Songs that are made for love

IN THE MOOD: MUSIC THAT ACKNOWLEDGES ROMANCE TRUMPS ALL

We say pish to the cynics, here are some songs for all time.

Ted Gioia, an American jazz critic and music historian acknowledges the power of love songs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s in his book, Love Songs: The Hidden History, when he says love songs, far from being wimpy music for emotional weaklings and sentimental fools are, in fact, radical and disruptive manifestations of humankind’s growing sense of individualism and personal autonomy.

Whatever the case, it’s hard not to be radically disrupted by love when Valentine’s Day rolls around.

Diana Ross knew this when she crooned on hit single The Boss: “Fancy me. Thought I had my degree in life and how to love. Thought I could turn emotion on and off … but love taught me who was the boss.”

However, Terry Teachout, in his Commentary Magazine article, says it is highly unlikely that the romantic love songs of which Gioia writes will ever again attain anything remotely approaching the cultural primacy they once occupied.

Well, we say pish and urge Mr Teachout, and everyone celebrating this weekend of love, to listen to our selection of some of the greatest love albums ever compiled:

WHITNEY HOUSTON: The Ultimate Collection

Cited by Guinness World Records as the most awarded female artist and still one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with 200 million records sold worldwide, Whitney Houston is also the cousin of Dionne Warwick. From her rendition of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You to Run To You, Greatest Love Of All and Saving All My Love For You, this album is a keepsake.

So, whether you’re alone this Valentine’s weekend, spending it with your affianced or going on your very first date – be inspired by these love songs.

THE STYLISTICS: Greatest Hits Formed in 1968, this Philadelphia soul group achieved their greatest chart success in the 1970s when they did a number of cover versions of songs originally written and sung by Dionne Warwick. Hits from The Stylistics on their greatest hits album include You Make Me Feel Brand New, Betcha By Golly Wow and You Are Everything.

NIGHT & DAY: The Best of Dionne Warwick

The six-time Grammy Award-winning singer, actress and former UN Global Ambassador, was born into a gospel music family and ranks among the 40 biggest hit-makers of the entire rock era from 1955 to 1999. She’s one of those artists who, even if you’ve never heard of her, you’ll say: “Oh, I know that song!” Hits on this album, although too many to mention, include Heartbreaker, I’ll Never Love This Way Again and So Amazing.

THE WHISPERS: Best Slow Jams Volume One Although this American group have scored hit records since the late 1960s, they were only inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003. Memorable songs of theirs include Love Is Where You Find It, In The Mood and Say Yes.