Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Her Campus at The New School! This year, some of our writers wanted to make you a Valentine’s Day playlist to listen to. Whether you love or hate the holiday, this playlist has a song for everybody. You don’t have to be in a loving, partner relationship to vibe with these songs. This Valentine’s Day, we also want to celebrate platonic love, friendships, self-love, and more!
Checkout the playlist of tracks carefully selected by some of our writers below:
“The Only Exception” by Paramore
This will always be one of my favorite love songs! It’s so beautifully honest, the melody is so lovely, and I find that it’s usually a crowd favorite.
“Sweet Creature” by Harry Styles
Nothing like a soft and gentle Harry Styles tune to get you in the feels this Valentine’s Day. As Harry sings the words, “Wherever I go, you bring me home,” you’re sure to swoon. Is Harry Styles anyone else’s Valentine this year?!
“Here You Come Again” by Dolly Parton
Are you thinking about someone that you know you shouldn’t be thinking about this Valentine’s Day, but you just can’t help yourself? Is there someone that steals your heart as soon as they walk through the door? Dolly gets it. This fun little bop is perfect for those struggling to not fall head over heels this Valentine’s Day.
“Scuse Me” by Lizzo
If you’re trying to focus on self-love this Valentine’s Day, then I suggest you spend the day with Lizzo. As she sings, “I don’t need nobody else, ‘scuse me while I feel myself,” you’ll realize that there’s no one else you need but your beautiful self this year!
“Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” by Del Water Gap
This may not be an obvious love song, but it speaks to passion, devotion, and romance without saying the words.
“Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac
It’s simple and it’s true– forever one of the best love songs of all time.
“Seaside” by The Kooks
There’s something especially romantic about the thought of falling in love by the sea.
“Where You Lead” by Carole King
A love song that can be sung to absolutely everyone in your life, including but not limited to: your mom, your best friend, or your dog.
“Something Tells Me” by BAILEN
The harmonies in this song say just as much about love as the lyrics do.
“These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding
The perfect song for slow dancing in the kitchen late at night.
“Symphony No. 2: III. Adagio” by Valery Gergiev & London Symphony Orchestra
If you happen to feel the need for a 14 minute long symphony piece this Valentine’s Day, this might be just what you’re looking for.
“Last Valentines” by PinkPantheress
“Last valentines” from PinkPantheress’ debut mixtape is the perfect anti-Valentine’s Day song. You will be encapsulated for 1:13 while Pantheress sings about gut-wrenching heartbreak over an upbeat tempo you can’t help but dance to.
“Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
Could there be a better Valentine’s Day song than The Cure’s hit “Just Like Heaven?” Make your significant other fall back in love with you with Robert Smith’s vocals and the swoon-worthy lyrics!
“Silk Chiffon” by MUNA ft. Phoebe Bridgers
You can’t go wrong with two songs featuring Phoebe Bridgers on a list! MUNA’s hit song “Silk Chiffon” perfectly encapsulates the butterflies you feel around your crush. Bridgers’ vocals and the addicting chorus will keep this song stuck in your head for days. But we’re not complaining! All we want to do is put our mini skirts and our rollerblades on!
“Care For You” by The Marías
Sweet and uplifting, The Marías always know how to lace every song they make with a sense of warmth and relaxation.
“I Wanna Be Down” by Brandy
The upbeat melody and hopeful vocals of this song reignites that giddy feeling of when you’re entering a new relationship; unsure of what to expect, but down for the journey.
“Kiss of Life” by Sade
Sade is the poster girl for love songs. Kiss of Life is so beautifully composed, yet so melancholy in its rhythm.
“Flowers- Sunship Edit” by Sweet Female attitude
Something about the beat of this song feels so nostalgic. maybe even a little sad despite how loving the lyrics are. A love song you can dance to or cry to; that is the beautiful duality about Flowers.
“Next Lifetime” by Erykah Badu
Despite how sad this song may be, the tune and lyrics are hopeful and spiritual, making it the perfect song for longing for a certain person during valentine’s day.
“Love or Lust” by Qendresa
Similar to The Marías, Qendresa creates an aura of relaxation despite the themes of love vs lust that the artist explores.
“Lambada” by Kaoma
This will always be one of my favorite songs ever. The melody is so beautiful, pairing with a dance so intimate. A lovers dance and a lovers song.
“We Found Love” by Rihanna
I don’t think I need to explain this one. If it’s not on your playlist already, add it ASAP!
“Intergalactic Love Song” by The Diddy’s
Tune into “Intergalactic Love Song” by the Diddy’s to feel a cosmic and out of this world groove to your Valentine’s Day mood. Funk, jazz, and soul genres are mended within this 1976 love song.
“Completeness” by Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton, the queen of the five-octave scale, will have you skipping through the flower fields searching for your one true love with “Completeness.” As Riperton belts out her high notes in the background, hold a loved one, your pet, or even yourself to this song.
“Lover’s Rock” by TV Girl
The dreamy, nostalgic instrumentals and addictive chorus to “Lover’s Rock” will have you bobbing your head and repeating the “Do-do-do’s” near the end. TV Girl expresses the feeling of enjoying a significant other’s company and living in the moment even though “love will burn like a cigarette.”
“Sending My Love” by Chloe x Halle (Cover)
Originally made by the 90’s R&B duo Zhané, Chloe x Halle effortlessly delivers their own cover of this classic song. With soft and heavenly vocals, they sing about desire and longing for that special someone.
“For Gerard” by Naïka
The beautiful whiste intertwined throughout this tune just simply transports you into a tender moment of nostalgia and romance. It pulls at your heartstrings with each and every replay.
“Lost In Your Light” by Dua Lipa feat. Miguel
When you met someone whose aura just radiates and you can’t help but be drawn to them.
“Soulmate” by Lizzo
A burst of self-love when you want to spend Valentine’s day with yourself. Also a great addition for your daily playlist too.
“Computer Luv” by Ravyn Lenae feat. Steve Lacy
For those who are hopeful but hesitant about starting a new relationship.
“Meu Talismã” by IZA
Sung with raw emotions and a powerful voice that grabs you by attention, you feel it all even if you don’t speak Portuguese. This song is something special for couples who stand with each other through thick and thin.
“10,000 Hours” by PRETTYMUCH
This is the boyband song you’ve been waiting for, filled with lyrics of true dedication and loyalty that everyone wants to hear.
“Lovefool” by The Cardigans
The nostalgic upbeat melody of this classic deceives you into dancing to a love song that is actually quite desperate and sad. But pay no attention to the lyrics, or maybe fully lean into the naïve, love-fool persona. Either way, this is the perfect song to kick off your Valentine’s day morning.
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrisson is a bright nostalgic ode that we all imagine was written about us. Romanticizing an idyllic past, the melody beams you back to the 60s and leaves you reminiscing over memories you don’t have.
“I Want You to Love Me” by Fiona Apple
I Want You to Love Me is a different spin on a traditional love song, with the melodic piano in the background, Fiona Apple expressed self-confidence and self assurance, not wishing nor begging for reciprocation, but demanding the love she wants from a partner. This bare honesty translates into a more heartfelt declaration of love, so if you want to go straight to the point and let your partner know that they indeed are the one that you want, I Want You to Love Me is the perfect tune.