GREATEST ROMANTIC SONGS? HERE COME THE BOYS....

The greatest romantic songs from the boys in the band? Ok, I've missed most of the obvious choices usually seen on the million compilation cd's released 3 weeks before Valentine's Day. Some had to be included of course because they're so damn good....


Frank Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon 
Still the best. 


Billy Joel - Just The Way You Are 
For men who struggle to say the right words, use this as a good example of getting the message across...


Andy Williams - Can't Take My Eyes Off You 
Cheesy classic but it never fails to make me smile every time I hear it. 


Harold Melvin (and the Bluenotes) - If You Don't Know Me By Now
Thought I'd better mention the original soulful version rather than my favoured Simply Red rendition. It's the ultimate 'erection section' track from the ten-to-two last dance nightclub days...


Stevie Wonder - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life  
You are the apple of my eye, forever you'll stay in my heart. Ooh heaven


Chris Gaines / Garth Brooks - Lost In You 
A friend introduced me to this track. I loved it the first time I heard it. 


Jamie Cullum - But For Now 
Drove me to tears when I heard him perform this live. 


James Morrison - You Give Me Something 
What a voice and great feel-good track. 


Nat King Cole - Unforgettable / L-O-V-E
Couldn't pick between the two so selected both. Velvet voice and simplicity.


Paolo Nutini - Last Request
Proof that 19 year old's can write and perform heart-wrenching songs. Catch his You Tube video (performed on Jools Holland) for further evidence and you can just hear the Scottish accent coming through.  

GREATEST ROMANTIC SONGS? HERE COMES THE GIRLS....

It's February 14th which heralds Valentine's Day and to celebrate all things romantic, here's my take on the top 10 love songs performed by the ladies. Many, many more cheesy ones I could have included, but decided to stick with just really great tracks sung by girls at the top of their game. See if you agree or whether I've missed some worthier inclusions....

Aretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer

Burt Bacharach wrote it. Aretha performed it and million of ladies lived it. Pure genius both lyrically and in soulful performance. Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up every time I hear it. Pure class. 

Joan Armatrading - Love and Affection  

Hauntingly beautiful lyrics and sung so perfectly. Acoustic guitar, strings and saxophone solo bring together a masterpiece. 

Etta James - At Last 

Just when you'd given up all hope, along comes THE ONE and this song beautifully sums up that stomach churning, sheer happiness feeling. 

Beyonce and Jay-Z - Crazy In Love

Not conventionally romantic, but bootylicious none the less and sums up the doirty, lusty bits of the first flush of romance when you just lose your head and can't think straight. 


Dusty Springfield - The Look of Love
Another Burt Bacharach penned song perfectly executed by Dusty Springfield. It's another lusty, breathy performance oozing with 'your place or mine?'. Just love it. Diana Krall and Nina Simone did credible versions, but none compare to this effortless classic. 


Tracy Chapman - Baby Can I Hold You
Simple, sad, superb. 


Corinne Bailey Rae - Like a Star 
Perfection from the lady from Leeds, West Yorkshire. 


KT Tunstall - Heal Over 
This track means a lot to me for lots of reasons. Pure indulgence from a huge KT fan. 


Ella Fitzgerald - Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 
A Cole Porter masterpiece from the Great American Songbook and sang majestically by Ella Fitzgerald. 


Kiki Dee - Amoureuse 
Post-coital song at it's very best. I always have a cigarette and bask in the afterglow when I hear this on my iPod.