20 Underrated Romantic Retro Songs You Should Listen To

Some love songs become timeless classics, played endlessly on radio stations and wedding playlists. Others, just as beautiful, get overlooked, waiting to be rediscovered. If you’re looking for heartfelt tunes that deserve more recognition, these 20 underappreciated retro love songs belong on your playlist.

“You Are The Reason”

Air Supply had its fair share of sweeping love ballads, but “You Are the Reason”, dropped in 2001, never reached the same level of fame as their biggest hits. With its soaring vocals and lush instrumentation, this song is just as romantic as “All Out of Love”—yet it’s rarely mentioned.

“Superwoman”

Stevie Wonder’s catalog is filled with legendary hits, but hidden among them is a lesser-known gem that dives into heartbreak and longing. The opening line, “Where were you when I needed you? You could not be found…,” sets the perfect tone for a song filled with raw emotion.

“Love Is The Answer”

Hopeful and uplifting, this gentle ballad conveys love as life’s guiding force. Todd Rundgren initially wrote it, but the song found new life when England Dan & John Ford Coley infused it with soothing harmony and a dreamy melody in 1979.

“You”

George Harrison had no shortage of brilliant love songs, but “You” tends to get overlooked. It may not be as famous as “Something,” but it’s just as full of heart. Initially written for Ronnie Spector, the 1975 track is upbeat and joyous, filled with warm guitar riffs and an infectious melody.

“Two Occasions”

A smooth R&B ballad that deserves far more love, “Two Occasions” by The Deele hit the airwaves in 1987 but never quite reached an iconic status. The song has emotional lyrics about cherishing love whenever possible, featuring young Babyface.

“She’s In Love With You”

While most people remember Suzi Quatro for “Stumblin’ In”, this 1978 track has the same powerful vocals and catchy hooks but remains underappreciated. It’s an excellent pick for those who like their love songs with a bit of rock flair and an edgy energy.

“I’m On Fire For You Baby”

In 1974, April Wine’s softer, more romantic side emerged in this overlooked love song, contrasting sharply with their more brutal rock hits. Although it was initially written and recorded by Canadian artist Paul Nicholas, the band’s version showed their versatility and gained a warm reception.

“You And Me”

Alice Cooper isn’t exactly known for love songs, but he surprised fans with “You and Me,” a tender ballad about simple, everyday romance. Unlike his theatrical rock anthems, this song (from 1977) strips things down to gentle orchestration and heartfelt lyrics.

“Look What You’ve Done To Me”

Boz Scaggs had a talent for soulful ballads, and “Look What You’ve Done to Me” from 1980 is one of his most emotional performances. Featured in the film “Urban Cowboy”, it didn’t get as much attention as “We’re All Alone”, but its rich melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout.

“The Sweetest Thing”

Juice Newton’s voice is pure magic, and “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known),” released in 1981, proves it. While “Angel of the Morning” became her signature hit, this country-pop crossover song is just as beautiful. It captures the feeling of falling in love with a warm, twangy charm.

“Falling”

LeBlanc & Carr may not be household names, but “Falling” is one of the most underrated soft rock love songs of the 1970s. The track was released in 1977, and it features smooth harmonies and a dreamy melody, which makes it the perfect soundtrack for a slow dance.

“Can’t Stay Away From You”

Gloria Estefan had plenty of dance hits, but in 1987, she released “Can’t Stay Away From You”, a heartbreaking ballad that showcased her emotional range. It wasn’t as big as “Anything for You,” but its raw sincerity makes it one of her most touching love songs.

“A Love Of Your Own”

Smooth and soulful, “A Love of Your Own” by Average White Band blends jazz-infused R&B with heartfelt lyrics, creating a timeless love tune in 1976. “You got to take some time and let your feelings flow…”—the song’s gentle message of patience in love is wrapped in warm saxophone interludes.

“Hopelessly”

Rick Astley may be forever linked to “Never Gonna Give You Up,” but in 1993, he released “Hopelessly,” a love ballad that showcases a softer, more emotional side. Though it didn’t reach the same heights, its orchestration and heartfelt delivery make it a hidden treasure.

“Love Me Like The First Time”

This soaring ballad by Brenda K. Starr showcases her powerhouse vocals and emotional delivery, incorporating the dramatic, synth-heavy production typical of 1980s love songs. Featured on her 1985 self-titled debut album, the song remains a hidden gem among the decade’s romantic ballads.

“Whenever I Call You Friend”

Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks created magic with “Whenever I Call You Friend.” It is a perfectly blended duet with folk and rock influences, but it remains underrated compared to other love song duets of the era in the ’70s.

“Lady Blue”

“Lady Blue” is a soulful ballad by Leon Russell, featured on his 1975 album “Will O’ the Wisp”. Unlike some of his raucous, rock-driven tracks, this song takes a gentler approach. It remains proof of Russell’s ability to blend blues, country, and R&B into something uniquely his own.

“When Love Breaks Down”

Prefab Sprout delivered a poetic love song in 1984 with “When Love Breaks Down,” a delicate ballad that captures the heartache of fading romance. “My love and I, we work well together…” is how the song opens, with a bittersweet reflection and a melancholic beauty.

“Falling Again”

Don Williams knew about simple, heartfelt storytelling; “Falling Again” is a perfect example. This love song captures the feeling of rediscovering love most effortlessly. It came out in 1981 and was overshadowed by his bigger hits like “Endless Love” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You”.

“All This Love”

This is a heartfelt R&B ballad by DeBarge, released in 1982 as the title track of their second studio album. The song showcases the group’s signature harmonies and an angelic arrangement featuring soft piano melodies and gentle percussion. Fun fact: It was initially intended for Marvin Gaye.