Motorists planning a romantic Valentine’s Day playlist are being urged to choose slower love songs to help stay focused behind the wheel, according to a new study by 123.ie Insurance.
The research analysed 150 of the greatest love songs of all time, using Billboard chart data, to determine which tracks are least distracting for drivers based on their beats per minute (BPM).
Previous studies suggest that music with more than 120 beats per minute can distract drivers and even contribute to speeding. In contrast, songs with a tempo between 60 and 80 beats per minute are closer to a resting heart rate, helping motorists remain calm and attentive on the road.
The Least Distracting Love Songs
Topping the list of safer choices is Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love”, which has a tempo of just 65 BPM. Its slow, emotional tone makes it particularly suited to relaxed evening drives.
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” also ranks highly at 68 BPM. The iconic ballad spent 14 weeks at number one in 1992 and remains one of the most celebrated love songs of all time — while still maintaining a driver-friendly tempo.
Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”, at 79 BPM, combines romantic lyrics with a steady rhythm. Released in 2014, the track became one of Sheeran’s biggest global hits and won Song of the Year at the 2016 Grammy Awards. Its measured pace makes it enjoyable without drawing attention away from the road.
Fans of classic hits are also catered for. The Beatles’ “She Loves You” comes in at 75 BPM, offering what researchers describe as an upbeat yet controlled rhythm suitable for drivers of all ages.
The Most Distracting Tracks
At the other end of the scale are several high-energy anthems that may be better saved for after the journey.
Rihanna’s “We Found Love” featuring Calvin Harris clocks in at 128 BPM, placing it among the more distracting tracks. The global chart-topper reached number one in more than 25 countries but carries a tempo that could encourage heightened energy behind the wheel.
Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love” is another Valentine’s favourite that ranks among the most distracting, with a tempo of 140 BPM. The song spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994 and was the 48th biggest hit of the 1990s.
Perhaps most surprising is Barbra Streisand’s “Woman in Love”, which, despite its ballad reputation, has a tempo of 170 BPM. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, the song carries subtle disco-era energy beneath its romantic exterior.
The joint most distracting songs identified in the study are “I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family and “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey, both registering a striking 205 BPM.
A spokesperson for 123.ie Insurance said: “Music can have a powerful impact on our mood and behaviour. Choosing songs with a slower tempo can help drivers stay calm and focused, particularly during busy travel periods like Valentine’s Day.”
With many couples set to travel for weekend breaks or romantic dinners, drivers are being encouraged to save high-energy sing-along favourites for when they reach their destination — and keep the journey itself smooth and steady.
