth and campy lyrics from Nelly that appeal me so much to this song. #20 - Escape - Enrique Iglesias Here’s how it goes You and me up and down but maybe this time We’ll get it right Worth the fight 'Cause love is something you can't shake When it breaks all it takes is some trying If you feel like leaving I'm not gonna beg you to stay Soon you’ll be finding You can run, you can hide, but you can’t escape my love... While Enrique Iglesias is far from an excellent vocalist, his written lyrics are simply great. This is pretty much, one of the simplest but coolest sap-song messages out there. The song is obviously about a guy’s undying love for someone: what simpler message could you come up with? You gotta say it’s excellent. As the song ends, all I have to say it’s awesome. #19 - Iris - Goo Goo Dolls And I'd give up forever to touch you 'Cause I know that you feel me somehow You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be And I don't want to go home right now And all I can taste is this moment And all I can breathe is your life And sooner or later it's over I just don't want to miss you tonight And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am... Really, if anyone can tell me why the song is named Iris, I’d appreciate it. The song, vocally, is not really all that great, as is all of the Goo Goo Dolls songs that come to mind. More so, it is the great lyrics and awesome aftertaste that make the song impeccable. A quiet guitar and soft drum backup really give the vocals the help it needed. Other than that, it is a great song. #18 - Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5 How dare you say that my behavior is unacceptable So condescending, unnecessarily critical I have the tendency of getting very physical So watch your step cause if I do you'll need a miracle You drain me dry and make me wonder why I'm even here This Double Vision I was seeing is finally clear You want to stay but you know very well I want you gone Not fit to f*ckin' tread the ground that I am walking on When it gets cold outside and you got nobody to love You'll understand what I mean when I say There's no way we're gonna give up And like a little girl cries in the face of a monster that lives in her dreams Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe... I had to include an angry love song here, and Harder to Breathe is one of the angriest. That is, it is to me. Everyone I know thinks this song means something different, and the debate continues. The metaphoric use of lyrics confuse but compel me in every way. The higher-pitch hard rock vocals is something you can’t pull off most of the time (Outside AC/DC), but I was quite impressed. The song has some of the best back-up guitar sounds I’ve found, accompanied by smooth sound effects near the end that end the song on a really high note. Clearly a sweet rock number. #17 - I’m Already There - Lonestar He called her on the road From a lonely cold hotel room Just to hear her say "I love you" one more time And when he heard the sound Of the kids laughing in the background He had to wipe away a tear from his eye A little voice came on the phone Said, "Daddy, when you coming home?" He said the first thing that came to his mind: I'm already there Take a look around I'm the sunshine in your hair I'm the shadow on the ground I'm the whisper in the wind I'm your imaginary friend And I know I'm in your prayers Oh, I'm already there... It’s simply not a love song list without Lonestar. This song, telling a story of a man’s love for home, compels me every time I hear it with its tear-jerking lyricism and soft melody throughout. One of the quieter songs of the country genre, the song is carried by the lyrics alone, really. Neither the vocals or sounds otherwise impress me all that much, but its timeless message endears me. Come on, you know you loved it. #16 - Runaround Sue - Dion & the Belmonts Here's my story, sad but true It's about a girl that I once knew She took my love then ran around With every single guy in town Ah, I should have known it from the very start This girl will leave me with a broken heart Now listen people what I'm telling you A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue I miss her lips and the smile on her face The touch of her hair and this girl's warm embrace So if you don't wanna cry like I do A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue... A song older than dirt, that has seemed to fade away off into the background. Yet again, old-style lyrics and vocals take a spot. Almost the only song here that tells a story more than anything else, Runaround Sue is a song that never seems to get old with me. I first heard it at a Karaoke episode of some show (figuring out where is driving me insane), and since then I’ve had the song squirreled away on my computer. I can’t explain why I love this song so much, I just do. The vocals carry a flawless and timeless melody, including that great vocalizing near the end. It’s a great old-school heartbreak song. #15 - Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder Like a fool, I went and stayed too long I'm wondering if your love's still strong Oh baby, Here I am Signed Sealed Delivered I'm yours Then that time I went and said goodbye Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry Oh baby, Here I am Signed Sealed Delivered I'm yours Done a lot of foolish things That I really didn't mean Seen a lot of things in this whole world When I touch them, there is nothing, girl Oh baby, Here I am Signed Sealed Delivered I'm yours... An age-old song with a very upbeat tune, the Stevie Wonder vocals (and countless other renditions) carry the song. While the tune might be bread and butter, it’s the lyrics that have endeared me to this song for so long. This is one of those songs that you didn’t think was that great until you heard it several times. Each time I hear it, it seems to get better. In any rendition, the familiar message puts a smile on the face and simplistic tune endear you to the song like few others. It’s a very timeless choice of words that keeps a good spot on the list. #14 - When I’m Gone - 3 Doors Down There's another world inside of me that you may never see There's secrets in this life that I can't hide Somewhere in this darkness there's a life that I can't find Maybe it's too far away or maybe I'm just blind, maybe I'm just blind So hold me when I'm here Right me when I'm wrong Hold me when I'm scared and love me when I'm gone Everything I am and everything in me Wants to be the one you wanted me to be I'll never let you down even if I could I'd give up everything if only for your good So hold me when I'm here right me when I'm wrong You can hold me when I'm scared but you won't always be there So love me when I'm gone...love me when I'm gone... 3 Doors Down is a great band with a lot of hate on this site. Through all of their rock, When I’m Gone manages to nab a good spot on the list. The lyrics are great, as expected from them, the drum line and cool guitar pause the vocals now and then, and the song carries a good tune all the way through. This is one of the few songs that I actually sing along to, mainly because of it’s rock feel to it, something I can’t resist in music. Although the lyrics aren’t as powerful as I’d like them to be, they still carry a good message I can relate to. This and 3 Doors Down’s Kryptonite are perfect examples of what I like in music. #13 - Wherever You Will Go - The Calling So lately, been wondering Who will be there to take my place When I'm gone, you'll need love To light the shadows on your face If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all Then between the sand and stone Could you make it on your own? If I could, then I would I'd go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I'll go wherever you will go... Honestly, this song gets me more depressed than any other on this list. Sure, the girl that got away is something most of my fellow saps can relate to, and this song really does the trick at pulling those heart strings. Surely some of the newer material, I have found few songs with such a powerful tune all throughout the song in recent years. The deep vocals, sweet guitar, and most of all, upbeat melody & tune carry the song more than anything. Virtually everything on this song is perfect. #12 - I’ll Be - Edwin McCain The strands in your eyes, that color them wonderful Stop me and steal my breath Emeralds from mountains, thrust towards the sky Never revealing their depth Tell me that we belong together... Dress it up with the trappings of love I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips Instead of the gallows of heartache, that hang from above I'll be your crying shoulder I'll be love suicide I'll be better when I'm older I'll be the greatest fan of your life... This was, at one time, my favorite song of all time. Edwin McCain’s superb vocals take the song home. The simple but excellent guitar accompanying McCain helps carry it through, along with the soothing sax in the far background. This is one of a hundred songs that describe what you can do for someone you love, and is one of the only songs I include in every CD I write. When every other Monday comes and I fall in love, I listen till I’m bored. Excellent performance. #11 - Hero - Enrique Iglesias Would you dance If I asked you to dance? Would you run and never look back? Would you cry if you saw me crying? Would you save my soul tonight? Would you tremble if I touched your lips? Would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this Now would you die for the one you love? Hold me in your arms tonight I can be your hero, baby I can kiss away the pain I will stand by you forever You can take my breath away... A second Iglesias song takes a spot in the list, with the elder Julio Iglesias nowhere to be found. A very quiet Enrique hums throughout the song, but for some reason, this seems to have a more positive effect on his vocals. A slow guitar and cool hum accompany the song. What I like more than anything though, is the awesome lyrics from Iglesias, yet again. Is there really anything more deep? Anywhere? Only the 3 people who haven’t heard the song can fail to understand what the song can mean for anyone who listens to it. #10 - Stand By Me - The Temptations When the night has come And the land is dark And the moon is the only light we'll see No, I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid Just as long as you stand, stand by me So darling, darling, stand by me, oh, stand by me Oh, stand, stand by me, stand by me If the sky that we look upon Should tumble and fall Or the mountains should crumble to the sea I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear Just as long as you stand, stand by me... Screw the overly hyped-about My Girl, Stand By Me is The Temptation’s best. The old-school vocals are excellent (flawless to say the least), and whatever the hell is playing constantly in the background throughout adds that old style feel to it you gotta love. Stand By Me, even through its aging, remains one of the most memorable songs of all time. By now, I’m sure you realize I like songs about a similar message, rather than a story, and few songs do this as well as Stand By Me. Everything about it is perfect. #9 - Forever and for Always - Shania Twain In your arms I can still feel the way you want me when you hold me I can still hear the words you whispered when you told me I can stay right here forever in your arms And there ain't no way I'm letting you go now And there ain't no way And there ain't not how I'll never see that day.... Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always We will be together all of our days Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face--always I’ve always liked Shania Twain, being the only half-decent country star today (I miss the missing Lonestar), because her tunes carry a song like few female vocalists can today. I don’t like, however, that she always picks a song I like and adds a feminine sense...so feminine, that there is just no way a politically correct man can sing along to it...or hell, even listen to it! I still enjoy, however, her smooth voice all throughout her songs, especially this one. Her voice, indeed, carries the song all the way through. This is, I’m pretty sure, the newest song on the list, but hearing it on the radio has endeared me to it a lot. Maybe one day a male rendition will save my friggin’ life...oh, who am I kidding? I’ll just make sure to put in the headphones first. #8 - Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind I left my body laying somewhere in the sands of time I watch the world float to the dark side of the moon I feel there's nothing I can do, yeah I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon After all I knew it had to be something to do with you I really don't mind, what happens now and then As long as you'll be my friend at the end If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand? I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might, Kryptonite... How can you not like this song? The perfect melody and sweet vocals carry through with a hard-rock style sense, yet the poetic lyrics keep the song in a loving mood, ending up in a flawless piece of art. One of my all time favorites, Kryptonite delivers with vocals, guitar, drums, pretty much everything rock is made of, and implants a smooth love mood into me...so why do the “experts” hate it? This is a song with a lot going for it. #7 - Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do... I will be strong, I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning A reason for living A deeper meaning, yeah... I wanna stand with you on a mountain I wanna bathe with you in the sea I wanna lay like this forever Until the sky falls down on me... Probably the sappiest of the songs on here, this is the song that every meat n’ potatoes crew out there hates, despises, and reviles against. Honestly, the vocals here are great, however girlish they may seem. On top of that, the excellent lyrics and sublime melody make it the ideal love song. Every night driving through the suburbs, you hear people constantly asking on the radio to hear the song. It’s not your traditional love song. It’s just much more. Savage Garden, the “late” band, needed more of this. Too bad. #6 - Bring Me To Life - Evanescence How can you see into my eyes like open doors? Leading you down into my core Where I’ve become so numb Without a soul, my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold Until you find it there and lead it back home [Wake me up] Wake me up inside [I cant wake up] Wake me up inside [Save me] Call my name and save me from the dark [Wake me up] Bid my blood to run [I cant wake up] Before I come undone [Save me] Save me from the nothing I’ve become... Amy Lee, the most powerful female voice in the business right now, carries the brilliant song Bring Me To Life with unbelievable execution. The sound is far closer to rock than it is to romance, but the awesomely powerful lyrics make it one of the most emotional songs ever created. Few people realize how little instrumental back-up the song has, apart from an excellent drum line. Lee’s musical power carries the song flawlessly throughout. This is definitely in my top 10 all time list, and carries with it the very essence of the darker genre. #5 - I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Gladys Knight & the Pips Ooh, I bet you're wondering how I knew Baby, baby, baby, 'bout your plans to make me blue With some other girl you knew before Between the two of us girls ya know I love you more It took me by surprise I must say When I found out yesterday Don't ya know that I heard it through the grapevine Not much longer would you be mine Oh, don't ya know that I heard it through the grapevine And I'm just about, just about, just about, to lose my mind Oh yes, I am, Oh yes, I am, Oh yes, I am... This song has been through rendition and rendition. With all of the different versions, we see that it is one of the most memorable songs we’ll ever have. I hear this song on all types of radio stations even now, and I’ve never gotten tired of it. In the original version, Gladys Knight & the Pips take it through pretty much entirely with vocals. This particular version, the original and best, is the most memorable performance of the olden days. The backups, duly noted, carry the song well. The lyrics, most of all, have constructed one of the most memorable messages that almost all can relate to. Thousands argue it is the best song of all time, and with good reason. Perfect song all the way through. #4 - Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson Your love, lifting me higher Than I've ever been lifted before So keep it up Quench my desire And I'll be at your side, forever more You know your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me) Higher (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher) I said your love (your love keeps lifting me) Keep on (love keeps lifting me) Lifting me (lifting me) Higher and higher (higher)... This is definitely the most upbeat and cheerful song on the list. Old-style and perfect vocals, again take a spot on the list. The song has one definite effect on anyone who listens to it: a happier mood. Never has there been a more effective pick-me-up song than this, which is mainly why I love it so much. Jackie Wilson’s vocals, the backup, drums n’ cymbals throughout keep the song on a high note all the way through. Even when the lyrics take us to an unhappy past, the song picks you up like no other can. There really can’t be a more upbeat tune anywhere. #3 - Everything I Do - Bryan Adams Look into my eyes And you will see What you mean to me Search your heart Search your soul And when you find me there you'll search no more Don't tell me it's not worth trying for You can't tell me it's not worth dying for Don't you know it's true Everything I do I do it for you Look into your heart And you will find There's nothing there to hide Just take me as I am Take my life I will give it all, I would sacrifice Don't tell me it's not worth fighting for I can't help it, there's nothing I want more Don't you know it's true Everything I do I do it for you The slowest of ballads, Everything I Do is one of the coolest. The oh-so-sweet lyric style is impeccable. This is another one of the songs that is carried entirely by the lyrics and vocals. Adams sings impeccably, slowly, sweetly, which is perfect for the type of song it is. One of the sappiest of all of them here, Everything I Do holds steadfastly onto its spot. #2 - I’m With You - Avril Lavigne I'm standing on a bridge I'm waiting in the dark I thought that you'd be here by now There's nothing but the rain No footsteps on the ground I'm listening but there's no sound Isn't anyone trying to find me? Won't somebody come take me home It's a damn cold night Trying to figure out this life Won't you take me by the hand Take me somewhere new I don't know who you are But I, I'm with you I'm with you... Though she hasn’t got the needed credit she deserves, Avril Lavigne has a very, very powerful voice, and I really don’t see how it is she hasn’t dominated like I’d expect. Of all her songs, I’m With You has to be my favorite. Not only because she flexes her muscles more than in any other song, but because she uses those charming types of lyrics that I know and love. Again, the vocals dominate the song more than anything. Like Amy Lee, Avril Lavigne has that certain something where she takes power, tune, and melody in just one line of song, ending up ultimately into a song that requires no support of any kind. Perfect vocals, and especially the touching lyrics we need more of make this a perfect song. The best romance song of all time, and another #1 you weren’t expecting...It’s- #1 - Smooth - Santana Man, it’s a hot one Like seven inches from the midday sun Well, I hear you whispering the words that melt everyone But you stay so cool My muñequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa You're my reason for reason The step in my groove And if you said this life ain’t good enough I would give my world to lift you up I could change my life to better suit your mood Cause you’re so smooth And it's just like the ocean under the moon It's the same as the emotion that I get from you You got the kind of lovin' that can be so smooth Yeah, give me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it I’ll tell you one thing If you would leave it'd be a crying shame In every breath and every word I hear your name calling me out Out from the barrio, you hear my rhythm on your radio You feel the turning of the world so soft and slow Turning you round and round And if you said this life ain’t good enough I would give my world to lift you up I could change my life to better suit your mood Cause you’re so smooth And its just like the ocean under the moon Well it’s the same as the emotion that I get from you You got the kind of lovin’ that can be so smooth Yeah, give me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it And its just like the ocean under the moon Well it’s the same as the emotion that I get from you You got the kind of lovin’ that can be so smooth Yeah, give me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it... This is, without a doubt, the most perfect song throughout this entire list. The vocals...Santana carries it through with backup singers and all to deliver the most powerful talk you could hope for. The perfect lyrics are most upbeat and cheerful, carrying with them a song I’d sing to anyone I’d love. Backing up the flawless vocals are many a sound effect and echo, which adds a very sweet sound to a great formula. The best thing about the song though, is the sublime salsa and soft-rock mixture found in no other song I’ve ever heard. The whistling trumpets throughout the song add a 40's dance club feel to it I’ve never heard in a song like this, and are then rattled by an awesome guitar-and-drums number, which ultimately complete one of the most effective formulas ever in the art of music. Definitely one of the greatest songs of all time: perfect. in conclusion... I see I’ll always enjoy songs of the love persuasion, and my favorites of the genre hold some meaning to me different from any other song. Keep listening... - S. Black

Read all comments (4)|Write your own comment

Write an essay on this topic.