Explore 7 Most Famous Waltz Songs of All Time

Ever wondered which famous waltz songs have stood the test of time? The enduring appeal of the waltz, with its enchanting 3/4 time signature, has captivated audiences for centuries. From the grand ballrooms of Vienna to modern-day celebrations, these melodies evoke elegance and nostalgia, connecting us to a timeless tradition.

This comprehensive list of the 10 most famous waltz songs includes timeless classics and contemporary favorites, each with its unique charm. Whether you are a dancer or a music enthusiast, these waltz songs will take you to a world of grace and beauty. Let’s get into the beats!

List of Famous Waltz Songs

1: “At This Moment” – Michael Bublé

Date of Release: 1981 (rerelease 1986)

Album: Billy and the Beaters

Genre: Blue-eyed soul

Songwriter: Billy Vera

Producer: Jeff Baxter

“At This Moment,” written by Billy Vera, was originally recorded live by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981 at the Roxy in West Hollywood. Despite its initial release stalling at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song gained renewed popularity after being featured on the NBC sitcom Family Ties in the 1985-86 season. This exposure led to a re-release by Rhino Records, propelling the song to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts in early 1987.

The song, “At This Moment,” became a cross-genre hit, reaching the R&B and country charts and selling over a million copies in the U.S. Its impact on other artists is impressive, with many cover versions, including those by Tom Jones and Michael Bublé.

2: “Take It to the Limit – 2013 Remaster” – Eagles

Album: One of These Nights

Date of Release: November 15, 1975

Genre: Soft Rock, Power Ballad

Songwriters: Randy Meisner, Don Henley, Glenn Frey

Producer: Bill Szymczyk

Cementing its place among the famous waltz songs, “Take It to the Limit” from the Eagles’ album “One of These Nights” was their last single. The song, co-written by Randy Meisner, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, reached No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 in the UK. Known for its distinctive waltz time and emotional depth, it became a signature performance for Meisner, whose high notes captivated audiences.

Despite its popularity, disputes over live performances led to Meisner’s departure from the band. The song was later remastered in 2013, preserving its timeless appeal and rich harmonies.

3: “Cara Mia” – Eric Tingstad

Album: Blockbusters

Date of Release: May 1965

Genre: Rock

Songwriters: Lee Lange, Tulio Trapani

Producer: Artie Ripp

“Cara Mia,” one of the famous waltz songs from 1954, achieved immense popularity with its first recording by English singer David Whitfield and the Mantovani Orchestra. This version topped the UK Singles Chart for ten weeks and sold over three and a half million copies globally, resonating with audiences across the world. The song’s authorship is credited to Tulio Trapani (Mantovani) and Lee Lange (Bunny Lewis).

In 1965, the American rock group Jay and the Americans revived “Cara Mia,” propelling it to a Top 5 hit internationally and number 1 in Canada. Their rendition not only revived the song but also cemented its enduring popularity, gaining renewed success in the Netherlands with a 1980 re-release.

4: “Always Remember Us This Way” – Klaus Hallen Tanzorchester

Album: A Star Is Born

Date of Release: January 4, 2019

Genre: Country, Soft Rock

Songwriters: Lady Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna

Producer: Dave Cobb, Lady Gaga

“Always Remember Us This Way” is a standout song from the 2018 film “A Star Is Born, performed by Lady Gaga. Written by Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna and produced by Dave Cobb and Gaga, this track has received widespread acclaim. It achieved top chart positions in Iceland and top ten rankings in several countries, including Belgium, Hungary, and Sweden. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals highlight Gaga’s versatility.

Furthermore, the song was nominated for Song of the Year at the 62nd Grammy Awards and showcased live during Gaga’s 2022 Chromatica Ball tour.

5: “Moon River” – Andy Williams

Album: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Date of Release: October 1961

Genre: Traditional pop

Songwriter: Johnny Mercer

Producer: Dick Pierce, Joe Reisman

“Moon River,” composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, became iconic when Andy Williams performed it in 1962. Though never released as a single, Williams’ version became the theme song for his TV show, opening each episode with its first eight bars. His rendition was so impactful that he named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri, after it, and titled his autobiography “Moon River” and Me.

The song’s success rejuvenated Johnny Mercer’s career and highlighted his lyrical connection to his Southern roots and childhood dreams. Williams’ version remains celebrated, selected for preservation in the Library of Congress in 2022.

6: “A Time For Us (Theme from ‘Romeo & Juliet’)” – The Dancelife Orchestra

Album: A Warm Shade of Ivory

Date of Release: May 1969

Genre: Pop

Songwriter: Nino Rota

Producer: Joe Reisman

“A Time For Us,” originally an instrumental by Henry Mancini from Nino Rota’s score for Franco Zeffirelli’s film “Romeo and Juliet,” gained fame in 1969 by topping the Billboard Hot 100, a significant achievement in the music industry. Rearranged and performed by Mancini himself on piano, the piece competed against rock and roll hits of the time.

Despite initial resistance from some radio stations for being too soft, ‘A Time For Us’ overcome these challenges and became a number-one hit. Its adaptability is evident in the multiple versions with different lyrics that it inspired, including notable renditions by Johnny Mathis, Stevie Wonder, and Lana Del Rey, each bringing a unique interpretation to the piece.

7: “You Light Up My Life” – LeAnn Rimes

Album: You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs

Date of Release: August 26, 1977

Genre: Country

Songwriter: Joe Brooks

Producer: Mike Curb, Chuck Howard, Wilbur C. Rimes

At a mere 15 years old, LeAnn Rimes released her second studio album, “You Light Up My Life”. This was a remarkable feat, especially considering she had already released her version of the song as a single in 1997, two decades after Boone’s version.

The song, “You Light Up My Life”, one of the famous waltz songs, was a chart-topper, peaking at an impressive number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its success was further underscored by its certification as gold.