There’s nothing like a good ole crush song to kick-start a fun trip down memory lane. Here are our top 20 picks:
This 1980’s throwback by family singing sensation “The Jets” represents the epitome of what a good crush is all about: anticipation, intrigue, butterflies and curiosity.
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02
‘When I See You’
“American Idol” vet Fantasia belts out tunes so sweet we can’t help but to think back (maybe not so long ago) to a special someone that we were excited to sneak a glance of.
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03
‘Come and Talk to Me’
Jodeci got our bodies bumping and our hearts pumping with this classic 90’s jam. The sexy video kept us watching as well.
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04
‘I Want You’
Who else can deliver an R&B track to evoke romantic memories the way Marvin Gaye can? But be clear: Mr. Gaye firmly informed his love interest that not only did he want her, he wanted her to want him too. Can you say swagger?
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05
‘Just to Be Close to You’
This Commodores’ classic hit sums up just how it feels (equally euphoric and nerve-racking) to admire a certain someone from afar. We also love this tune because it is great to groove to whether we’re alone or coupled up.
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06
‘Excuse Me Miss’
Hey, b-boys need love too, right? Hip-hop king Jay-Z dispelled myths about rappers’ inability to show vulnerability in hip-hop with this cut about falling for you-know-who and even borrowed lines from top R&B crooner Luther Vandross.
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07
‘Iesha’
Another Bad Creation, also known as ABC, made their big-time debut on the music scene with this catchy song about a playground crush. The song represents the essence of puppy love.
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08
‘If It Isn’t Love’
As one of the most beloved boy bands of our time, New Edition has a plethora of hits that we cherish. But it is this sweet dance tune about a guy being unexpectedly swept off his feet by a P.Y.T. who always gets a toe tap or two out of us.
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09
‘Hey Lover’
The ladies still love LL Cool J and why wouldn’t we with a set of abs that just won’t quit and honest lyrics like, “I can’t believe it, I ain’t had a crush in years.” A hook by balladeers Boys II Men certainly doesn’t hurt either.
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10
‘I Wanna Be Down’
Brandy kicked off her singing career in 1994 with this hit ballad that had us all remembering an old-school crush. The remix was just as dope with Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Yo-Yo adding some swag.
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11
‘You Don’t Know My Name’
We love how Alicia Keys verbalized the type of crush every woman has experienced at least once in her life in this Kanye West-produced cut. Just listening to the song can give the crusher enough gumption to tell the crushee her name.
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12
‘If Only You Knew’
Miss Patti proves why she’s a legend on this sweet ballad on loving hard. The high notes show deep emotion we’ve all felt from a serious jones.
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13
‘You Make Me Wanna’
Usher showed he was all grown up on this debut single from his 1997 album “My Way.”
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14
‘I Wanna Be Your Man’
Roger Troutman put his heart on the line with this techno-R&B classic. And Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan cemented the song’s spot in history in “Love & Basketball.”
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15
‘Can We Talk?’
Back in the day Tevin Campbell solidified his spot as a new face of R&B with this hit song.
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16
‘Betcha By Golly Wow’
This oldie is still a goodie, as these smooth brothers sing about finding their dreamgirl.
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17
‘Crush on You’
We’ve all been there when a guy with a little reputation tries to make his way onto the roster. And Lil’ Kim, Biggie Smalls and Lil’ Cease paint the scenario something lovely on this hip-hop classic.
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18
‘Miss Independent’
Of course a boss would have a crush on another boos, right? Soul brother Ne-Yo let the world know that some men can appreciate a woman who wants a man but doesn’t need him.
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19
‘If I Were Your Woman’
With the help of the Pips, Gladys Knight let her crush know how good life could be on this soulful song. Alicia Keys brought the classic to a new generation on her album “The Diary of Alicia Keys.”
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20
‘Take You Out’
In one of his last hit singles, Luther Vandross showed the young guys how it’s done when it comes to wooing the lady who’s caught your eye.