Staff Picks: Romantic Country Songs
I can't imagine how many weddings this song is played at, even after all these years. Released in 1998, Shania Twain's "You're Still the One" is still a classic and rocketed Shania to crossover stardom. Shania sings about finding the love of your life and, even after years have passed, that person still being "the one." Even having some naysayers doesn't put a damper on their love. And that’s the message of the song... it doesn't matter what people say or think, it's your life and you get to choose who to love. -- Tony Martino
I'll be the first to admit that I am a cliché female fanatic when it comes to Sam Hunt. But even if I wasn't, I would still pick Vandalizer as the most romantic song on my radar. While Hunt's other songs are often singled out for their R&B sonic influences, what's even more powerful about his music is his songwriting abilities, and Vandalizer is a perfect example. Not many other artists can compare falling in love to having your house vandalized in such a flawless and adorable way. Hunt romanticizes a house with "lipstick graffiti on the bathroom mirror" and "bobby pins all over the place" in a way that depicts a love-filled-life rather than a trash-filled-home. On the track, the song opens with the line "strumming my pain with his fingers," from "Killing Me Softly," which Hunt makes reference to twice in his track, admiring the way his girl is "dancing on the bed to a Fugees song, just killing me softly." It just doesn't get any more romantic than that. -- Claire Heinichen
What brings two people together and makes them fall in love with each other? It is a great mystery, and it's awesome. In this crazy life you share, it's important to step back and refocus on the deep love you have for your significant other and how much you are loved by that person. With lyrics like “What did I ever do to make you fall for me?” and “If I go first, I will wait for you,” this song is selfless, appreciative and eternal. That's why my wife and I chose it for our first dance. -- John Monson
Elvis could sell a love song like no other, and "Love Me Tender" is a prime example of just how good the King was at expressing emotions through music. It's such a simple, sweet sentiment, and that's exactly why I find it so romantic. You don't need a big production to tell someone how you feel. All Elvis needed was an acoustic guitar and a promise -- “Love me tender / Love me dear /Tell me you are mine. / I'll be yours through all the years /till the end of time." -- Stephanie Webster
I don't think I need to explain too much why I chose this song. With lyrics like "I know that I can't ever tell you enough/that all I need in this life is your crazy love" and "if all I got is your hand in my hand/baby I could die a happy man" the song can make any cynical romantic believe in true love. Add the music video with footage of Rhett with his wife to the lovey-dovey lyrics and you have romance. -- Kelsey Wright