Boy bands are known for their heartfelt ballads, so its no wonder many of these love songs are first-dance staples. If you’re a fan of cult favorites like the Backstreets Boys and *NSYNC, this week’s Top 10 list is for you. Some of these songs might be cheesy, but let’s face it: More than one has brought a tear to your eye at some point.
Jordan Knight sings lead vocals on this 1989 hit from New Kids On The Block. The third single from the group’s second album, “Hangin’ Tough,” it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. A perfect reminder of the vows you took earlier in the day, “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” is as popular now as it was almost three decades ago.
Joel (JoJo) Hailey originally wrote “All My Life” for a female artist, using his daughter as inspiration. However, he liked the song so much, he decided to keep it for himself! It was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song at the 1999 Grammy Awards, although it didn’t win. However, the song is a winner in our hearts and certainly perfect for a romantic first dance.
Written by Ed Sheeran and Fiona Bevan and performed by One Direction, “Little Things” talks about the endearing nuances of your partner, such as their freckles, dimples or quirky habits. In a September 2012 interview with MTV News, Sheeran said the song “is about the best things about someone, kind of like the things you wouldn’t expect.”
If you’re looking for a more upbeat first-dance song, “Let’s Get Married” is a great choice. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, this song spent three weeks at the top of the U.S. R&B chart in 2000. Check out the lyrics: “Meet me in the altar in your white dress/We ain’t getting no younger, we might as well do it/Been feeling all the while girl I must confess/Girl let’s just get married/I just wanna get married.”
Australian duo Savage Garden released this song in 1999, and it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100. “I Knew I Loved You” was the band’s second No. 1 hit in the United States following “Truly Madly Deeply” (another stellar first-dance choice!)
9. I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men (1994)
This No. 1 hit single was written by Babyface and won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It also won two American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Single and Favorite Soul/R&B Single and is No. 19 on Billboard’s All-Time Top 100 Songs. Even more than 20 years later, this sweet song is perfect for a memorable first dance.
10. I’ll Never Break Your Heart – Backstreet Boys (1995)
A boy band list would be remiss without a Backstreet Boys hit. “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” was the second single from the Backstreet Boys’ self-titled debut album. The lyrics (I’ll never break your heart/I’ll never make you cry/I’d rather die than live without you/I’ll give you all of me/Honey, that’s no lie”) are a suitable promise for your wedding day.
To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.