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Valentine’s Day: Best Love and Break-Up Songs

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Claire Shriver Student Contributor, American University
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Lesley Siu Student Contributor, American University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at American chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

It’s that time of year again when flowers, candy and stuffed animals fill the aisles of convenience stores nationwide. Collegiettes everywhere will be spending Valentine’s Day with a loved one, wishing to spend it with someone, coping with a break-up, or a combination of the above.  AU students’ iPods on Tuesday the 14th will be filled with love songs to be hummed all day long.  Here are some of the best tunes to profess your feelings for someone special or to help heal a wounded heart.

Top 5 Love Songs

5) The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

First released in 1964 as a cover of a original from the film Swing Time by Fred Astaire, this song is heart warming and a true classic. Whenever romance is in the air, this tune (and Frank Sinatra with a top hat) immediately come to mind, making it a staple to jam to on the day of love.


4) I Will by The Beatles

Totaling under two minutes, this classic song from the Beatles’ self titled album could make any collegiette smile. The band wrote the lyrically simple song while touring in India and later recorded it in their home country’s capital of London. Short and sweet, this oldie but goodie is sure to make you swoon.

 

3) Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis 

Most girls could attest to the fact that they have belted out this song with a friend while driving around town at least once. Coming across the pond, Leona Lewis released “Bleeding Love” back in 2007 peaking at number one on the charts thanks to it’s catchy chorus and clear message about the thrill of love.

 

2) I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

Released in 2009 and with nearly 120 million views on YouTube, Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” is not only extremely catchy—anyone who listens to it is immediately put into a good mood. The sweet sound of Mraz’s voice and strumming of the guitar could really make any girl melt. 

 

1) Drops of Jupiter by Train

Topping the countdown is (with no question) Train’s classic, “Drops of Jupiter.” Lead singer Patrick Monahan tells the story of the most important girl in his life: his mom. This song, about family love, is definitely the break out single for the band. It will give you chills every time you hear it!

 

Top 5 Break-Up Songs

5) The Hardest Thing by 98 Degrees

Moving on to songs relating to losing love, I think we all can agree that everyone enjoys a good late 90s group tune, especially one with Nicholas Lachey as the lead singer. The lyrics in 98 degrees’ “The Hardest Thing” tells the story of a messy break up, a subject many collegiettes can relate to. 

 

4) Kerosene by Miranda Lambert

I could not count down the best Valentine’s Day songs without a little country on the list. Powerhouse Miranda Lambert proclaims she gave up on love, something a lot of hopeless romantics may be doing on the 14th. It is perfect to get you up and out of bed, ready to seize the day.

 

3) I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time by Bon Iver

Bon Iver’s voice can make my heart melt to pieces, especially if a piano is involved. Telling the story of two lovers at odds, Iver’s cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time” really is the best thing to listen to right before going to sleep. And, if you like the song a lot, listen to versions covered by other singers!

 

2) So What by Pink

With quite an entertaining music video to go along with it, Pink’s dramatic song “So What” was based off of her split with now husband Carey Hart. Pink sends the ever important message of women being independent and just as capable of anything without a man’s love or help.

 

1) Rumor Has It by Adele

The obvious choice to be number one on this countdown many would think to be billboard hit “Someone Like You.” However, the unsung “hero” of Adele’s album 21 is “Rumor Has It.” Not only does the song make you feel empowered, but it is also easy to learn the lyrics for optimal lip-syncing. 

 

And, if you are craving more music, Mashable has seven Valentine’s playlists that you can download from numerous sites. Plus, they are all free!

Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Claire Shriver is a Public Communication major and Marketing minor at American University in Washington, DC. She is the Editor-in-Chief for Her Campus American, Vice President of Communication for AU Social Media Club and an AU Ambassador. This past summer she interned in the Features Department at Marie Claire magazine and has a passion for travel, magazines, and film photography. Kristen Wiig makes Claire cry with laughter and Adele makes her swoon.
Lesley Siu graduated from American University in May 2013 with a BA in Film and Media Arts and minors in Marketing and International Business. Originally from Hawaii, she loves photography, fashion, travel, social media and everything Parisian. She has interned at GLAMOUR magazine in New York and Washington Life Magazine in DC, but her proudest accomplishment is founding Her Campus American in 2011 while interning in Melbourne, Australia. You can usually find her reading a magazine, enjoying a hazelnut latte or posting a photo on Instagram... and sometimes, all at the same time. Follow her on Twitter: @lesleysiu and visit her blog.