The great love songs of the 60s were like an oasis of calm in a choppy sea. After all the decade will always be remembered as a time of turmoil, change, and huge milestones. From the moon landing to high-profile assassinations to racial strife and civil rights movements, the 60s were in a state of constant turmoil. But these classic romantic tunes were there through the whole thing, reminding us that true love perseveres.
“What the World Needs Now”
“What the World Needs Now” was released in 1965 and is sung by Jackie DeShannon. It’s a song about how love can conquer all, even world problems. It was a timely message, even if it laid a lot of responsibility at love’s feet. The song was originally offered to Dionne Warwick, who turned it down but would eventually release a cover..
“Roses are Red (My Love)”
This song was released in 1962 and is sung by Bobby Vinton. It’s a great love song about the power of unconditional love. The tune has been covered countless times, but its most popular version might be Connie Francis’. As Vinton croons, even roses can’t compare to the great love he has for his significant other.
“Our Day Will Come”
Released in 1963, “Our Day Will Come” is a soulful 60s love song about how great things will be when the time comes for them to be together. The tune was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who also collaborated on “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”
“Johnny Angel”
Released in 1962, “Johnny Angel” was written by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss. This breakout hit for Shelley Fabares told the tale of a girl who falls for the boy next door, even if he is “just” the boy next year. In later years, Fabares found fame as Christine, Hayden’s longtime girlfriend on the sitcom “Coach.”
“Save the Last Dance for Me”
Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, “Save the Last Dance for Me” is an uplifting tune about a couple who’s not giving up on their relationship.
Recorded in 1960, this right-on-time song was recorded by The Drifters with Ben E. King as lead singer. Originally written as a slow ballad, it became a great dance song — pretty much however you wanted to dance!
The song was first released in 1962.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand”
The Beatles, the great British rock band of the 1960s, had their first major hit with “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” which was released in 1963. It was a simple sentiment that resonated with couples and helped establish the Beatles in the hearts and minds of the great mass of American teenagers.
“Unchained Melody”
The song “Unchained Melody” is about the great affection between two people. It was first released in 1955, and then again — with more success! — by The Righteous Brothers in 1965.
This haunting tune was a huge commercial success, selling over nine million copies worldwide to date, and it’s widely recognized as one of the great love songs, not just of the 60s, but of all time.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”
Another Righteous Brothers hit, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” was first released in 1964, and became a not-so-subtle plea for affection. This song has been covered by many artists over the years, but it’s still considered one of the great love songs from the 1960s because of its soulful lyrics and tunes that so aptly convey that desolate feeling of being in a relationship that’s gone cold.
“Only the Lonely”
This great love song was originally sung by Roy Orbison, and it became a hit for him in 1960. Written about the feelings of being alone after a relationship has ended, this tune is one that will never go out of style so long as there are lonely hearts everywhere.
“It’s Now or Never”
This great love song was a huge hit and released in 1960. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this tune became one of the many signature songs for Elvis Presley. This song’s beat and lyrics become more urgent as the verses unfold, with Elvis finally telling his love that she’s got to choose because, “my love won’t wait.
(Like Love Songs of the 60s? Then you might like our article on Love Songs of the 70s, click here.)
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