17 Underrated Love Songs: Hidden Love Song Gems

Hey music aficionados! TBone here from Level Tunes. As a DJ, I’ve had the pleasure of spinning tracks from all corners of the world, and I can’t help but notice some absolute gems that often fly under the radar.

We’ve all jammed to the classic love songs that everyone knows by heart, but what about those tracks that quietly tug at your heartstrings and deserve more spotlight?

That’s why I decided to curate this list of 17 underrated love songs.

These tracks have resonated with me on a deep level, and I’m eager to share them with fellow music enthusiasts.

Let’s dive in and explore these hidden treasures together!

Here are the best underrated love songs that you can check out:

List Of Best Underrated Love Songs

Underrated love songs in a list format:

1. “Northern Wind” by City and Colour

Album: Little Hell (2011)
Label: Dine Alone Records
Dallas Green, the genius behind City and Colour, serves heartfelt tenderness in “Northern Wind.” It’s a song about love in its purest form, combining delicate guitar strings with a voice that’s as gentle as a summer breeze. I chose this because Green’s sincerity is palpable, reflecting a genuine love that makes you feel warm inside. Featured artists include Daniel Romano on bass and Dylan Green on drums.

2. “Sweet Avenue” by Jets to Brazil

Album: Orange Rhyming Dictionary (1998)
Label: Jade Tree
Blake Schwarzenbach, the frontman, delivers poetic lyrics in “Sweet Avenue”. This song encapsulates the feeling of finding solace in a lover’s company. I adore it for its simplicity, using only a piano to express profound emotions. It’s a masterful display of minimalistic beauty.

3. “Slow Show” by The National

Album: Boxer (2007)
Label: Beggars Banquet Records
Matt Berninger’s deep, melodic voice resonates with raw vulnerability. “Slow Show” beautifully articulates the anxiety of wanting to truly connect with someone. I chose this because it reminds us of the imperfections and rawness of love. Bryce Dessner’s guitar work on this track adds depth and layers to its already rich texture.

4. “Stay Young, Go Dancing” by Death Cab for Cutie

Album: Codes and Keys (2011)
Label: Atlantic Records
Ben Gibbard captures a timeless love that grows stronger over the years. This track is pure joy, echoing a love that’s rejuvenating and eternal. I selected it because of its whimsicality and the way it makes you believe in evergreen love.

5. “Dusty Trails” by Lucius

Album: Good Grief (2016)
Label: Mom + Pop Music
Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, the co-lead vocalists, harmonize about life’s journey and the love that keeps you grounded. It’s a soulful reminder of the constants amidst change. The song resonates for its comforting rhythm and the purity of the harmonies.

6. “Love Like Ghosts” by Lord Huron

Album: Strange Trails (2015)
Label: IAMSOUND Records
Ben Schneider pens a melancholic ode to a love that haunts like a ghost. Its ethereal soundscape paired with lyrics full of longing made it an easy choice. The atmospheric reverb gives the feeling of reminiscing an old love.

7. “Budapest” by George Ezra

Album: Wanted on Voyage (2014)
Label: Columbia Records
It’s a playful track where Ezra expresses what he’d give up for love. The catchy guitar strumming and Ezra’s distinctive baritone voice make this song irresistible. I chose it for its infectious cheerfulness.

8. “Cavalier” by James Vincent McMorrow

Album: Post Tropical (2014)
Label: Vagrant Records
“Cavalier” is a sensual portrayal of raw emotions and vulnerability. McMorrow’s falsetto paired with a rich soundscape gives the song an otherworldly feel. I adore its honest depiction of yearning.

9. “Stay Alive” by José González

Album: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Soundtrack (2013)
Label: Back Lot Music
This song is a gentle reminder of the love that helps us persevere. González’s soft vocals and minimalist guitar work make it a comforting listen. I chose it for its message of hope and resilience.

10. “Silver Lining” by Rilo Kiley

Album: Under the Blacklight (2007)
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Jenny Lewis sings about cherishing love amidst pain. It’s a celebration of love’s healing power. The lively instrumentals make this track both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

11. “Naked As We Came” by Iron & Wine

Album: Our Endless Numbered Days (2004)
Label: Sub Pop
Sam Beam crafts a soft, acoustic tale of enduring love even in the face of mortality. The beautiful

guitar work and Beam’s soothing vocals make this song feel like a comforting embrace. I chose it for its poignant message of cherishing love in the limited time we have.

12. “Heartbeats” by José González

Album: Veneer (2003)
Label: Imperial Recordings
Originally by The Knife, José’s acoustic rendition captures an entirely different essence. His version is mellow, intimate, and introspective, painting a picture of love’s fragility and beauty. It’s on this list for its magical ability to transport you into a nostalgic dreamscape.

13. “The One” by Kodaline

Album: Coming Up for Air (2015)
Label: B-Unique Records
This ballad by Kodaline speaks directly to the heart. The lyrics describe a love that feels just right, the kind where you know you’ve found “the one.” Its genuine sentiments and the band’s harmonious execution make it a must-listen for every romantic soul.

14. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star

Album: So Tonight That I Might See (1993)
Label: Capitol Records
Hope Sandoval’s ethereal voice over a dreamy instrumental creates an atmosphere of profound intimacy. It’s a song that envelops you in its tenderness, making you reminisce about those moments of deep connection. Its timeless allure is why it earns a spot on this list.

15. “I Will Follow You” by Toulouse

Single Release (2017)
Label: RCA Records
This track is an ode to unwavering love. Toulouse’s soulful voice layered over a slow, rhythmic beat creates a feeling of profound devotion. It captures the essence of love as a journey, where you’re willing to follow your heart wherever it leads.

16. “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Album: Up From Below (2009)
Label: Rough Trade Records
Describing love as a sense of “home,” this indie anthem is both playful and profound. The duet between Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos is pure magic, and the song’s cheerful tone makes you want to dance and celebrate love.

17. “Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits

Album: Making Movies (1980)
Label: Vertigo Records
Mark Knopfler’s storytelling prowess shines in this classic. It’s a modern take on Shakespeare’s iconic love story, filled with raw emotion, intricate guitar work, and Knopfler’s signature vocals. Although not as celebrated as some of Dire Straits’ other hits, its lyrical depth and beautiful instrumentation make it a standout love song.

Fun Facts: Best Underrated Love Songs

1. “Northern Wind” by City and Colour

• Folk Connection: Dallas Green, the voice behind City and Colour, is known for infusing his songs with folk influences. “Northern Wind” is no exception, blending folk motifs with modern lyrics to create a timeless love ballad.

2. “Slow Show” by The National

• Wife’s Input: The line “You know I dreamed about you for 29 years before I saw you” was inspired by a conversation Matt Berninger had with his wife. She joked that she had to wait 29 years to meet him, and it made its way into the song.

3. “Stay Young, Go Dancing” by Death Cab for Cutie

• Inspired by Marriage: Ben Gibbard wrote this song about his then-wife, actress and musician Zooey Deschanel. Their relationship inspired several songs on the “Codes and Keys” album.

4. “Love Like Ghosts” by Lord Huron

• Surreal Storytelling: Ben Schneider, the lead of Lord Huron, often infuses his songs with otherworldly themes. “Love Like Ghosts” is part of an album (‘Strange Trails’) that feels like a collection of eerie and romantic old tales.

5. “Budapest” by George Ezra

• No Trip to Budapest: Surprisingly, Ezra wrote “Budapest” after missing a trip to the Hungarian capital city. He was on a European backpacking trip and ended up staying in Sweden longer than planned, thus missing out on Budapest.

6. “Cavalier” by James Vincent McMorrow

• Quick Transformation: The song was written and recorded within a day. McMorrow’s spontaneous creation resulted in “Cavalier”, one of his most cherished tracks.

7. “Heartbeats” by José González

• Electronic to Acoustic: As mentioned earlier, “Heartbeats” is originally an electronic track by The Knife. José González transformed it into an acoustic masterpiece, giving it an entirely new vibe.

8. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star

• Cult Classic: The song’s dreamy ambiance made it a favorite on TV shows and movies. It has been featured in various soundtracks, from the movie “Starship Troopers” to the TV show “Gilmore Girls”.

9. “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

• Real-Life Romance: The dialogue between Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos in the song mirrors their real-life relationship. They were romantically involved, and their genuine connection shines through in the track.

Dive into these tracks and discover the tales behind every chord and lyric.

Let music take you on a journey of love, nostalgia, and pure emotion. Until next time, keep the tunes playing and your heart listening!

Thanks for reading.

TBone