‘Tis the season of love and what better way to get into the spirit than to make a playlist? Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection. For some, the holiday is chocolate and roses and for others, it’s piercing pressure to be in a relationship. Valentine’s Day isn’t reserved for just love birds but also the broken-hearted and hopeless romantics.
Here are 10 tracks to kick off your Valentine’s Day:
Songs for if you’ve fallen in love with your partner and you want to express how much they are a positive influence in your life:
💿 Track 01: “At Your Best (You Are Love)” by Aaliyah
Aaliyah sprinkled bits of nostalgia in her 1994 debut studio album “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number” by covering The Isley Brothers 1976 song “(At Your Best) You Are Love”. The princess of R&B kept the soul of the lyrics but added her own sweetness to the mix.
Songs for if you found your ride or die:
💿 Track 02: “Right Down the Line” by Gerry Rafferty (1978)
HBO series “Euphoria” is known for its amazing soundtrack and brilliant television score by singer-songwriter Labrinth. “Right Down the Line” was used in season two’s trailer and has been played in two episodes so far. In the show, the song reflects the love between Rue and Jules and expresses the ups and downs of doing anything for the one you love. Is this a hint for what’s to come of this torrid love affair?
Songs for if your relationship is reaching its expiration date:
💿 Track 03: “Losing You” by Solange
Solange fuses her artistry with nostalgia in her 2012 dazzling track. The juxtaposition of the song’s upbeat sound and its heart-wrenching lyrics is a testament to her talent as an artist.
Songs for if you’re recovering from a rough break up, but you’re in the anger stage:
💿 Track 04: “Heartless” by Kanye West (2008)
The coldest opening to a song to ever exist. Also, “the coldest story ever told”.
Songs for if you’re still getting over an ex from 2020:
💿 Track 05: “So Blue” by Prince
The trials and tribulations of getting over an ex that you just can’t shake is a difficult feeling, especially when that heartbreak made its awkward shift into the pandemic. Prince’s 1977 track perfectly captures the melancholy of mourning a past love.
Songs for if you haven’t met your love yet, but you hope to meet them one day:
💿 Track 06: “I Will” by The Beatles
Paul McCartney and John Lennon brilliantly sum up the feelings of a hopeless romantic in their 1968 song. A person who loves romance and is optimistic about their future romance.
Songs for if you have an unrequited love:
💿 Track 07: “Bad Religion” by Frank Ocean
Nothing stings more than loving someone who doesn’t love you back. Frank Ocean innovatively expresses falling in and out of love in his 2012 debut album “Channel Orange”. He discusses a one-sided relationship lacking in chemistry and is unable to serve either party. He describes this relationship dynamic to a tee when he sings: “Oh, unrequited love to me, it’s nothin’ but a one-man cult”.
Songs for if you’re in a long-distance relationship:
💿 Track 08: “Telepatia” by Kali Uchis (2020)
Whether your partner is just a city away or across the country, the love you have for them is strong. You and your partner have a special bond, even if they’re “just a flight away”.
Songs for if you’re so heartbroken that all you want to do is pour your heart out to your ex:
💿 Track 09: “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” by Rod Stewart (1977)
Legendary singer-songwriter Rod Stewart rocked the world when he released his cover of Crazy Horse’s 1971 song “I Don’t Want To Talk About It”. He beautifully captures the mourning of love with his melodic and smoky voice.
Songs for if you’re riding solo and loving every second of it:
💿 Track 10: “22 (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift (2021)
Wherever you’re at in life right now, just remember that “everything will be alright”. You are going at the exact pace you are meant to and that is totally okay. In the great words of Taylor Swift: “We’re happy, free, confused and lonely in the best way”.
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