Top 10 cheesiest love songs ever... and how (some) people love them nevertheless

by: N Ricasata
2010-02-03

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Valentine's Day is just around the corner, either waiting to surprise you at your doorstep with a bouquet of long stemmed roses or an engagement ring, or finding you wallowing once more among the lonely on the much celebrated Day of Hearts. Love songs have played a vital role at times like this--creating the timeless theme song for a couple about to embark on their journey through love, reminiscing, at times with sadness, about what has been lost and of course, yearning for the day when you finally meet "the one".

A Valentine's Day fan or not, I'm pretty sure that you'll agree with me that the following songs are definitely the top 10 cheesiest love songs of all time.... And how, despite the corny lyrics, they are still considered legendary.

I'll Make Love To You - Boyz II Men

Close your eyes, make a wish. He'll do anything. Your wish is his command. Take your clothes off and he will take his clothes off too. OK, I get it. This song definitely brings to mind Terry Crews' remarkable performance in White Chicks as the ultimate love machine. For those of you who can listen to the entire track without flinching, good for you! Next song, please.

It Might Be You - Stephen Bishop

A love song typically dedicated to "the one" ("the one", by definition, being somebody you think you're meant to spend the rest of your life with) or an anthem for the loveless, "It Might Be You" has been a prom and Valentine's Day staple since the 80s. How it still manages to still find its way into modern day playlists is only testament to its timelessness. This, and of course, the fact that Stephen Bishop looks like a seriously sentimental version of Weird Al Yankovic actually makes him a trip to watch in live performances.

As Long As You Love Me - Backstreet Boys

Way before the Backstreet Boys were past the acceptable age for boy band cuteness, they came out with several hits that took the world (at least, the entire teenage girl population) by storm. "As Long As You Love Me" is one of their many ballads that was performed with a highly-synchronized dance choreography. A true illustration of the saying, love beats prejudice.

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

Like it or not, this song will always remind you of that Titanic scene with Rose and Jack dangling off the edge of that massive ship. An inspirational love song for those who believe in the kind of love that bears all, transcends all barriers and lasts beyond a lifetime, this Celine Dion hit also makes a great song of choice for a showdown at the local karaoke joint.

Paint My Love - Michael Learns to Rock

The greatest Danish band who has gained a huge following in the world stage, Michael Learns to Rock released a number of hit ballads that one can still surprisingly hear playing in different parts of the (third) world, long after the peak of their fame. With simple lyrics and effortless metaphors, Michael Learns to Rock has produced the best love songs for the hopeless (bordering on pathetic) romantic, the ultra-cheesy couple who like to call each other pastry names and the quintessential bus driver on a hot summer day in the countryside. After all, there's no better way to create a visual of one's love than to compare it to a thousand sunsets. Or the flight of a thousand doves.

I'll Be - Edwin McCain

In case you didn't know, Edwin McCain is the guy with the Nirvana grunge era hair who pioneered the term "love suicide" in his song, which probably spurred the alarm of a number of concerned parents of lovestruck teenage girls. Nevertheless, one great part about this song is the fact that it was written especially for Rob Thomas and his wife's wedding, hence the line, "I'll be the greatest fan of your life". Nothing to make a song more special than a true to life dedication that you can pattern yours after!

Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye

We've heard it on Austin Powers. Jack Black made a brilliant rendition of it in High Fidelity. Believe it or not, the Chipmunks have their own version too. In my list, this definitely tramples Boyz II Men's attempt incorporating sex into music by taking it to a whole new level--equating it with love and transcending media's typical portrayal of sex through the sincerity in its lyrics. I'm a big fan.

All My Life - KC and Jojo

Sweet and precious, eh? Nothing like a man professing to you his undying love and a promise that he would never fall in love... with a stranger. And nothing says love more than a man telling you that he cares for you in the same way that he does for his father, mother, brother, sister... The list may go on. Confusing and at times strange, "All My Life" still manages to be swoon-worthy solely because of the soulful manner in which it's sung.

Invisible Man - 98 Degrees

I have to admit, those 98 Degrees guys are HOT. Cheesy as their lyrics may sound, their deep voices (say, reverberating through your heart?) and abs are a thing to reckon with. Placing second in my list is their first hit, "Invisible Man", which is pretty much one guy's endless yearning for a girl for whose attention he craves. "You don't even know I'm alive," the chorus goes. Honestly, I don't know how one can ignore or not notice someone from 98 Degrees, unless he deliberately hid himself behind some hideous disguise. Cheesy to the 98th degree and an oxymoron in its own right, this song is a first runner up on our Valentine's Day love songs list.

Born For You - David Pomeranz

As if selfless and unconditional love wasn't already the greatest kind of love in the world, David Pomeranz took it to the next level by coming out with his timeless hit, "Born For You". Placing love in the hands of luck, finding one soul mate among billions of people and having the conspiring universe to thank for it makes it the ultimate cheesiest Valentine's Day love song of all time.

Of course, you can always opt to avoid the cheesiness and celebrate the Day of Hearts in a way that isn't necessarily cliche by making it a meaningful time to spend with the person, or people, in your life. Have a Happy Hearts Day and stay safe!

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