I’ve carefully selected the best slow dance songs of all time, creating a timeless playlist perfect for those intimate moments on the dance floor.
These tracks are a blend of classic romance and soulful melodies, ideal for anyone seeking the ultimate slow dance experience.
Table of Contents
Top slow dance songs of all time
- “How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees
- “Faithfully” by Journey
- “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
- “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “Dedicate to the One I Love” by The Shirelles
- “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
- “By Your Side” by Sade
1. “How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees
“How Deep Is Your Love” is a classic love song by the Bee Gees, released in 1977.
The song was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb and was recorded for the group’s album Saturday Night Fever.
The song became one of the Bee Gees’ biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts in several countries worldwide.
The song’s lyrics explore the depths of love and the feelings that come with it, making it a perfect choice for a slow dance.
Its slow tempo and romantic melody make it a classic choice for any romantic occasion.
2. “Faithfully” by Journey
“Faithfully” is a power ballad by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983.
It is one of the best classic slow dance songs ever recorded.
“Faithfully” became one of Journey’s most popular songs, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple of their live performances.
The song’s lyrics are about a lover’s promise to remain faithful and true, despite the challenges and distance that may come between them.
Its emotional and heartfelt lyrics, combined with its slow tempo and soaring guitar solos, make it a perfect choice for a slow dance.
3. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
Harvest Moon” is a song by Canadian musician Neil Young, released on his 1992 album of the same name.
The song is a slow, contemplative ballad that reflects on the passing of time and the changing of seasons.
It features Young’s signature guitar work and emotive vocals and has become one of his best-known and most beloved songs.
The album Harvest Moon was a critical and commercial success and is considered one of Young’s finest works.
4. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a song by the American rock band Aerosmith.
It is known to be among the best songs to slow dance to.
The song was released as a single in 1998 and became a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming Aerosmith’s first and only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It features a dramatic, emotional sound and powerful vocals from lead singer Steven Tyler.
The song has since become one of Aerosmith’s most popular and enduring hits.
5. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
“Unchained Melody” is a popular song that was originally recorded in 1955 by Todd Duncan for the soundtrack of the prison film Unchained.
It was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret.
The song was later covered by numerous artists, including the Righteous Brothers in 1965.
The Righteous Brothers’ version of the song, which was produced by Phil Spector, became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.
It has since become a classic and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
6. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley is one of the best slow dance songs.
It is a song written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss.
It was recorded by Elvis Presley for the soundtrack of his 1961 film Blue Hawaii and released as a single in 1962.
The song is a ballad and has become one of Presley’s most well-known and beloved hits.
It is a romantic, heartfelt song that speaks to the idea of being unable to resist falling in love with someone.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and its popularity has made it a classic of popular music.
7. “At Last” by Etta James
“At Last” is a classic slow dance song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren and performed by Etta James.
The lyrics of “At Last” express the feeling of finally finding true love after a long search: “At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over. And life is like a song.”
The song is known for its sweeping, romantic melody and Etta James’s emotive, soulful vocals.
It has become a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.
8. “Dedicate to the One I Love” by The Shirelles
Another top slow dance song is The Shirelles’ “Dedicated to the One I Love.”
Lowman Pauling and Ralph Bass wrote the song, which The Shirelles recorded and released as a single in 1961.
The song became one of the group’s biggest hits, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a classic of doo-wop and soul music.
The lyrics of the song express the singer’s love and devotion to their partner, and the song has been covered by many artists over the years.
9. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
“Fade Into You” is a song by the American alternative rock band Mazzy Star.
The song was written by lead singer Hope Sandoval and lead guitarist David Roback, and it features a dreamy, atmospheric sound with a prominent guitar melody and Sandoval’s emotive vocals.
“Fade Into You” became a popular song and helped to establish the band’s reputation as one of the leading acts in the dream pop and alternative rock genres.
It remains one of Mazzy Star’s best-known and most loved songs.
10. “By Your Side” by Sade
“By Your Side” is a song by the English band Sade, released on their fifth studio album, Lovers Rock.
The song is a mid-tempo ballad with a soothing, soulful sound and lyrics that express a desire to be there for someone in times of trouble.
The chorus features the lines “I’ll be your dream, I’ll be your wish, I’ll be your fantasy.” I’ll be your hope, your love, and everything else you require. I’ll love you more and more with each breath—truly, madly, deeply.
I will be strong. I will be faithful because I’m counting on a new beginning. a reason for living: “A deeper meaning, yeah.”
11. “My Funny Valentine” by Frank Sinatra
Sinatra’s version of the song is a romantic ballad, with lyrics that express the singer’s deep love and affection for his partner, despite their flaws or quirks.
The song is known for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics and has become a classic of popular music.
12. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
“Let’s Stay Together” is a soul and written by Al Green, Willie Mitchell, and Al Jackson Jr.
It is one of the best slow songs to sing along to.
The song’s lyrics express a deep desire for a romantic relationship to last, with the singer pleading for his partner to “let’s stay together, loving you whether times are good or bad, happy or sad.”
The song’s upbeat, soulful melody and Green’s smooth, emotive vocals have made it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.
13. “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones
“Wild Horses” is a song by the Rolling Stones, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
It was first released on the band’s 1971 album, Sticky Fingers. The song is known for its beautiful, emotional lyrics and its iconic guitar work.
It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains one of the most popular and enduring songs in the Rolling Stones’ catalogue.
14. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
“If I Ain’t Got You” is a song by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.
It was inspired by the death of Aaliyah and the September 11 attacks, and it reflects on the importance of love and its ability to bring people together.
It was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a top-ten hit in several countries.
The song won a Grammy Award for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” in 2005.
15. “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” is one of the most classic slow dance songs of all time.
It was released as a single in 1969 and became one of Wonder’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song, which was written for Wonder’s then-girlfriend, Yolanda Simmons, is a love ballad with a prominent horn section and lush strings.
Its lyrics express the singer’s deep love for his sweetheart, with lines like “My Cherie Amour, lovely as the evening breeze / Tender as a summer’s night.”
16. “Why Try to Change Me Now?” by Frank Sinatra
Who else but Frank Sinatra would we turn to for a slow dance song tinged with melancholy and jazz tones?
“Why Try to Change Me Now?” is a song that ruminates on the wandering nature of life and the loneliness of the world at its core.
He used the line “You know I’ll love you till the moon’s upside down” to emphasize the stability of love over and over again.
17. “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos
The Flamingos’ version of the song, which was released in 1959, became one of their biggest hits and is considered one of their definitive songs.
It features a prominent saxophone solo and lush harmonies and has been widely praised for its emotive and romantic lyrics.
The song has been featured in several films and television shows and remains a classic of popular music.
18. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” is known for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, as well as Valli’s powerful and emotive vocal performance.
The song’s lyrics express the singer’s infatuation with a lover and his inability to look away from her.
The song became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries.
It has since been covered by numerous artists and has become a popular music classic.
19. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
“Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones is another great slow dance song.
“Come Away With Me” is a laid-back, jazz-influenced pop song that features Jones’ distinctive vocals and piano playing.
The song’s lyrics express a desire for a romantic escape with a lover, and its mellow, intimate feel has made it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.
The song became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and winning eight Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
20. “My Girl” by The Temptations
“My Girl” is a popular soul song recorded by The Temptations in 1964.
The song was a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of The Temptations’ signature songs.
It was first recorded by Bing Crosby and the Les Paul Trio in 1945.
The song became a hit during World War II, and its lyrics describe the feelings of longing and nostalgia that soldiers and their loved ones experienced while they were separated during the war.
The song was later covered by many other artists and has become a classic standard.
22. “Baby, I Love You” by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin covered the song in 1967, and her version became a hit, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Franklin’s version of the song features a driving beat and her powerful, soulful vocals, and it has become one of her most popular and enduring hits.
It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows and has been covered by many other artists over the years.
23. “In My Life” by The Beatles
“In My Life” by The Beatles is one of the most popular slow dance songs.
It is a song by the English rock band The Beatles, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
The song is known for its introspective lyrics, which reflect on the narrator’s past and the people and places that have had an impact on their life.
The song has a simple structure, with a repeating verse and chorus, and features a prominent piano melody played by McCartney.
24. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” is a romantic ballad with folk and soul-influenced sound.
It features Sheeran singing over a gentle guitar melody and includes a string arrangement.
The lyrics express the narrator’s thoughts about love and the passage of time, and the song has a theme of eternal love.
It was released as a single in 2014 and later appeared on Sheeran’s album X (pronounced “multiply”).
25. “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
“Let’s Get It On” is a song by American singer Marvin Gaye, released as the title track of his 1973 album of the same name.
The song features a soulful, sensual sound and lyrics that speak to the desire for physical intimacy and love.
It became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
26. “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf
La Vie en Rose” is a popular French song originally performed by Édith Piaf, a French singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s.
The song was written in 1945 and was first performed by Piaf in 1947.
The song became one of Piaf’s most well-known and enduring hits, and it has been covered by numerous artists in various languages.
It is considered a classic of French popular music and has been described as “a French cultural icon.”
The song speaks of the joy and hopes that love brings and the idea of seeing life through rose-colored glasses.
27. “I Swear” by All-4-One
“I Swear” by All-4-One is the top classic slow dance song, ideal for weddings and dinner dates.
“I Swear” is a song written by Gary Baker and Frank J. Myers that was recorded by the American vocal group All-4-One.
It was released in 1994 as a single and became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The song’s lyrics express a deep and sincere love for someone, and the chorus features the line, “I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky, I’ll be there, I swear.”
28. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
“Unforgettable” is a popular song written by Irving Gordon and first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951.
It has since become one of Cole’s most famous and enduring hits and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song’s lyrics express the idea that the memories of a loved one are unforgettable and that they remain in the mind and heart even after they are gone.
The song’s melody is memorable and emotive, and it is often used in films, television shows, and other media as a way to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing.
29. “Islands In The Stream” by Dolly Parto, Kenny Rogers
“Islands in the Stream” is a song written by the Bee Gees and sung by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
It was released in 1983 and became a hit for both artists, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
The song is about the enduring love between two people and the idea of finding solace and happiness in each other.
It has since become a classic and is still widely known and loved by many.
30. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is one of the best slow songs to dance to.
“I Will Always Love You” is a song written by Dolly Parton and originally recorded by her in 1974.
Whitney Houston’s version of the song, which was released in 1992, became a massive international hit and is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” features a powerful and emotive vocal performance, and the song’s lyrics, which speak of enduring love and the difficulty of letting go, have resonated with listeners around the world.
31. “Earth Angel” by The Penguins
“Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)” is a song written by Curtis Williams, Jesse Belvin, and Gaynel Hodge and recorded by The Penguins in 1954.
The song, which features a memorable and catchy doo-wop melody, became a huge hit upon its release and has since become a classic of the genre.
The lyrics of “Earth Angel” speak of a young man’s love and devotion for a special someone, and the song’s simple yet powerful message of love and longing has made it a favorite of music fans for decades.
32. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
“A Thousand Years” is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Christina Perri.
It was released as a single in 2011 and later included on Perri’s debut studio album, Lovestrong.
“A Thousand Years” is a romantic ballad with a piano-driven melody and lyrics that speak of the enduring and timeless nature of true love.
The song gained widespread popularity after it was featured in the movie “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 1” (2011).
It has since become a popular song for weddings and other romantic occasions.
33. “Blue Moon” by Ella Fitzgerald
Originally composed in the 1930s, the classic ballad “Blue Moon” had a surge in popularity in the 1960s thanks to a version by the doo-wop group The Marcels.
However, for a slow dance, we prefer Ella Fitzgerald’s version since her vocal range perfectly encapsulates the lyrics’ loneliness and hope.
34. “Embraceable You” by Nat King Cole
“Embraceable You” is a popular song written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1930.
It has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Nat King Cole.
Nat King Cole’s version of the song was released in 1950 and became a hit, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard charts.
The song has a romantic, intimate feel and is known for its smooth, mellow sound and Cole’s warm, rich vocals.
It has been covered by many other artists and has become a jazz and pop standard.
35. “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledge
“When a Man Loves a Woman” is a song written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright and recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966.
It was Sledge’s first single and his most successful record, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries.
The song is a soul ballad about the depth of a man’s love for a woman.
Its lyrics express the narrator’s deep emotional connection to his lover and his inability to control his feelings for her.
It is one of the best slow dance songs of all time.
36. “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis
“I Love You Always Forever” is a song by Welsh singer-songwriter Donna Lewis.
It was released in 1996 as the lead single from her debut studio album, Now in a Minute.
The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and lyrics that express the theme of enduring love.
It has been used in numerous films and television shows and has been covered by several artists, and it’s rated one of the best slow songs to dance to.
37. “Your Song” by Elton John
“Your Song” is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
The song is a ballad with simple, straightforward lyrics that express the theme of love and devotion.
It has a soft, intimate feel and features a piano melody played by Elton John.
The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and becoming John’s signature song.
38. “Lover” by Taylor Swift
“Lover” is a romantic ballad that finds Swift singing about her love for her partner, whom she describes as her “lover.”
The song features a bright and upbeat melody, with Swift’s vocals backed by piano and guitar.
39. “Fever” by Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee’s version of “Fever” is a sultry and sensual interpretation of the song, with her husky vocals and smooth delivery adding a seductive edge to the lyrics.
The song features a simple and repetitive piano melody, with Lee’s vocals taking center stage.
The song is ideal for slow dancing.
Peggy Lee’s version of “Fever” became a hit, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of her most enduring and memorable songs.
40. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Stand By Me” is a classic soul ballad that has become one of the most enduring and beloved songs of all time.
It features a simple and repetitive guitar melody, with King’s emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics taking center stage.
The song is about the power of friendship and the importance of having someone to rely on in difficult times.
41. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
“Time After Time” is a song written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman and recorded by Lauper for her 1983 debut studio album, She’s So Unusual.
The song is a ballad that compares the passing of time to the ebb and flow of a relationship.
It features a lush, emotional melody and sweeping production, with Lauper’s powerful and emotive vocals at the forefront.
The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, and its message has resonated with listeners for decades.
42. “All of Me” by John Legend
“All of Me” is a song by American singer John Legend, released as the third single from his fourth studio album, Love in the Future.
The lyrics of “All of Me” describe the narrator’s love for his partner and the depth of their connection.
The song has a simple but powerful melody and is accompanied by piano and guitar.
It has a slow, soulful feel, and Legend’s vocals are emotive and heartfelt.
The song has been praised for its honesty and its ability to capture the emotion of true love.
43. “All My Tomorrows” by Frank Sinatra
“All My Tomorrows” by Frank Sinatra is one of the best slow dance songs ever written.
It was written by Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen and first recorded and released by Frank Sinatra in 1959.
The song is a ballad about a person who is looking ahead to the future and all the unknown challenges and opportunities that it holds.
The lyrics express the idea that, no matter what the future brings, the singer will always be there to face it and to keep loving and caring for the person he loves.
44. “Amazed” by Lonestar
“Amazed” is a song recorded by the American country music group Lonestar.
It was written by Marv Green, Aimee Mayo, and Chris Lindsey.
The song was released in 1999 as the lead single from Lonestar’s third studio album, Lonely Grill.
It became a major crossover hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Lonestar’s only number-one hit on that chart.
The song has since become a classic in the country music genre and has been covered by several artists.
45. “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
“Better Together” is a song by Hawaiian singer-songwriter Jack Johnson.
It was released in 2005 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, In Between Dreams.
The lyrics of “Better Together” are about the joys and comfort of being in a loving relationship.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart.
It has since become one of Johnson’s most popular and well-known songs, and it has been used in several films and television shows.
It is also one of the best classic slow dance songs ever recorded.
46. “Big Jet Plane” by Angus & Julia Stone
“Big Jet Plane” is a song by Australian singer-songwriter duo Angus & Julia Stone.
It was released as a single in 2010 and became a hit in several countries.
The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, and it has been described as folk-pop and indie rock.
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man who is leaving on a big jet plane, presumably to start a new life somewhere else.
Despite the heartbreak of leaving, the man is confident that he will find happiness on his new journey.
47. “Bound To You” by Christina Aguilera
Looking for a good slow dance song for your wedding or evening date?
Look no further and listen to “Bound To You” by Christina Aguilera.
“Bound to You” is a ballad with a piano-driven arrangement and emotive lyrics that express the deep love and commitment of the narrator.
It has since become a fan favorite and has been included in several of Aguilera’s greatest hits collections.
48. “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges
“Coming Home” is a soulful, upbeat track that features Bridges’ smooth vocals and a retro-inspired production.
The lyrics tell the story of a man returning home after being away for some time and being reunited with the woman he loves.
The song has received critical acclaim for its vintage sound and Bridges’ emotive vocals.
It has been described as a “timeless” and “soulful” piece of music.
49. “Conversations in the Dark” by John Legend
“Conversations in the Dark” is a song by American musician John Legend.
It was released in 2020 as the lead single from Legend’s sixth studio album, Bigger Love.
“Conversations in the Dark” is a romantic ballad that features Legend’s soulful vocals and piano accompaniment.
The lyrics explore the idea of deep, intimate conversations between two people who are in love.
50. “Dontchange” by Musiq Soulchild
“Dontchange” is a song by American musician Musiq Soulchild.
It was released in 2002 as the lead single from his debut studio album, Aijuswanaseing.
“Dontchange” is a soulful, mid-tempo track that features Musiq Soulchild’s smooth vocals and a laid-back production.
The lyrics talk about the importance of staying true to oneself and not changing for anyone else.
Slow Dance Songs – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the 50 best slow dance songs of all time are a diverse and romantic selection of tunes that have stood the test of time.
From classic love ballads to modern hits, these songs can transport listeners back to special moments and create new ones.
Whether you prefer a classic crooner or a pop diva, there is a slow dance song for every taste and occasion.
So put on your dancing shoes, dim the lights, and let the music take you away as you sway to these timeless slow dance hits.
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