In honour of Valentine’s day, here is some of Love London Love Culture’s favourite romantic songs from musicals….
1. All I Ask of You, The Phantom of the Opera: operatic, dramatic and filled with powerful emotion this is truly a song for the great romantics out there as well as one of the most memorable songs created for The Phantom of the Opera.
2. Something Good, The Sound of Music: who doesn’t love this moment in The Sound of Music when the Captain and Maria finally realise their true feelings for each other? It is perfectly captured in this lovely duet in romantic surroundings – quiet but definitely heartfelt!
3. Can You Feel the Love Tonight?, The Lion King: it is one of the most memorable songs from the film, due to its beautiful lyrics that are understated but filled with emotion that makes it a favourite among Disney and musical fans.
4. Saving All My Love For You, The Bodyguard: it would have been very easy to go for the easy option from this musical, but personally this song really showcases the ache and pain of love (yes I know it’s Valentine’s Day – but love has problems attached to it as well) as well as the devotion that it can inspire.
5. I’ll Know, Guys and Dolls: love is all well and good – but how do you know what to look for as this song from the classic musical asks. Obviously the story between Sky and Sarah proves that opposites attract – but this song shows just how different they are in their ideas of love and yet somehow they manage (in the end) to find common ground.
6. Three Little Words, Ghost: arriving just before an important part of the show, this song reveals the different ways in which we can express our love for each other – and not just through words. Beautifully sung the times that I have heard it live and just as good to listen to at home.
7. True Love, High Society: now Bing Crosby knew exactly how to make people sit up and listen to his rich voice and in this beautifully romantic song, you really get a sense of the sincerity he puts into singing this song. Understated and elegant.
8. Beauty & the Beast, Beauty & the Beast: while the title might not suggest romance, from the opening note the song’s gentle melody is gorgeous and speaks clearly about the uncertainty of love and first impressions. Stunning.
9. A Whole New World, Aladdin: being in love is supposed to open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities, this is what this song so wonderfully expresses in a scene that works fantastically well on stage as well as screen.
10. As Long As You’re Mine, Wicked: this is the poignant moment when you realise that being an outcast can be ok if you are with the one that you love. Well expressed in the idea that everything will be ok when you are with the person that you want to be with.