15 1st dance songs, worthy of a listen!
Picking a 1st dance song may seem difficult at times. We get it, that’s why we figured we would offer up a list that is worthy of your time.
Ed Sheeran-Perfect
What would a wedding be without Ed Sheeran at least popping up once? The versatility of Ed to work with artists from Taylor Swift to Eminem shows no stage is too big. Sheeran has an ability to strike a chord that feels both bittersweet and redemptive. So, when choosing your first dance song, you just can’t go wrong with this artist.
James Arthur-Say you won’t let go
At first glance, you may not think James can offer up that soft, sentimental touch. He’s the perfect definition of, never judge a book by its cover. Stepping onto the scene in 2011 as a solo artist, he’s provided many music-goers with a multi genre feel. From rock to hip-hop, James has the ability to resonate with your first dance.
John Legend-All of Me
There’s not much to say that you may already know. Legend’s strong, passionate voice has been lighting up the charts since the early 2000s. He offers up a feel that mixes up pop with hip hop and R&B. His song “All of Me” will vibe with nearly all first dances.
Jason Mraz-I’m Yours
A self described hippie, Jason has this ability to sing about real life experiences. Migrating to the west coast in 99’, Jason tried his hand at local coffeehouses before getting his big break. His soft vocals have been ringing in the ears since the early 2000s. With the release of his song “I’m Yours” which seemed to put the cherry on top.
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill-It’s Your Love
Widely noted as a power couple in the 2000s, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill released this duet shortly after their wedding in 1996. The willingness to speak truth about their love impacted many future newlyweds to choose “It’s Your Love” for their first song.
Calum Scott-You Are The Reason
Beginning his career as a cover artist, Calum didn’t know his voice just yet. While appearing on Britain’s Got Talent, he drew strong attention from one of the judges, Simon Cowell. Although he didn’t win on the show, it wouldn’t be too long before he won the hearts of many. In 2018, he released his hit song, “You are the Reason.”
Jason Aldean-You Make it Easy
Aldean burst onto the scene in the early 2000s but didn’t make much of an impact. He got his big break in 2010 with his breakout song “My Kinda Party.” In 2018, with his Rearview Town album, he finally won the heart first dance song enthusiasts with “You Make It Easy.”
Lone star-Amazed
With the name of their band showing their roots, all 5 founding members were Texas natives. The band had many good runs with great songs but none more notable than the infamous “Amazed.” This song sat so well with the love expressed, it’s hard not to put them on this list.
Tim McGraw-My Best Friend
Here we go again, McGraw has always strived to make emotionally resonant songs “that can be personal to somebody but existential to all.” With many songs that topped the charts, “My Best Friend” hits the top charts for first dance songs.
George Strait-I Cross My Heart
You didn’t think we would have a first dance song list without having the “King of Country” on it, did you? There’s not much more you can say about George Strait, he sings about life experiences that sits in the minds of wedding goers all over. There are many of his songs that could be on this list, but “I Cross My Heart” wins the top bid.
Hunter Hayes-Wanted
With a boyish type appearance, Hunter blasted on to the scene with the “Hunter Hayes(Encore).'“ Not knowing how well his album would be perceived, his breakout song “Wanted” did just that.
Blake Shelton-God Gave Me You
With his very evident southern twang, you could hear Blake and know he was different. Known by his peers as a megastar, the same could be said for his ability to provide a wedding’s first dance song. Providing good ole’ country music to enthusiasts, he also provides an even better Christian country love song with “God Gave Me You.”
Michael Bublé-To be Loved
Michael Bublé may be more recognized around Christmas time, but his voice won’t go unheard at a wedding. With a strong resemblance to Sinatra, his modern day swag embodies softness and sensitivity. With the release of his 2013 album “To be Loved” this song has made more and more appearances as first dance songs.
Chris Young-Who I am With You
With the release of his 4th album 2013, Chris Young used his vocals to express his softer side. With a tendency to be a backwoods country singer who got his big break in 2006 on “Nashville Star.” He didn’t have to dig too far into the bag of tricks to pull out this gem. “Who I am With you” embodies love and acknowledgement of what life may or may not have been like without that significant other.
Ben E. King-Stand by Me
This legend needs no introduction and neither does this song. King became most notable as a member of the Drifters in the late 1950s and 60s before the release of his 1961 EP. “Stand by Me” has appeared in many Hollywood blockbusters and even more first dance songs.
Honorable mention
Luke Combs-forever after all
With what seemed like overnight success, Luke Combs thinks it was anything but. With his southern rock touch and mixture of hip-hop beats, Luke came full circle with his 2021 release of his hit single “Forever After All.” How could it not be a part of the list? The cover album is a picture of him and his wife in their wedding attire!