The 1960s was a time of change and innovation. The Civil Rights Movement was fighting racial segregation, pacifists were protesting the Vietnam War, young women were getting involved in the Women’s Rights Movement, and the sexual revolution was changing the social dynamic. The political and cultural environment was pulsing with activity, and the music of the 1960s reflected the turbulent times.
The decade saw a diverse range of musicians and performers. The early part of the 1960s was dominated by sweet pop songs and well-dressed performers with choreographed dance moves. The Supremes were singing love songs, and the one-man show known as Elvis Presley was shaking his hips and breaking hearts with guitar in hand. And when The Beatles hit the scene, fans had their socks knocked off. The Beatles took over the radio waves, and Beatlemania had young women screaming from their seats.
The second half of the decade was overshadowed by political unrest, and music began to get more experimental. The sounds that defined the time were inspiring change and revolutionary ideas. Musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Bob Dylan were shaking up the scene with a new, wilder approach to music. Even the Beatles changed it up from simple pop songs to psychedelic music with interpretive lyrics.
Despite the wide range of music styles, all of these artists had something in common: They sang songs about love. The Shirelles were asking fans, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” The Supremes were asking, “Where Did Our Love Go?” and The Dixie Cups were heading to “The Chapel of Love.” The biggest love songs from the 1960s captured fans’ attention and celebrated love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
To determine the biggest songs about love from the 1960s, 24/7 Tempo reviewed historic performance data from the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Songs containing the word “love” in their title that charted between 1960 and 1969 were ranked based on an inverse point system wherein a week at No. 1 is worth 100 points, a week at No. 2 worth 99 points, and so on, up to a week at No. 100 worth one point. Only songs that reached No. 10 or higher on the Hot 100 were included. Chart data is current through March 16, 2024. (Read about the biggest songs about love on the Hot 100)
50. Connie Francis, “Don’t Break The Heart That Loves You”
Source: ABC Television / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: February 10, 1962
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 13 weeks
49. Gene Pitney, “It Hurts To Be In Love”
Source: Griffiths / Stringer / Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: July 18, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 7 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
48. Mercy, “Love (Can Make You Happy)”
Source: Elena_E / Shutterstock.com
- Entered Hot 100: April 12, 1969
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 13 weeks
47. The Lettermen, “When I Fall In Love”
Source: William Morris Agency (management); photographer: Maurice Seymour (barely visible at lower left), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: November 20, 1961
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 7 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
46. The Paris Sisters, “I Love How You Love Me”
Source: mgaylard / Flickr
N/A
- Entered Hot 100: September 4, 1961
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 5 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
45. The Doors, “Hello, I Love You”
Source: Express / Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: July 6, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 12 weeks
44. The Toys, “A Lover’s Concerto”
Source: Beat Publications Page two of the paper lists the publisher, who has given no copyright information. Photo is by Chuck Boyd of the paper., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: September 11, 1965
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 3 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
43. Steve Lawrence, “Portrait Of My Love”
Source: General Artists Corporation (management company)-photographer: Maurice Seymour, New York., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: March 6, 1961
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 9 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
42. The Troggs, “Love Is All Around”
Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: February 24, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 7 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
41. Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, “The Look Of Love”
Source: A&M Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: May 11, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 4 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
40. The Beatles, “Love Me Do”
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: April 11, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
39. The Searchers, “Love Potion Number Nine”
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: November 28, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 3 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
38. The Supremes, “You Can’t Hurry Love”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: August 13, 1966
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 13 weeks
37. The Dixie Cups, “Chapel Of Love”
Source: Masahiro Sumori / Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: May 2, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 3 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 13 weeks
36. The Young Rascals, “Good Lovin’”
Source: Associated Booking Corporation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: March 12, 1966
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
35. Andy Kim, “Baby, I Love You”
Source: Feld Brothers Management Corp., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: May 24, 1969
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 9 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
34. The Ray Charles Singers, “Love Me With All Your Heart (Cuando Calienta El Sol)”
Source: alan-light / Flickr
- Entered Hot 100: April 11, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 3 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
33. Gene Pitney, “Only Love Can Break A Heart”
Source: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: September 15, 1962
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
32. Paul Anka, “Puppy Love”
Source: William Lovelace / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: February 22, 1960
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
31. Bobby Vinton, “I Love How You Love Me”
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: November 2, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 9 (for 3 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
30. Johnny Preston, “Cradle Of Love”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: March 28, 1960
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 7 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
29. The Delfonics, “La – La – Means I Love You”
Source: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: February 3, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 4 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
28. Mary Wells, “The One Who Really Loves You”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: March 24, 1962
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 8 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 17 weeks
27. Al Martino, “I Love You Because”
Source: General Artists Corporation (management); Photographer: "Bruno of Hollywood", Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: April 6, 1963
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 3 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
26. Diana Ross And The Supremes & The Temptations, “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: December 7, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 13 weeks
25. The Association, “Never My Love”
Source: KRLA Beat, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: August 26, 1967
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
24. The Supremes, “Baby Love”
Source: Central Press / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: October 3, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 4 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 13 weeks
23. The Tymes, “So Much In Love”
Source: Columbia Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: June 1, 1963
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
22. Jr. Walker & The All Stars, “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)”
Source: Motown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: May 17, 1969
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 4 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
21. Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: December 4, 1961
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
20. Henry Mancini And His Orchestra, “Love Theme From Romeo & Juliet”
Source: RCA Records / Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: May 10, 1969
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
19. Johnnie Taylor, “Who’s Making Love”
Source: Echoes / Redferns via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: October 26, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 5 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
18. The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go”
Source: Keystone / Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: July 11, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
17. Led Zeppelin, “Whole Lotta Love”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: November 22, 1969
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 4 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
16. Herb Alpert, “This Guy’s In Love With You”
Source: Keystone / Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: May 18, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 4 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 14 weeks
15. Stevie Wonder, “I Was Made To Love Her”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: June 10, 1967
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 2 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
14. Barbara George, “I Know (You Don’t Love Me No More)”
Source: Liliboas / E+ via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: November 13, 1961
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 3 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 19 weeks
13. Dean Martin, “Everybody Loves Somebody”
Source: FPG / Archive Photos via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: June 27, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
12. Bobby Vinton, “Roses Are Red (My Love)”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: June 9, 1962
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 4 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
11. Ron Holden with The Thunderbirds, “Love You So”
Source: Charlton Publications, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: April 4, 1960
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 7 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 19 weeks
10. The Righteous Brothers, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: December 12, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
9. The Beatles, “She Loves You”
Source: Fox Photos / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: January 25, 1964
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 15 weeks
8. Lulu, “To Sir With Love”
Source: Lubritpetition, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: September 9, 1967
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 5 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 17 weeks
7. Diana Ross & The Supremes, “Love Child”
Source: Rick Kern / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: October 19, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 16 weeks
6. Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra, “Love Is Blue (L’amour Est Bleu)”
Source: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: January 6, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 5 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 18 weeks
5. Ray Charles, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
Source: David Redfern / Redferns via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: May 5, 1962
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 5 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 18 weeks
4. The Shirelles, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: November 21, 1960
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 1 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 19 weeks
3. Tom Jones, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”
Source: Samir Hussein / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: September 9, 1967
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 6 (for 2 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 23 weeks
2. Cream, “Sunshine Of Your Love”
Source: General Artists Corporation (management) /Atco Records (the band's record label at one time)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Entered Hot 100: January 13, 1968
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 5 (for 1 week)
- Total time on Hot 100: 26 weeks
1. The Contours, “Do You Love Me”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Entered Hot 100: August 11, 1962
- Peak position on Hot 100: No. 3 (for 3 weeks)
- Total time on Hot 100: 34 weeks