Valentine’s Day can be a daunting holiday for those who are newly single or still hung up on someone. The constant reminders of love on and leading up to Valentine’s Day can stir up a lot of emotions and residual grief. But, whether you’re spending the day with friends, by yourself, or simply ignoring the day altogether, the music you listen to should be relatable and boost your mood at the same time.
I put together a list of songs performed by black female artists, perfect for describing whatever you are feeling this Valentine’s Day.
Tyrone – Erykah Badu
“I’m gettin’ tired of your sh*t/ You don’t never buy me nothin”
Mrs. Badu sets the tone of the song in her opening line. “Tyrone” embodies the phrase “sick and tired” when talking about a man who takes advantage of her physically, emotionally and financially. Then, Badu kicks that man to the curb. This song is for the hot girls who weren’t getting the respect they deserved. I recommend listening to the live version of this song because you can hear the crowd hyping her up. This song is also perfect for your next karaoke event!
Wasted Energy – Alicia Keys, Kaash Paige, Diamond Platnumz
“Wasted energy/ Why did you, why did you f**k up the chemistry?”
“Wasted Energy” is one of Alicia Keys’ semi-recent songs, and it reflects on a relationship that sucked the life out of her. The reggae influence and artist features make this song an undeniable vibe. This song is perfect for unattached hot girls who are fed up with their ex.
Time Machine – Muni Long
“It done turned me to a savage like Rihanna/ Ugh, I put that on your father”
In “Time Machine,” Muni Long regrets one of her relationships and wants to go back in time to forget it. “Time Machine”, as well as her song “Hrs & Hrs”, have both gained popularity on TikTok recently. This song sounds like wine drunk with your besties and demands to be screamed out loud.
Kiss of Life – Sade
“When I was led to you/ I knew you were the one for me”
Sade’s angelic voice mixes beautifully with the melody in this love song. Although this song does not emulate heartbreak, it can boost your mood without fail. This song describes what it’s like to be absolutely in love with someone, and hot girls should be singing this to themselves in the mirror this Valentine’s Day (and every day after).
None Of Your Concern – Jhené Aiko, Big Sean
“Get your b*tch a** off of my phone/ Please leave me alone/ I am not your girl anymore/ You need to watch your tone”
In true Jhené Aiko fashion, she tells a whole story in “None Of Your Concern.” Initially, she struggles to accept the end of a relationship, having to detach from a partner and recognizing she’s outside of that person’s life. Then, tired of attempting to mend a one-sided relationship, she begins to move on. Unfortunately, that is precisely when her toxic ex comes back, and we hear Big Sean’s verse. This song is the perfect breakup song for the sad girls this Valentine’s Day.
I Should Have Cheated – Keyshia Cole
“I might as well have cheated on you/ As much as you accused me of cheatin’’
Keyshia Cole made this song for the women dating insecure boys. Angry after being in a relationship filled with accusations, “I Should Have Cheated” is a testament to feeling fed up. This is the perfect song to aggressively yell in the shower or in the car.
Bad Girls – Donna Summer
“Bad girls, talking ’bout the sad girls”
“Bad Girls” is the 1979 disco equivalent to Hot Girl Summer. The song’s liveliness makes identifying as a “sad girl” feel fabulous. I highly recommend listening to this while pre-gaming and getting ready to go out.
I Hate U – SZA
“Used to be too solid ’til you scrambled me/ Used to be your rider, you mishandle me/ Used to be nonviolent ’til you ambushed me”
The title says it all.
Red Flags – Andra Day
“I stood outside for hours thinking why/ But you meant no harm you say”
Andra Day wrote this heartbreak ballad for those who just should’ve known better. With discussions about red flags and healthy relationships becoming more common on social media, “Red Flags” personifies the importance of trusting your gut. Day repeats, “but you met no harm you say,” to try to internalize and justify her partner’s wrongdoings. It is perfectly acceptable to cry your heart out to this song this Valentine’s Day.
I’d Rather Go Blind – ETTA James
“Something told me it was over/ When I saw you and her talkin'”
This Etta James blues classic is a soulful plead for her love to come back. “I’d Rather Go Blind” was also performed by Beyonce in Cadillac Records, a movie in which she played James. This song is indeed fit for the heartbroken ones.
No Love – Summer Walker, SZA
“If I did it all again, I would give like ten percent/ You deserve like half of that, I’ma need my money back”
This song is the epitome of a hot girl breakup anthem. If Summer Walker had a redo, she wouldn’t have taken the relationship too seriously. She was not getting what she was giving in return. Recognizing she had wasted her time, she reclaims her independence and self-confidence. “No Love” is the song that newly singles should be partying to this Valentine’s Day. The lyrics in this song scream bad b*tch energy.
Wish I Didn’t Miss You – Angie Stone
“Now you think it’s funny/ Now you wanna spend your money on girls/ But you forgot when you were down/ That I was around”
In “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” Angie Stone struggles to get over her ex. Knowing she’s been mistreated, she still can’t seem to shake the romantic feelings. The Bachata influence in the music, Stone’s sultry voice and the catchy chorus make this song an absolute banger.
Ex-Factor – Mrs. Lauryn Hill
“Tell me who I have to be/ To get some reciprocity/ See, no one loves you more than me/ And no one ever will”
From the timeless album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” comes the infamous “Ex-Factor.” Written about ex, Wyclef Jean from the Fugees, Mrs. Lauryn Hill hashes out her experience in a toxic relationship. The relationship is an unhealthy attachment that she can’t seem to shake with hopes of her man changing for the better. This song is so popular because many have found themselves in the same position. Feel free to belt this one this Valentine’s Day.
Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here – Deborah Cox
“I’ve tried that love thing for the last time/ My heart says no, no/Nobody’s supposed to be here/ But you came along and changed my mind”
Deborah Cox is a Canadian singer from the late 90s/ early 2000s. In “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” she sings about her dilemma when falling for someone. After being hurt in the past, she struggles to let someone in. This song was initially put out as a ballad and then remixed into a dance/disco remix soon after. Making this song a versatile hot girl anthem that you can both cry and dance to.
Not Another Love Song – Ella Mai
“I don’t wanna mess this up/ Could it be too much to say I’m in?”
Falling in love again after being heartbroken can be terrifying. Putting yourself in a position to get hurt again sounds like a horrible idea. But then, eventually, out of nowhere, you get butterflies for someone new. Ella Mai illustrates the fear and excitement of falling for someone again in “Not Another Love Song.”