Valentine’s Day: the holiday that stirs up a mix of emotions, from hopeless romance to heart-wrenching heartbreak. Whether you’re in love, out of love, or somewhere in between, there’s a song for you. Some tracks make you want to hold your partner close, while others have you screaming into your pillow. This playlist captures both sides of love—because, let’s be real, love is never just simple.
The Love-Struck Side: Songs for The Hopeless Romantics
For those basking in the warmth of love, these songs are the soundtrack to your Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s the flutter of new romance or the comfort of long-term love, these tracks wrap around you like a warm hug.
1. “Tenerife Sea” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran knows how to pull at any listener’s heartstrings and this classic is no different. A soft, heartfelt ballad that beautifully captures the feeling of being completely enamored by someone. If love were an ocean, this song would be the tide pulling you in.
2. “Love Like This” – Ben Rector
A joyful celebration of love in its purest form. With its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics, this track is for those who can’t believe they found something so good.
3. “I’m In Love With You” – The 1975
As straightforward as it gets, this song radiates sheer happiness, embodying the giddy excitement of falling head over heels. This tune feels like balling up the vibes of your favorite “summer song” and putting it into a love song.
4. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
A timeless, soft melody that paints a picture of youthful, innocent love. If a first kiss had a theme song, this would be it.
5. “Like Real People Do” – Hozier
Hozier’s poetic storytelling brings to life a love that is raw, intimate, and deeply human. This is only one of a whole list of Hozier songs that depict the yearning type of love only this Irish specimen could transcribe.
6. “Our Song” – Taylor Swift
A nostalgic reminder, set to a twangy country beat, of the sweet simplicity of young love and inside jokes that turn into lifelong memories.
7. “Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls
With its soaring chorus and deeply emotional lyrics, this song speaks to the kind of love that feels larger than life.
8. “Off My Face” – Justin Bieber
A tender, dreamy ballad capturing the intoxicating feeling of being completely lost in love. This is definitely a one-eighty of “Baby,” but we can hear and feel the maturity of that love.
9. “Yellow” – Coldplay
A love song that glows as brightly as the stars Chris Martin sings about, symbolizing devotion and admiration.
10. “Invisible String” – Taylor Swift
A poetic reflection on fate, serendipity, and the invisible forces that bring soulmates together. We hope all listeners of this song are able to find their Invisible String with their partners.
11. “Beige” – Yoke Lore
A quiet, introspective love song that feels like a whispered confession in the middle of the night.
12. “Sunday Morning,” “This Love,” & “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s Songs About Jane era gave us some of the most iconic love songs, each capturing different shades of romance, from easygoing mornings to deep emotional connections that will have you screaming at the top of your lungs on a dewy morning.
13. “Bewitched” – Laufey
A modern yet classic-sounding jazz love song, perfect for slow dancing in the living room with your person.
14. “The Only Exception” – Paramore
A song about finding love even when you’ve been skeptical about it before. Sometimes, the right person changes everything.
The Heartbreak Anthems: Songs For The Cynics And the Brokenhearted
Not everyone is feeling the love on February 14th. If you’re rolling your eyes at all the romance, like me, these songs are your perfect companions.
1. “Since You’ve Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
The ultimate post-breakup anthem, perfect for belting out at the top of your lungs.
2. “Gives You Hell” – All-American Rejects
For when you’re thriving after a breakup and want to make sure your ex knows it. Post that selfie you’ve been saving up for a while, no time like the present.
3. “Dancing On My Own” – Calum Scott
Unrequited love hurts, and this song captures the loneliness of watching someone move on without you.
4. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé
An empowering bop for all the singles who know their worth. Get your thigh-high stilettos out, it’s time to hit the dance floor.
5. “Crush Culture” – Conan Gray
If Valentine’s Day makes you want to gag at all the PDA, this one’s for you.
6. “Maneater” – Nelly Furtado
For those who are fully embracing their independence and leaving broken hearts in their wake.
7. “Potential Breakup Song” – Aly & AJ
A reminder that if your partner isn’t putting in the effort, they might not be around for long.
8. “Love Song” – Sara Bareilles
Originally written as a response to pressure from music executives, this song is the perfect anthem for refusing to conform to love’s expectations.
9. “Kill Bill” – SZA
A darkly humorous, vengeful take on heartbreak for those feeling particularly scorned.
10. “Silver Springs” – Fleetwood Mac
A hauntingly beautiful song about the one that got away and the lingering feelings that never quite fade. We’ve all seen that one performance of this song too, right?
11. “Doomsday” – Lizzy McAlpine
For those who saw the heartbreak coming but still weren’t prepared for it.
SO… Love Song or Not?
Valentine’s Day isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is love. Whether you’re serenading your partner with “Tenerife Sea” or blasting “Since You’ve Been Gone” with your friends, music has a way of capturing every facet of love. So, am I writing you a love song? Maybe. But maybe I’m also writing you a heartbreak anthem. Either way, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack for February 14th.