Reviewed by Craig Hoffman 
Often even the best Valentine’s Day plans fail. In a year when going out to celebrate love is difficult, what is one to do? Thankfully, there are tons of great singers who can put a little romance in your life even while you are sitting at home.

What are your favorite love songs? Let the Icon know in the comments!

“Unchained Melody” (1965)- The Righteous Brothers
This song was made famous in the movie “Ghost.” It’s hands down the best and most romantic long song ever. "Unchained Melody" was released as the ‘B’ side of the single “Hung On You” as the follow-up single to “Just Once in My Life.” The radio stations preferred the ‘B’ side, and the song went one to become iconic.

“I Will Always Love You” (1992)- Whitney Houston 
One of the most iconic songs ever. The late legend brought this Dolly Parton tune to life. It’s a can’t-miss tune for any night of romance. “I Will Always Love You” won the 1994 Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for Houston.

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” (1961)- Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s classic never gets old. It was the last song he performed in concert before he died. It has been covered by many artists, but this version is by far the best. The melody is based on “Plaisir d'amour,” a popular French love song composed in 1784.

“Roses Are Red (My Love)” (1962)- Bobby Vinton
A struggling Vinton was about to be axed from his record label when this song came along. Vinton found it in a reject pile at the studio. It was recorded as an R&B tune, but the studio didn’t agree with the choice. The arrangement was changed and it became a number one hit for the “Polish Prince.”

“I Just Called to Say I Love You” (1984)- Stevie Wonder
This Oscar-winning song from “The Woman in Red” is one of Wonder’s best songs. There was a dispute among Wonder, his former writing partner as to who wrote the song. A lawsuit ensued, but Wonder came out the victor.

“She Believes in Me” (1979)- Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers sings about not knowing why his loved ones have so much faith in him. “She Believes In Me” became one of his biggest crossover hits in the late spring of 1979, reaching number one on the charts. Rogers would later be elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. 

“She Loves You” (1964)- The Beatles
John Lennon and Paul McCartney penned this song on a tour bus in England. Producer George Martin was the inspiration for the chorus of “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah.” to start the tune. ”She Loves You” is the song that thrust the Beatles into the British national spotlight, and later bursting onto the American music scene.

“L-O-V-E” (1965)- Nat King Cole
This jazz song by Nat King Cole was a huge hit. It did so well that the artist recorded it in other languages including Japanese. The song has been covered by multiple artists, including Nat King Cole’s daughter Natalie Cole on Unforgettable... with Love (1991).

“You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” (1965)- The Righteous Brothers
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil wrote this song on a rented piano at the Chateau Marmont on the Sunset Strip. The original words “You've lost that lovin’ feelin’” was meant simply as a placeholder. But the producer loved them, and music history was made.

“Your Song” (1970)- Elton John
Elton John’s beloved pop song from the 1970s is still popular today. It was featured in the movie, Rocketman, the Elton John biopic. Bernie Taupin remarked about the song, “I scribbled the lyric down on a lined notepad at the kitchen table of Elton’s mother's apartment in the London suburb of Northwood Hills, breakfast time sometime in 1969. That’s it. Plain and simple.”

Final Take: No matter how you plan on spending the day, whether it’s getting comfy for a Valentine’s Day movie or a romantic dinner at home, stay safe. Love: 5/5

Craig Hoffman is a music graduate of Ohio Northern University and The University of Akron School of Music. He also serves as the Icon’s Japan correspondent.