40 Love Songs Perfect For When You Have A Crush

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t stop developing crushes on people once you graduate from high school. No, you’d be happy to know that the crush phenomenon extends well into adulthood.

Generally speaking, love (especially lost love) can turn people a bit cynical, but there’s no better feeling in the world than the magical sensation of having a crush on someone. Seriously, name a better feeling than the pulse-racing, heart-pounding, smile-inducing adrenaline that washes over you when you lock eyes with someone you like. Exactly. While many crushes might not always lead to romance, there’s something beautiful and unforgettable about a crush. For a brief period of time, anything seems possible, and all of those magical moments will keep you going until the next crush comes along.

When you’re crushin’ on somebody super hard, it’s sometimes fun to just stew in that lovey-dovey mix of euphoric emotions while it’s around. The best way to do that? Listening to love songs, duh! But not just any love songs — you need to find ones that specifically capture those intoxicating, head-over-heels feelings that make your spirit soar. If you’re on the hunt for a collection of songs, then today is your lucky day because here’s a roundup of 40 songs about crushes that are perfect to listen to when you want someone.

“Adore You,” Harry Styles

Harry Styles’ pop track “Adore You” is all about having such a huge crush on someone that you’ll do anything for them, including walking through fire. While that’s certainly not the safest thing to do, the catchy track’s message about liking someone so much you just want them to be happy above anything else is one that a lot of people crushing on someone can relate to.

Crush-worthy lyrics: You don't have to say you love me / I just wanna tell you somethin' / Lately you've been on my mind / Honey (ah) / I'd walk through fire for you / Just let me adore you

“Shower,” Becky G

Becky G’s 2014 hit “Shower” is the perfect description of having a crush that just makes the world seem like a brighter, livelier place to be. One moment you’re going about life as usual, and the next, it’s like you’ve been transported into a musical with the way you’re singing in the shower and dancing in the mirror. That’s truly the power of love.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I don't know, it's just something about ya / Got me feeling like I can't be without ya / Anytime someone mention your name / I be feeling as if I'm around ya

“Serendipity,” BTS

BTS’ “Serendipity” is an unapologetically romantic track that is perfect to listen to while daydreaming about your crush. In the song’s lyrics, member Jimin explains that it’s “no coincidence” that this relationship formed, but rather it was led by destiny’s hand instead. He even goes a step farther and calls this person the “penicillium” that saves him in life, a reference to the fungi that produce the antibiotic penicillin. If that’s not love, please share with the class what is!

Crush-worthy lyrics: The universe has moved for us / Without missing a single thing / Our happiness was meant to be / Cuz you love me / and I love you

“All I Can Do,” Jump 5

"All I Can Do" is the definition of adorable. The song by the Christian teen pop group came out in 2002 as a Radio Disney single and was also featured on the millennial-favorite television show Lizzie McGuire. Definitely throw it on your playlist if you're looking for the ultimate TBT that captures the famed opposites-attract kind of romance.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I know some people say / That opposites attract / If that's the truth then we / We will be together forever

“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat (Feat. Sza)

Doja Cat and SZA’s sultry summertime anthem is all about wanting to be with the person you like in every sense of the word. The song’s lyrics focus on the magnetic attraction between two people, especially when it comes to the physical side of a relationship. Add in the song’s catchy chorus, and you’ll find yourself singing along to the R&B track in no time.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Can you kiss me more? / We're so young, boy / We ain't got nothin' to lose, oh, oh / It's just principle / Baby, hold me / 'Cause I like the way you groove, oh, oh

“Teenage Dream,” Glee Cast

It’s a well-known fact that Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" is one of the greatest pop songs of all time. However, there’s something extra special about Darren Criss' a cappella rendition from Season 2 of Glee— it gives us butterflies! Plus, this scene is the first interaction between Blaine and Kurt, beginning one of the most precious relationships on the show.

Crush-worthy lyrics: My, heart, stops / When you look at me / Just, one, touch / Now baby I believe / This, is, real / So take a chance / And don't ever look back / Don't ever look back

“Lost in Japan,” Shawn Mendes

Love has the ability to make you do some crazy things. In the case of Shawn Mendes’ single “Lost In Japan,” that includes flying across the world to spend time with the person you like. The song’s bridge makes it seem like Mendes is casually suggesting visiting before he purchases a ticket, but even conjuring up the idea of flying halfway across the world to be with someone highlights that they have a serious crush.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Do you got plans tonight? / I'm a couple hundred miles from Japan, and I / I was thinkin' I could fly to your hotel tonight / 'Cause I can't get you off my mind

“Kiss You,” One Direction

When it comes to One Direction’s discography, almost all of their tracks center around romance. However, their track “Kiss You” is just plain fun. Yes, it’s a song all about wanting to kiss someone you like, but who hasn’t spent time dreaming about kissing their crush before? Also, we dare you to find another group who can sing about making their friends “drool down their chinny chin chins” and get away with it like One Direction can.

Crush-worthy lyrics: So tell me girl if every time we touch / You get this kind of rush / Baby say yeah

“Holiday,” Little Mix

Little Mix’s “Holiday” knows that when you really, really like someone, your whole worldview changes. Suddenly the sky seems more blue, the birds begin to sing around you, and normal life suddenly transforms into one long ~holiday.~ That unforgettable feeling is one of the best parts of having a crush and is perfectly described in this 2020 song from their sixth album.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Up all night, we don't stop, feel up on my body, babe / We're just dancing the night away / Boy, you feel like a holiday / So I'ma let go / No one else in the world could ever come close to you, baby (oh-oh)

“Hands To Myself,” Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez's 2015 song is not only super catchy (anyone else try to hit that "I mean I could, but why would I want to?" line at some point?), but it's the perfect song when you and your crush are both feeling good about things and mutually decide to take things to the next level. Or at least fantasize about it.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Can't keep my hands to myself / No matter how hard I'm trying to / I want you all to myself / You're metaphorical gin and juice

“Do I Wanna Know?,” Arctic Monkeys

Alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know?” is all about that fizzy feeling that comes with liking someone and having great chemistry together, but not being entirely sure you’re on the same page. It’s a sensation that feels almost like teetering on the precipice of getting together, but you’re both waiting to see who will jump first. For the Arctic Monkeys, the song centers on a past lover, but the lyrics can also easily apply to a new relationship.

Crush-worthy lyrics: (Do I wanna know?) If this feelin' flows both ways? / (Sad to see you go) Was sorta hopin' that you'd stay / (Baby, we both know) That the nights were mainly made / For sayin' things that you can't say tomorrow day

“Amnesia,” Britney Spears

No matter how self-assured you are, sometimes having a crush on somebody can just turn you into a shy, awkward, or blatantly giddy person (cue: the hot, flushed cheeks). Britney Spears' Circus 2008 album is full of great tunes, but this one is the perfect song to listen to when being around your crush makes you feel all tongue-tied and forgetful.

Crush-worthy lyrics: When I see you, I stu-utter / Watch you slip away like butterflies / I saw you standing there in the V.I.P. on Friday / We conversate up in my fantasies, like every day / But I'm a dud whenever you approach

“Body Rock,” Fifth Harmony

Listening to "Body Rock" — hands down the most underrated track on Fifth Harmony's debut album, Reflection — is a heady experience. The song from the now-split-up girl band is the perfect tune that describes how it feels when you can't stop thinking of your crush throughout the day. It definitely understands the heart-racing, electric physicality of harboring an attraction.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Oh my heart racing and my temperature is blazing through the roof / And I'm tired of this charade cause / I can't hide the way I'm feeling over you

“I’ve Just Seen A Face,” The Beatles

The Beatles’ “I’ve Just Seen A Face” is the ultimate song about love at first sight. Do they know anything about the person they’ve just seen? No! Do they instantly know that they belong together? Yes! Sometimes the formation of a crush on someone can really be that simple, and it’s exploring those crushes that can lead to even greater discoveries — like each other’s names!

Crush-worthy lyrics: I've just seen a face / I can't forget the time or place / Where we just met / She's just the girl for me / And I want all the world to see / We've met

“Fancy,” TWICE

If you ever need a hype-up anthem before you go tell your crush you like them, then you need to play TWICE’s “Fancy.” The song proves that when it comes to confessing you have a crush on someone, confidence is always key! Especially when the nine-membered K-Pop girl group sings: “Oh tell me I’m the only one babe / I fancy you.”

Crush-worthy lyrics: Like sweet chocolate ice-cream / My feelings are melting now, so lovely / Shining most brightly in the dark universe / The star, the star, and your big star next to it / You there, I fancy you / I don't want just anyone / Hey, I love you

“Nice To Meet Ya,” Niall Horan

Ever have a crush on someone, but you don’t know how to ask them out? Then you can definitely receive a few pointers from Niall Horan’s Britpop track “Nice To Meet Ya.” The song centers around that innate feeling that accompanies liking someone, and Horan’s lyrics are straight to the point in the final chorus: “Nice to meet ya / What’s ya been? / Let me treat ya / To a drink.”

Crush-worthy lyrics: I like the way you talk, I like the things you wear / I want your number tattooed on my arm in ink, I swear / 'Cause when the morning comes, I know you won't be there / Every time I turn around, you disappear

“Ready Or Not,” Bridgit Mendler

Another Radio Disney debut single, Bridgit Mendler’s bubbly pop hit "Ready Or Not" is full of pop culture references that will make you feel like you’re living in a whirlwind fairytale romance like Prince William and Kate Middleton’s. Can you catch them all? It’s the boost of confidence you need when making that first move. In her words, “Ready or not, here I come, boy, it’s on.”

Crush-worthy lyrics: Hello, my name is (Bridgit) / Nice to meet you / I think you're famous, where have I seen you? / You'll be my William, I'll be your Kate / Livin' like a fairy tale / We could have a palace right next to Oprah

“Found Your Love,” Oliver Nelson (Feat. Heir)

Let’s be honest, dating can sometimes feel like hard work. Finding and maintaining a connection even more so. So when you do find someone, you may feel the protective urge to fight for it. Oliver Nelson's "Found Your Love" comes from his album of the same name, and its lyrics are all about not giving up on a love you work hard to find.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Wait, let me break it down one minute (minute, minute) / Let you know I'm being serious (I swear yea) / Cause when you move you got that spirit (spirit, spirit) / And you're love has got me delirious

“Clumsy,” Fergie

“Clumsy” by Fergie is iconic and should be required listening for anyone who is remotely starting to catch the feels for someone. Just listen to the song’s lyrics and you’ll easily find yourself identifying with Fergie’s struggle to not make a fool of herself in front of the person she likes. But isn’t that part of the crushing fun?

Crush-worthy lyrics: You got me trippin', stumblin', flippin', fumblin' / Clumsy 'cause I'm fallin' in love

“Levitating,” Dua Lipa (Feat. DaBaby)

Dua Lipa’s disco-infused track “Levitating” takes having a crush to galactic levels. The smooth grooving single describes the thrilling experience of dancing the night away with someone you like. Trust us, one listen to this song, and its feel-good message will have you levitating, too. Plus, her confident assertion that her crush wants her too is definitely a boss move to aspire to.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I believe that you're for me, I feel it in our energy / I see us written in the stars / We can go wherever, so let's do it now or never / Baby, nothing's ever, ever too far / Glitter in the sky, glitter in our eyes / Shining just the way we are

“Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has a way with words. "Thinking Out Loud," the heartfelt single from his second studio album released in 2014, says everything you could ever want to say about someone you love. The romantic track doesn’t shy away from long-term commitment and is brimming with forever promises — a perfect cooing serenade for more intimate dates and occasions. For extra cheese: slow dance to it!

Crush-worthy lyrics: And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70 / And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23 / And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways / Maybe just the touch of a hand / Oh me I fall in love with you every single day / And I just wanna tell you I am

“Baby I,” Ariana Grande

"Baby I," off of pop diva Ariana Grande's debut studio album Yours Truly in 2013, not only feels like a throwback to the incredible voices to come before her (like Mariah Carey, for example), but it totally encapsulates that feeling when you can't put your love for your crush into words or form coherent thoughts — in her signature Grande runs, of course.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Straight up, you got me / All in, how could I not be / I sure hope you know (I sure hope you know) / If it's even possible, I love you more / Than word love can say it / It's better not explaining that's why I keep saying baby I

“Toothbrush,” DNCE

"Toothbrush," the second single from DNCE's debut studio album, doesn't beat around the bush — or brush — as to what its lyrics are getting at: long-term commitment. Because seriously, what says “I see a future with you” more than having your own toothbrush at someone else’s house? Play this song when you’re past the getting to know you stage and are ready to progress.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I don't want this to end / And there's no need to play pretend / If you stay with me again / Would you mind closing the bedroom door

“Invisible String,” Taylor Swift

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a song with such beautiful prose must be a Taylor Swift song. “Invisible String” is a gorgeous acoustic single that explores the idea of an invisible string that ties two people together so they can one day meet and fall in love. When you’re head over heels for someone, there’s nothing better than listening to Swift and imagining a delicate string of fate linking you and your special someone together.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Time, curious time / Gave me no compasses, gave me no signs / Were there clues I didn't see? / And isn't it just so pretty to think / All along there was some / Invisible string / Tying you to me?

“1 Thing,” Amerie

This 2005 hit by Amerie peaked on the Billboard 100 and even made it to number four in the U.K. charts. It was also featured on the iconic Hitch soundtrack and, despite being 10 years old, still stands true as a modern classic to this day. The early aughts earworm is a coy admission of tripping over a crush.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Oh, been trying to let it go / Trying to keep my eyes closed / Trying to keep it just like before / The times we never even thought to speak / Don't wanna tell you what it is

“Me & You Together Song,” The 1975

The 1975 meshes early 2000s alternative rock with heartfelt lyrics with their single “Me & You Together Song.” The song is all about falling in love with a close friend but never being able to confess your feelings to them due to poor timing. Add in some spiky electric guitars, drums, and light vocals, and the track transforms into the ultimate pining song.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I've been in love with her for ages / And I can't seem to get it right / I fell in love with her in stages / My whole life

“Gold,” Neon Hitch (Feat. Tyga)

When you’re attracted to someone, it can feel like their presence lights up the entire room, and you can’t be convinced that others don’t feel it too. The lyrics to "Gold" (co-written by Bruno Mars) are ridiculously cute and capture that feeling of someone crushing hard — so much so that the object of their affection seems to shine like gold.

Crush-worthy lyrics: "It's good to meet ya, beautiful creature / You got my heartbeat racin' like a cheetah / Don't need no lights, so turn 'em off / Give me a Tylenol / 'Cause my head keeps spinnin' like a disco ball."

“Wildflower,” 5 Seconds of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer’s hit track “Wildflower” is all about being so enraptured by someone that everything they do is just endlessly endearing to you. The alternative track’s lyrics look at life through rose-tinted glasses to a time when even something simple like your crush calling your name sounds heavenly and new, which everyone with a crush can find themselves relating to at some point.

Crush-worthy lyrics: You're the only one who makes me / Every time we / Tell you what I like / my wildflower / You know you are my favorite fantasy / A fatal love song / Waterfall is overflowin'

“Sweetie,” Carly Rae Jepsen

Okay. Yes. The lyrics in Carly Rae Jepsen’s single "Sweetie" are very cheesy, but that’s what makes them so great! Don’t believe it? Name a better line than: “And from now on / You're not as lonely as you think you are / I'm trying to tell you / Anything you want boy / I can make it happen.” She is the queen of crush songs, after all. Remember the flirting anthem “Call Me Maybe”?

Crush-worthy lyrics: We were both headed different ways / Both in a rush, trying to get away / I ran into you

“Bright,” Echosmith

This song from sibling pop band Echosmith's 2013 Talking Dreams album hits all the right notes when it comes to how a new love can make your heart (and entire being) sing. Seriously, don’t lovestruck folks tend to turn a bit poetic when trying to capture just how much better life can feel with a crush in it? Bring on the cheesy, hyperbolic metaphors! Shakespeare has some competition.

Crush-worthy lyrics: You sprinkle stardust on my pillow case / It's like a moonbeam brushed across my face / Nights are good, and that's the way it should be

“Sucker,” Jonas Brothers

Following their six-year split, the Jonas Brothers finally reunited in 2019 with the new single “Sucker.” The extremely catchy upbeat tune perfectly captures what it’s like to be so hooked by someone that you’ll do anything for them. They probably would know a thing or two about doing things for love — they are all married, after all, and all three J-Sisters also star in the music video.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I've been dancin' on top of cars and stumblin' out of bars / I follow you through the dark, can't get enough / You're the medicine and the pain, the tattoo inside my brain / And, baby, you know it's obvious / I'm a sucker for you

“Fall Into Love,” Wrathschild

“Fall Into Love,” released in 2014, is the first from artists Simon Curtis and Wolfy, collectively known as the pop duo Wrathschild. Its lyrics tell the story of a picturesque, dreamy kind of romance that feels ripped straight from a movie screen with references to an old-school courtship filled with bouquets of roses and a date to prom night.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Let's fall into lo-ove tonight (Oh, I) / Come and scoop me up in your ride (Oh, I) / It'll be like in the movies / With your bass pumpin' in the night (Outside my window) / Let's fall into lo-ove tonight, (Oh, I)

“Domino,” Jessie J

Not only is this song a complete bop, but it honestly is an anthem that is perfect for blasting at full volume in your car, or in the shower, or while you're getting ready for a date (possibly even during, really). "Domino" might truly be Jessie J’s best work, and every word of its lyrics is AIM away-message worthy. Or subtweet worthy.

Crush-worthy lyric: Now I'm breathing like I'm running cause you're taking me there / Don't you know you spin me out of control

“No One Compares,” Jessica Sanchez (Feat. Prince Royce)

The American Idol alum has had practice with power love ballads, and this single is a beautiful love song and definitely slows things down compared to other items on this list. When you think you've found someone that feels super special — the person that stands out in a crowd — this is the song you're definitely going to want to listen to.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Sometimes it's the simple things / That prove our love was meant to be / So don't worry, don't worry

“With Ur Love,” Cher Lloyd (Feat. Mike Posner)

Sometimes having a new crush means making yourself a little bit vulnerable. It doesn't always come easy, but with Cher Lloyd’s “With Ur Love” blasting in the background, you might feel extra inspired to let that special someone in — especially since the song’s lyrics also mention just how rewarding it can be to open up to someone.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Baby you the best cause you worked me out / I keep building walls up, but you tear 'em down / I'm fighting I don't wanna like it, but you know I like it / But you know I like it like it like it

“Wish U Were Here,” Cody Simpson (Feat. Becky G)

When it comes to crushes, Becky G and Cody Simpson definitely know their stuff! This song is all about how the world can feel a bit darker and scarier when the person you're crushing on isn't close by. That universal feeling of that palpable ache you feel when missing someone you love is made even better by powerful vocals from both artists.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I wish you were here / Yeah, I wish you were here / Music is better / And lights are brighter when you are near / Am I making it clear?

“Just The Way You Are,” Bruno Mars

Nothing is more pure than the beginnings of a crush when you still find the person’s quirks and oddities adorable and everything about them just seems swoon-worthy. Mars is definitely looking through rose-colored glasses in “Just The Way You Are,” where he fawns over his love interest’s laugh that is “so sexy” and the way her hair “falls perfectly without her trying.” BRB, crying.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Her lips, her lips / I could kiss them all day if she’d let me / Her laugh, her laugh / She hates, but I think it’s so sexy / She’s so beautiful, and I tell her every day

“Crazy In Love,” Beyoncé (Feat. JAY-Z)

Have you ever been into somebody with such intensity that even your friends are surprised by your behavior? Some might even call it crazy? A Queen Bey classic, this anthem perfectly captures how unlike ourselves we can seem when falling in love, like they’re the center of our world and we just can’t get enough. The 2003 R&B-funk single also has stellar choreography.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Got me looking, so crazy, my baby / I'm not myself lately, I'm foolish, I don't do this / I've been playing myself, baby, I don't care / 'Cause your love's got the best of me

“Mamma Mia,” ABBA

While this 1975 ABBA classic alludes to infidelity, it’s the perfect anthem for when you want to get over someone for whatever reason but are drawn to an irresistible attraction and just can’t seem to stay away. While there are so many newer versions to choose from, including a Meryl Streep performance from the “Mamma Mia” film and even a Glee cast version, you can’t go wrong with the original.

Crush-worthy lyrics: Just one look and I can hear a bell ring / One more look and I forget everything, whoa / Mamma mia, here I go again / My my, how can I resist you?

“Still Into You,” Paramore

Couples who enjoy a prolonged honeymoon phase are so blessed because having the flutters is pure endorphin-addled bliss. Technically, this song from rock band Paramore’s 2013 self-titled fourth album isn’t about a new love but describes a long-term relationship that still has all the feels and giddiness of the early stages of romance.

Crush-worthy lyrics: I should be over all the butterflies / But I'm into you (I'm into you) / And baby, even on our worst nights / I’m into you (I’m into you)

Additional reporting by Alyssa Lapid.