Are you looking for the perfect collection of slow waltz songs to add to your repertoire? The slow waltz is a beautiful and elegant dance that demands grace, style, and an excellent playlist. Having the right music can make a significant difference in your performance, no matter how skilled you are as a dancer.
This collection of 28 treasured slow waltz standards provides a tour through the most endearing romantic ballads of the past century. From timeless classics like "Unchained Melody" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" to jazz standards by Sinatra and Armstrong, these songs will sweep you off your feet.
Their lilting melodies and earnest lyrics beautifully express the wonder of love. Let this playlist provide the soundtrack as you waltz through life.
We begin with one of the most recognizable ballads of all time. The Righteous Brothers introduce us to their monumental 1965 hit, "Unchained Melody," which stands as one of the most famous ballads of all time. Their sultry harmonies build to a towering chorus that perfectly captures unforgettable romantic desire. This lovely classic sets the atmosphere for waltzing with your sweetie.
The song's tender and sappy lyrics convey the longing and desire of a lover who is apart from their beloved. A straightforward piano entrance sets the tone for the rest of the song as it begins. The Righteous Brothers' deep and potent vocals further enhance the song's emotional impact.
Its beautiful melody, along with poignant lyrics, makes it the ideal song for slow dancing, and its classic status guarantees that it will endure.
Elvis Presley lends his velvety voice to the tender "Can't Help Falling In Love" from 1961. His heartfelt delivery of this sentimental ode convinces you of the intoxication of love. Let it serve as a reminder of your own uncontrollable swoon moments.
Its lyrics, while simple, carry a powerful message, expressing the feeling of falling in love and being unable to resist it. The melody, haunting and beautiful, makes it a perfect choice for slow dancing and waltzing.
Presley's rendition of the song has earned Platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying the sale of more than one million copies. The song's popularity has endured over the years, remaining a top choice for couples selecting their wedding song, especially for that special first dance.
Andy Williams masterfully captures the melancholy beauty of the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's tune "Moon River" in his soothing 1962 rendition. Drifting down the river to the soothing sounds of Henry Mancini's song becomes an enchanting experience. Few songs evoke the same depth of emotion as this timeless classic of love.
The melody of the song is simple and easy to follow, with a slow tempo that makes it perfect for a graceful waltz. The lyrics describe a wide river that the narrator dreams of crossing "in style" one day.
With its dreamy and romantic undertones, soothing melody, and straightforward lyrics, "Moon River" deserves a place on your slow waltz playlist.
Frank Sinatra infuses his Rat Pack charisma into his smooth 1964 cover of "The Way You Look Tonight." His sensitive delivery of the lyrics allows you to experience the sheer wonder of gazing upon your loved one. Let it serve as motivation to cherish and savor the beauty of your loved one.
This track features a slow and romantic melody that is tailor-made for a slow waltz playlist. The lyrics are brimming with romance, vividly describing the exquisite beauty of the person being serenaded. They convey the singer's overwhelming happiness and desire to spend eternity with their beloved.
While numerous artists have covered this classic over the years, Frank Sinatra's rendition remains the most beloved and emulated. The song stands as a timeless testament to the enduring power of love and romance, destined to be cherished by generations to come.
The 1998 power ballad "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith amplifies the epic love story. It became one of Aerosmith's biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
This song is a favorite for slow dances and waltzes because its lyrics and melody are the ideal fusion of romance with rock. Additionally, listeners are given a strong and lasting experience by the lyrics' emotional profundity and Steven Tyler's soaring voice.
The song has become a timeless classic because of its message of appreciating every moment spent with a loved one. Therefore, if you're seeking for the ideal tune to dance to with your significant other, don't overlook this timeless ballad.
Eric Clapton's 1977 smash single "Wonderful Tonight" features guitar prowess and fervor. In his sincere serenade, Clapton celebrates the joy of dancing next to your loved one while at home.
The narrator of "Wonderful Tonight" sings of how much he admires his partner's grace and beauty, even in the most mundane circumstances. Dreamy and emotive ambiance are created by the soft guitar melody and Clapton's soulful vocals in this song.
This song has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé, David Gilmour, and Mariah Carey. Its leisurely tempo, romantic atmosphere, and straightforward chord progression make it a must-have on your slow waltz playlist.
Etta James' 1960 recording of "At Last" contributed to its status as a classic. With strings and harp accompaniment, her powerful, expressive voice soars into the song's closing verses about finding love.
This song's romantic and classic vibe is enhanced by the beautiful orchestral backing. It features a simple and elegant melody that is easy to sing along to. Additionally, the song's lyrics discuss eventually finding true love after a protracted search.
The timeless melody "At Last" has stood the test of time. It's the ideal addition to any playlist of slow waltzes thanks to its mellow and romantic tone, graceful melody, and moving lyrics.
Nat King Cole's tender 1956 classic is the standard version of "When I Fall In Love." Cole's warm, personal approach gives you the impression that you will truly succumb to the magic of love. Set the romantic mood with the aid of this jazz classic.
It features a languid, sultry harmony that might work well in a slow waltz. The lyrics describe the emotions that accompany falling in love. This song is also a favorite of many generations due to its timeless appeal.
Natalie Cole and her father Nat King Cole won the 1996 Grammy Awards for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s) for a recording they made in which they sang a duet employing vocals from his 1956 rendition.
"When I Fall in Love" is a classic love song with a slow and romantic melody that is perfect for a slow waltz.
Benson and Flack's sincere vocals shine on their 1985 ballad "You Are The Love of My Life." Their uplifting lyrics backed by strings capture the exuberance of new love. The song was used in the American soap opera Santa Barbara as one of numerous songs for Eden Capwell and Cruz Castillo.
The lyrics of the song express a deep and profound love between two people. It has a smooth and mellow melody, with a slow tempo and a simple chord progression. Also, the use of acoustic guitar and piano adds to the romantic and intimate feel of the song.
The duet between Benson and Flack creates a beautiful harmony that adds to the romantic atmosphere. It has a slow and romantic vibe, perfect for a slow waltz playlist.
Bette Midler's emotional piano ballad "The Rose," written for the 1979 film of the same name, has become a karaoke favorite. Her escalating power vocals infuse the uplifting lyrics of perseverance with an epic quality.
It conveys a message of love and hope, reminding us that no matter how difficult life may become, there is always a silver lining, a reason to persist. Its lyrics are poetic and metaphorical, using the rose as a symbol of love and life. The song's melody is slow and melancholic, with a simple piano accompaniment that allows the lyrics to shine.
"The Rose" stands as a beautiful and timeless song that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Its powerful and emotional vibe can move listeners to tears.
Nat King Cole makes a comeback with his iconic 1951 song "Unforgettable." The beautiful string orchestration provides the ideal backdrop for Cole's buttery voice as he sings about leaving his girlfriend with unforgettable memories.
A sweet and classic jazz ballad, "Unforgettable" features Nat King Cole's velvety vocals and Nelson Riddle's elegant arrangement. The opening phrase, "Unforgettable, that's what you are," sets the tone for the rest of the song, which centers on the idea of a love that has since passed.
Its ongoing appeal and appearance in a number of reissues and duets, including a posthumous duet with Natalie Cole, the late Cole's daughter, further establish its standing as a classic. Nat King Cole's legendary voice and the smooth jazz composition combine to produce a classic and refined atmosphere that is ideal for a leisurely waltz.
Whitney Houston's 1992 rendition of "I Will Always Love You" achieves a level of majesty that few songs can match. Houston's mind-blowing vocals elevate this song to a masterpiece.
The song starts with a gentle, a cappella introduction before developing into a soaring chorus supported by a full orchestra. Additionally, the melody is straightforward but catchy, featuring a recurring, recognizable descending theme.
The lyrics portray a profound and enduring affection for a departing person. And even if they must part ways, the narrator of the story swears to always love and remember the subject. It's a wonderful complement to any playlist of slow waltzes thanks to its strong vocals, enduring tune, and emotionally charged lyrics.
Christina Perri's 2011 smash "A Thousand Years" continues the swooning ballads. Her earnest, emotional delivery captures the intensity of longing for her lover, backed by cinematic strings.
This song was written about the love affair between Edward and Bella in the novel and subsequent film series Twilight. Additionally, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified it diamond for selling ten million units in the United States.
"A Thousand Years" is a slow, romantic ballad that evokes feelings of love and longing. The song's lyrics express the idea of wanting to spend a thousand years with someone and never letting go. It has a melancholic and emotional vibe that makes it perfect for slow dancing.
Debby Boone tenderly expresses devoted love in her 1977 number-one single "You Light Up My Life." Boone's uplifting and emotional performance turned this catchy ballad into an anthem of its time. As it embraces you, dance with your special someone.
The lyrics are straightforward but eloquent, reflecting the joy and transformative power of love. Additionally, it features a catchy melody that has been likened to a sugar rush.
After spending ten weeks at the top of the charts and receiving both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Original Song, this song was dubbed a global hit. Additionally, Debby Boone won the Grammy for Best New Artist as a result of the song's success.
Its well-known status as a classic love song makes it a hit with audiences for any event. The romantic lyrics and lovely melody create the ideal setting for dancing.
Celine Dion enhances the epic drama of her requited love song "The Power of Love" with sweeping orchestration and electrifying vocals from 1993. As you waltz, let it inspire you to fully embrace love.
The song features a somber, slow-building ballad melody with an impactful chorus. Its lyrics emphasize the power of love to break down barriers and bring people together.
Celine Dion's cover of the song was a massive hit, reaching number one in the US, Canada, and Australia, and landing in the top ten in several other countries. Billboard later ranked it as the 46th greatest love song of all time.
The timeless slow waltz tune "The Power of Love" is perfect for a romantic partner dance. Its powerful melody and slow tempo make it an ideal choice for a heartfelt dance.
The doo-wop version of "I Only Have Eyes For You" by The Flamingos from 1959 envelops you in soft harmonies. As you gaze into your lover's eyes, let this silky song convince you to set everything else aside.
The song's poetic and romantic lyrics revolve around the singer's passionate feelings for their love interest. The song achieves an eerie effect through the use of echo and reverb in the recording.
Over the years, numerous artists have covered this song, including Rod Stewart, the legendary Frank Sinatra, and Art Garfunkel. In 2004, the song was ranked 157th on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
With its dreamy mood, eerie ambiance, and sentimental lyrics, the enduring love song "I Only Have Eyes for You" is an excellent choice for a slow waltz playlist. Its clear melody and gentle harmonies make it a perfect fit for a romantic dance.
Roberta Flack's hypnotic 1972 ballad "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" simmers with intensity. Her sensual delivery beautifully captures the life-changing moment of seeing your beloved's face. Let it transport you to reliving your own first glimpses of love.
Flack included the song on her 1969 album titled "First Take," but it was relatively unknown until it appeared in the 1971 Clint Eastwood film "Play Misty For Me". A year later, she released it as a single, and it topped the Billboard chart for six weeks.
With its slow, romantic melody perfectly mirroring the themes of love and longing, and its lyrics poetically describing the experience of falling in love at first sight and the intensity of emotions, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a timeless classic that rightfully earns its place on any slow waltz playlist.
Alison Krauss beautifully illustrates how love can make words superfluous in her 1995 rendition of "When You Say Nothing at All." Sway silently to this serene ode to intimacy with your partner.
The song's simple guitar riff and steady, comforting melody form its foundation. It carries an intimate, romantic vibe and emphasizes the significance of nonverbal communication in relationships.
This song belongs on your slow waltz playlist because it perfectly conveys the essence of a committed partnership and fosters a sensual and private atmosphere.
This jazz standard, written in 1938 by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington, has seen numerous covers over the years. Norah Jones recorded her version for her debut album "Come Away with Me" in 2002.
The melody is carried by the piano and Norah Jones' vocals, occasionally accompanied by other instruments like the guitar and saxophone. The lyrics are romantic and poetic, expressing the feeling of being close to someone you love.
Norah Jones' rendition of the song is particularly beautiful, with a slow, romantic vibe that is perfect for a slow waltz.
The title tune from Norah Jones' 2002 Grammy-winning first album, "Come Away With Me," continues the jazz theme. Jones' smokey vocals and piano with a hint of longing enhance this seductive appeal.
The song features a straightforward and repetitive structure, with only a soft piano accompaniment and sporadic guitar and drum accents. Jones' vocals serve as the song's focal point, with their slick, understated delivery that flawlessly captures the song's romantic, dreamy vibe.
With its comforting melody and emotional lyrics, "Come Away with Me" is the perfect song for a slow dance with a partner. Let it persuade you to flee together.
This song, written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, was recorded by the Philadelphia soul musical group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. They released it as a single in 1972, and it became their first hit, topping the US R&B chart and peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song exudes a classic soul vibe, featuring a lush orchestral arrangement and a gospel-influenced vocal performance by Teddy Pendergrass.
It opens with the evocative lines "If you don't know me by now, you will never, never, never know me." The lyrics go on to emphasize that love takes time to build and that understanding someone's needs and desires is crucial in a relationship. Without this understanding, the song suggests that the relationship is doomed to fail.
Its message about the significance of understanding and communication in relationships is a valuable reminder for couples. Therefore, it makes for a great choice for a wedding or other romantic occasion.
In 1944, jazz superstar Billie Holiday released the song "I'll Be Seeing You," capturing wartime yearning with her melancholy appeal. Her emotive performance over swaying piano gracefully depicts separation and reconnection.
This song is ideal for a slow waltz, given its calming and soft qualities. The song's moderate tempo and time signature enable smooth and flowing motions on the dance floor.
Its lyrics convey a sense of desire, expectation, and optimism. The main character expresses that despite being separated from their loved one, they will always feel linked and long for the day they can reunite.
With its sentimental ballad style, catchy, singable melody, and simple, universal words, it evokes nostalgia and passion. Billie Holiday's soulful and sincere interpretation gives a special touch to this timeless classic.
Barbra Streisand's smooth 1974 performance of "The Way We Were" stirs up strong feelings for past loves. As you waltz, her heartfelt performance, supported by opulent orchestration, takes you back to happier days.
In the chorus, where Streisand's voice soars above the instrumental arrangement, the song reaches a potent peak. The song's lyrics describe a former love and the memories that persist years after it has ended.
It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and won the Best Original Song Oscar. "The Way We Were" is a masterpiece that will always be in style, whether you're dancing with a partner or just swaying to the music.
We return to Frank Sinatra for his smoldering 1956 version of "I've Got You Under My Skin." Sinatra simultaneously seduces you with his voice while expressing love's obsessive hold.
The song's smooth and romantic melody, combined with Sinatra's iconic vocals, creates a captivating and nostalgic atmosphere. Its title and main theme serve as a metaphor for being deeply infatuated with someone, as if they were under your skin.
The combination of a classic melody and sophisticated lyrics, along with Sinatra's heartfelt delivery, adds a touch of elegance that makes "I've Got You Under My Skin" a perfect choice for a slow waltz playlist.
Sinatra contributes another classic with his jaunty 1964 take on "Fly Me To The Moon." It gained historical significance as the first music played on the Moon when Buzz Aldrin used a portable cassette player to play it after stepping onto the lunar surface. Sinatra's winding vocals infuse this timeless love song with upbeat energy.
This song exudes a romantic and dreamy vibe, boasting a simple yet elegant melody that lends itself perfectly to dancing. Its lyrics express a desire to journey to the moon with a loved one, often serving as a metaphor for a romantic adventure.
Throughout the years, numerous artists, including Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Julie London, have covered "Fly Me to the Moon." With its waltz rhythm and romantic ambiance, it's a must-have on your slow waltz playlist.
Louis Armstrong's rough voice shines through in the nostalgic 1967 song "What a Wonderful World." It's impossible to resist Satchmo's gruff optimism about love and the uncomplicated beauties of nature. Share this endearing insight with your partner as you look into each other's eyes.
With its 3/4 time signature and gentle tempo, the song is perfect for waltzing. Its words express appreciation for the beauty of the world, making it an excellent choice for a love dance.
This beloved modern classic has been covered by numerous artists. With its timeless message of love, peace, and harmony, it's a wonderful addition to any playlist featuring slow waltzes, inspiring people to this day.
Wartime singer Vera Lynn delivered a memorable performance of the glistening "Anniversary Waltz" in 1952. Allow her rendition to inspire your own joyous waltzing with your life mate.
The song is performed in 3/4 time, the signature time for waltzes. It features a melody predominantly played on the piano or another keyboard instrument, occasionally accompanied by violin or guitar. The lyrics of the song celebrate the passage of time and enduring love, creating a romantic and nostalgic ambiance.
Vera Lynn introduced the song, and it gained popularity during World War II. Over the years, numerous musicians have covered it, including Bing Crosby, Connie Francis, and Status Quo. "The Anniversary Waltz" is a common choice for anniversaries and special events, characterized by its gentle waltz tempo.
Completing our slow waltz voyage, we have Johann Strauss II, who composed the sweeping masterpiece "The Blue Danube Waltz" in 1867. This opulent orchestral classic evokes images of imperial Vienna ballrooms. While it didn't achieve immediate success, this waltz eventually gained popularity and rose to become one of Strauss's most well-known compositions.
The waltz begins with a quiet and soft introduction, followed by the quicker-paced main theme. Its characteristic beat makes it easy to dance to and is defined by its flowing and melodic charm. The waltz features various sections, each with a distinctive melody and personality.
This timeless classical composition remains incredibly popular today. Whether you appreciate classical music or simply enjoy charming melodies, "The Blue Danube" is a must-listen.
The slow rhythms, lilting strings, and heartfelt lyrics of these cherished ballads make waltzing a delight whether alone in your living room or gazing at your partner's face. This collection of 28 classics old and new will provide the perfect sentimental soundtrack for dancing cheek to cheek. Let the timeless romance transport you as you sway.