Neal Augenstein, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Some love songs were both romantic and beautiful when first released, are still being played at weddings, and will remain that way forever. In my opinion, “If I Fell” by the Beatles fits that category.
Then there are the “what were we thinking?” love songs that somehow were hits, but have now mercifully been dispatched to lists like this.
“Muskrat Love,” by Captain and Tennille was actually a cover song of a cover song. Toni Tennille says she and Daryl Dragon first heard America’s version of the song written by Willis Alan Ramsey. Regardless, a song with lyrics about “nibbling on bacon” and other exploits of canoodling rodents is a likely candidate for many “worst” lists.
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band is the story of a love we probably preferred to not hear about.
“Having My Baby” by Paul Anka is wrong for too many reasons to detail.
Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” was a hit when released, and maintains a certain respect, in part for its description of total acceptance – it shouldn’t be a surprise that Bruno Mars has a totally different song with the same title that will likely endure.
Other possible ‘best’ songs – “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton has lovely sentiments, though I wonder if he remembered the evening the next morning, since he never elaborated why he had an “aching head.”
The good thing about love songs – and love – is that it’s all about taste.
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