Jacques Wang
It’s that time of the year again! Aside from beer, trucks, and heartbreaks, country music is full of romantic ballads that perfectly describe your feelings toward your beloved. Whether you are spending today with the love of your life or all alone (just like me 😭), here is my list of 10 of the best country love songs to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
10. “Forever After All” (2020) – Luke Combs
Let’s start strong with one of my favorite Luke Combs songs, “Forever After All.” Between this and his other well-known love ballads like “Beautiful Crazy” and “Better Together,” I believe “Forever After All” is the best song that you can use to display your feelings of everlasting love to your partner. As the title and lyrics suggest, “Forever After All” talks about how true love will get old, like many things in life, and will last even more than a lifetime.
“They say nothing lasts forever / But they ain’t seen us together / Or the way the moonlight dances in your eyes / Just a t-shirt in the kitchen / With no make-up and a million / Other things that I could look at my whole life / A love like that makes a man have second thoughts / Maybe some things last forever after all.”
Written about his marriage to his wife, Nicole, Luke showcases his powerful vocal ranges and delivers an authentic, heartfelt, and sincere performance in this ballad. “Forever After All” carefully blends traditional instrumentation with the modern contemporary country sound of the 21st century, creating a timeless and cinematic emotional melody. “Forever After All” is a compelling, deep song meant for long-time couples to share their everlasting love.
9. “You’re Still the One” (1998) – Shania Twain
If you’re looking for a song that can turn any event into a celebration of love, look no further than one of the quintessential Shania Twain songs of all time, “You’re Still the One.” This ballad talks about a love that has endured through hardship and everyone’s doubt, offering a celebration of lasting commitment.
“They said, ‘I bet they’ll never make it’ / But just look at us holding on / We’re still together, still going strong.”
“You’re still the one I run to / The one that I belong to / You’re still the one I want for life / You’re still the one that I love / The only one I dream of / You’re still the one I kiss goodnight.”
Shania offers listeners an energic, heartfelt performance and an upbeat and catchy melody. “You’re Still the One” also perfectly blends 90s contemporary pop with neotraditional country, showcasing why this Canadian icon is the one and only Queen of Country Pop. Undoubtedly, “You’re Still the One” can be readily appreciated by people who are fans of various genres. So, if you’re not really into country but your partner is, go ahead and make this classic your love anthem.
8. “When You Say Nothing at All” (1988) – Keith Whitley
If the name or song sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve heard either Ronan Keating’s or Alison Krauss’s cover of this classic Keith Whitley song. Written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, “When You Say Nothing at All” expresses how love can be communicated without words.
“The smile on your face lets me know that you need me / There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me / A touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall / Yeah, you say it best / When you say nothing at all.”
Whitley’s soft and slow delivery of the lyrics makes this song feel both personal and universally relatable. The smooth, simple guitar strumming lets Whitley’s tender vocals take center stage. This song is perfect if you want to appreciate your partner’s quiet and intimate ways of communicating their love to you. The intimate lyrics and Whitley’s soft delivery easily make “When You Say Nothing at All” one of the most iconic romantic country songs ever. The fact that this song has been covered by so many artists over the years also makes Keith Whitley one of the most influential country singers of the 1980s.
7. “It’s Your Love” (1997) – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Next, we have one of the most iconic duets in country music by one of the most iconic couples in country music – “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Where do I begin with this beauty? Inspired by Tim and Faith’s marriage, the song’s lyrics describe their love for each other and how it transforms and elevates them.
“Oh, it’s a beautiful thing / Don’t think I can keep it all in / I just gotta let you know / What it is that won’t let me go.”
“It’s your love / It just does something to me / It sends a shock right through me / I can’t get enough / And if you wonder / About the spell I’m under / Oh, it’s your love.”
The powerful chemistry between the husband-and-wife duo is phenomenal. You can feel Tim and Faith’s love for each other through the harmony of the former’s warm baritone and the latter’s soaring voice. The growing intensity and gradual buildup of the musical arrangement perfectly match the passion exhibited by the couple. I’m always left in awe and get goosebumps every time I listen to it. No duet in country music can match this masterpiece. If you can relate to Tim and Faith’s love for each other with your romantic partner, don’t be afraid to share “It’s Your Love” with them. I bet they will cry just like I did the first time I listened to it.
6. “In Case You Didn’t Know” (2017) – Brett Young
Let’s jump back into something more recent with Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Fellas, if you struggle to find the exact words to confess your feelings to your long-time crush or partner, this next song will help you out. “In Case You Didn’t Know” talks about confessing your love and sincere devotion to your partner while not taking their feelings for granted.
“In case you didn’t know / Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you / And I would be lyin’ if I said that I could live this life without you / Even though I don’t tell you all the time / You had my heart a long, long time ago / In case you didn’t know.”
Brett Young’s gentle and heartfelt delivery is paired with a smooth, easy-listening melody, giving this ballad an acoustic feeling and emotional tone. This track is perfect to remind your partner how much they mean to you. I bet they would reply with the same feelings, too.
5. “I Cross My Heart” (1992) – George Strait
If you’ve read my article on the top 10 George Strait songs, you will remember I placed “I Cross My Heart” as his fifth-best song ever. The King of Country Music is known for many romantic tracks throughout his lengthy career. From iconic hits like “Check Yes or No” to “Carrying Your Love with Me,” there is no song that is more romantic and timeless than “I Cross My Heart.” This classic ballad, featured in his 1992 movie Pure Country, expresses an unshakeable promise of unconditional love to their partner and dedication to their relationship.
“I cross my heart / And promise to / Give all I’ve got to give / To make all your dreams come true / In all the world / You’ll never find / A love as true as mine.”
Strait’s rich and warm vocals capture the narrator’s vulnerability, strength, and sincerity, making every word feel deeply personal. The musical arrangement is also phenomenal and feels cinematic. Combining fiddles, acoustic guitars, pianos, and steel guitars creates an intimate atmosphere that amplifies the song’s powerful sentiments. If you were looking for a more solemn song about everlasting love to share with your loved one, make sure to add “I Cross My Heart” to your playlist.
4. “Die a Happy Man” (2015) – Thomas Rhett
Here is another modern hit with a laid-back feeling – Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man.” If you feel like having the love of your partner is enough to make your life complete, then you have one thing in common with this Nashville superstar. “Die a Happy Man” expresses the feeling of being so deeply in love that nothing else in life seems to matter.
“And I know that I can’t ever tell you enough / That all I need in this life is your crazy love.”
“If I never get to see the Northern Lights / Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night / Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand / Baby, I could die a happy man.”
Rhett’s warm, soulful, and tender delivery of the affectionate and vulnerable lyrics makes the song feel both personal and universal. The easy-going and melodic instrumentation adds to the overall romantic vibe. What makes “Die a Happy Man” stand out is its ability to capture the essence of unconditional love yet impactfully. It’s a song that makes you feel grateful for the love of your life. No song expresses the joy you would find in your partner’s presence better than “Die a Happy Man.”
3. “I Swear” (1993) – John Michael Montgomery
Just like “When You Say Nothing at All,” there’s a chance you’ve also heard this track before as a non-country song. Before the R/B pop group All-4-One released their version of “I Swear,” this romantic ballad was first recorded by 90s country legend John Michael Montgomery just a year earlier. Although the All-4-One cover became more popular than the original, “I Swear” is still one of JMM’s most iconic and romantic hits of his career. This song expresses the promises of unwavering love and loyalty towards a lover.
“I swear / By the moon and stars in the sky / I’ll be there / I swear / Like the shadow that’s by your side / I’ll be there / For better or worse / ‘Til death do us part / I’ll love you with every beat of my heart / I swear.”
JMM brings this song’s powerful, solemn lyrics to life thanks to his strong vocal performance and sincere, heartfelt delivery. The sweeping melody and orchestral arrangement create an emotional crescendo, amplifying the sentiment of timeless love and making his recording, in my opinion, the better version of “I Swear.” If this song made you fall in love with John Michael Montgomery and you want more love songs from him, you’re in luck! JMM is also known for other classic 90s romantic ballads, like “I Can Love You Like That” and “I Love the Way You Love Me.”
2. “Amazed” (1999) – Lonestar
If there is one common theme in this article, it is that the ’90s was the golden era of romantic country songs. No 90s country love song is more iconic and widely loved than Lonestar’s “Amazed” (which is also my bitch ex-girlfriend’s favorite country song 😬). This signature hit song from this Texas country-AC group is about expressing being in awe of your partner’s presence.
“I don’t know how you do what you do / I’m so in love with you / It just keeps gettin’ better / I wanna spend the rest of my life / With you by my side / Forever and ever / Every little thing that you do / Baby, I’m amazed by you.”
The group’s powerful harmonies and emotional delivery perfectly capture the intensity of those feelings. The soaring instrumental arrangement also gives the song a larger-than-life quality. “Amazed” represents the perfect marriage between neotraditional country and the contemporary pop sound of the late 90s/early 2000s, making this appealing for both country and non-country music fans alike (just like my ex).
Before I reveal my number 1 pick, here are some honorable mentions that I couldn’t fit in my top 10 but deserve a spot on my list:
- “Islands in the Stream” (1983) – Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
- “Remember When” (2003) – Alan Jackson
- “She’s Everything” (2006) – Brad Paisley
- “Next Thing You Know” (2022) – Jordan Davis
- “The Painter” (2023) – Cody Johnson
- “Mine Tomorrow” (2025) – Hudson Westbrook
1. “Forever and Ever, Amen” (1987) – Randy Travis
And, finally, at number 1, the best country love song of all time, as to go to Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen.” There is so much that makes this the best and the most perfect love song ever. Like many songs on this list, this track, which has become Randy Travis’ signature song, expresses the promise, commitment, and reassurance of unconditional love that will stand the test of time.
“Oh, baby, I’m gonna love you forever / Forever and ever, amen / As long as old men sit and talk about the weather / As long as old women sit and talk about old men / If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful / I’ll be happy to tell you again / I’m gonna love you forever and ever Forever and ever, amen.”
Randy Travis’s deep, rich baritone gives the song a comforting, reassuring quality, and a heartfelt, lasting impact. The simple strumming of an acoustic guitar and soft picking of a steel guitar allows you to focus on the song’s central message. It’s a timeless song because of its simple, heartfelt approach to love and loyalty. It makes it an enduring favorite for music fans of all genres. The beautiful lyrics, sincere message, simple melody that sticks to traditional country, and Randy Travis’ iconic voice easily make “Forever and Ever, Amen” my favorite love song of all time.
Now if you’ll excuse me, while you’re gonna enjoy those songs with the LOYL, I have a date with my toaster… in the bathtub 🥲