These Are Our Favorite Love Songs By California Artists

Hans Christian Andersen said it best: “When words fail, music speaks.” There’s a song for every mood, for every occasion, for every message you want to deliver. Drawing picture-perfect images of love, broken hearts, and hopeless romantics, these songs by California artists show us how to read between the lines. Whenever you need to let it all out, resort to these California artists—they’ll always be there for you.

These Are The Best Love Songs Of All Time By Female California Artists

“Nobody But You” By Gwen Stefani and Blake Sheldon

Gwen Stefani came a long way since she first released “Don’t Speak” with No Doubt. But there’s no doubt (get it?) that she did indeed find love after meeting her current partner Blake Sheldon. As the couple’s third collaboration, the love song “Nobody But You” was released in January 2020 as a token of their commitment to each other. Stefani and Shelton performed the critically acclaimed song at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards as well as the Academy of Country Music's TV special ACM Presents: Our Country.

“Clumsy” By Fergie

Back in the noughties, being clumsy, tripping, slipping, and falling head over heels in love were so in, all thanks to Fergie. “Clumsy” immediately became a hit around the world, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The bubblegum pop love song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and sold more than two million downloads in the U.S. Fergie went on to perform “Clumsy” at the 2007 American Music Awards.

“When Love Calls Your Name” By Cher

When Cher says something, you listen to her. One of the best love songs of all time, “When Love Calls Your Name” was released in 1991 and became an instant hit, especially with lovebirds. Although “When Lovers Become Strangers” and “Save Up All Your Tears” were more popular, we can’t help but follow our heart wherever it goes.

“Unconditionally” By Katy Perry 

Katy Perry releases hit after hit—we have all her songs on repeat on our beach playlist. But when she released “Unconditionally” in 2013, we knew it was the best one yet. The love song remains a top pick for first dances during weddings; yes, even more than Ed Sheeran’s tracks. Despite the inspiration for the song came from Perry’s trip to Madagascar, the power ballad remains a favorite among many. 

“(It’s Just) The Way That You Love Me” By Paula Abdul 

“The Way That You Love Me” is one of our favorite old love songs—the award-winning hit is from Paula Abdul's debut album “Forever Your Girl.” The dance-pop track had everyone in the 80s and 90s on their feet; the music video featured Abdul’s very first tap-dancing sequence, something she’d end up using in future videos such as "Straight Up," "Opposites Attract," and "Forever Your Girl."

Love Songs by Male California Artists

“God Only Knows” By The Beach Boys

You’ve probably heard this sad love song in several movies—it’s every director’s go-to. Considered one of the greatest songs ever written, “God Only Knows” is distinguished for its harmonic innovation as well as subversion of typical pop music formula. Renowned California artists The Beach Boys released the hit in 1966 as the opening track of side two on their album “Pet Sounds.” The love song is featured in Boogie Nights, Love Actually, and the opening credits of the HBO series, Big Love.

“Nothing Else Matters” By Metallica

To say Metallica is legendary is an understatement, As one of the best rock bands to hail from California, Metallica is famous for fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship. Surprisingly, perhaps their most well-known songs “Nothing Else Matters” is the complete opposite of “Master of Puppets” and “Creeping Death.” The power ballad became an instant hit internationally and was featured in the music video game “Guitar Hero: Metallica.”

Fun fact: the song was never meant to be released until drummer Lars Ulrich encouraged it to be considered for the album.

“Love Will Keep Us Alive” By The Eagles

While "Hotel California" is a well-known song, the Eagles' equally classic song "Love Will Keep Us Alive" is less known. The vintage love ballad, which was never officially issued as a single, managed to top the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks and peak at number 22 on the Hot 100 Airplay list. For the song, the Californian musicians were nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 38th Grammy Awards.

“Girls Like You” By Maroon 5

Who wasn’t featured in Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” music video? Tiffany Haddish, Elizabeth Banks, Lilly Singh, Behati Prinsloo, and a slew of other female figures and famous singers made their cameos, with a number of them wearing clothing with messages representing various social justice and identity movements. The music video even managed to surpass over three billion views on YouTube—a feat not many artists have accomplished. With Cardi B taking the stage for the third verse, “Girls Like You” can even qualify as an awesome rap love song for modern times.