Spotify’s Top 10 most streamed love songs reveal British artists dominating the charts, with Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” claiming the crown as the ultimate romantic anthem.
At a Glance
- Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” tops Spotify’s list of most streamed love songs
- British artists dominate the Top 5, showcasing the UK’s influence on romantic music
- “Perfect” is included in 70% of wedding playlists
- The list features a mix of contemporary hits and enduring classics
- Spotify offers diverse Valentine’s Day playlists, including anti-Valentine’s options
Ed Sheeran Leads the Pack of Love Songs
In a romantic revelation just in time for Valentine’s Day, Spotify has unveiled its list of the Top 10 most streamed love songs of all time. The list showcases a strong British influence, with Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” claiming the coveted top spot. This heartfelt ballad has become a staple at weddings, with an impressive 70% of couples including it in their playlists.
“‘Perfect,’ is the one where, whenever I play it at a concert, you see the stadium change, and everyone suddenly starts hugging the person next to them,” Ed Sheeran said.
Sheeran’s dominance extends beyond just the top spot, as he appears three times on the list. “Photograph” ranks at No. 5, while “Thinking out Loud” secures the seventh position, solidifying Sheeran’s status as a master of romantic songwriting.
British Artists Dominate the Charts
The UK’s influence on romantic music is undeniable, with British artists claiming the top four spots on Spotify’s list. Following Sheeran’s “Perfect” is James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go” at No. 2, celebrated for its relatable and romantic lyrics. The Arctic Monkeys secure the third spot with “I Wanna Be Yours,” while Coldplay’s classic “Yellow” rounds out the top four.
Interestingly, “Yellow” was written by Chris Martin in just 10 minutes, yet has achieved remarkable longevity. The song has amassed over a billion views on YouTube and was even performed during the 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Global Hits and Timeless Classics
While British artists dominate the top spots, the list also features global sensations and enduring classics. The Weeknd’s “Die For You,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” represent the international flavor of romantic music. These songs showcase diverse interpretations of love, from passionate declarations to tender affirmations.
“Of course, Taylor Swift is an incredible representative on all of our Valentine’s Day and love-centric playlists. Her appeal is universal, her songwriting both relatable and original, and she tends to write really classic love songs, with ‘Lover,’ of course being a standout,” Talia Kraines, Senior Editor of Pop at Spotify, said.
Spotify’s Valentine’s Day offerings extend beyond just love songs. The streaming giant hosts over a million Valentine’s Day playlists, catering to various moods and situations. For those feeling less romantic, there are 870,884 breakup-themed playlists and even 28,188 Galentine’s Day playlists for celebrating friendship.
A Playlist for Every Mood
Recognizing that not everyone views Valentine’s Day through rose-colored glasses, Spotify has diversified its offerings. The “Text Me Back” playlist caters to themes of unrequited love and breakups, popular among Gen-Z listeners. Top songs in these anti-Valentine’s Day playlists include CeeLo Green’s “F*ck You” and TLC’s “No Scrubs,” providing an alternative soundtrack for those not in the mood for traditional romance.
“We’ve revamped our Valentine’s Day music offerings for 2022 and have a number of different destinations for fans of all ages around the world – whether they’re newlyweds or newly dumped or grappling with a new crush,” Kraines explained.
