Valentine’s Day is a moment set aside to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you’re spicing up the night with a lover, partying the blues away with friends or basking in the sweet reddish-pink vibes of Feb. 14, there is music to elevate the moment.
From the holiday’s titular tracks like Laufey’s “Valentine” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Funny Valentine,” to the less obvious ones, there is music to underscore every moment. So grab your favorite drink, settle in and take notes. Here is your guide to the perfect music lineup for every “love day” related occasion.
Something Sweet
Let’s begin with the sweetest ballad from the 1960s. “Forever” by The Little Dippers was famously featured on the soundtrack of the 2023 feature film “Priscilla.” It captures the innocence of a loving embrace in just three lines of lyrics repeated twice. “Hold me, kiss me. Whisper sweetly, That you love me forever.”
“Kiss Me,” a song released in 1998 by the band Sixpence None The Richer, paints the most wholesome picture of a young couple stealing kisses from each other under moonlight. It is the sweetest song to cap off date night.
“Falling Like The Stars,” released in 2019 by singer-songwriter, James Arthur, tells the story of a long-distance relationship, separated by military duties. It is written as a sweet serenade to a partner that has become a safe haven with lyrics like “with you I’m safe, we’re falling like the stars, falling in love.”
It would be remiss not to mention one of the original sappy love songwriters of this generation artist, Ed Sheeran, had hearts soaring in 2014 with the release of his song “Photograph,” and again in 2017 with “Perfect.” They became two of the most popular slow dance songs at school dances and the anthem to every pair of high school sweethearts, so if you’re looking for a throwback, Sheeran might be just what you’re looking for.
Bring Back Yearning
Your Valentine’s playlist would not be complete without Hozier, the man, poet and musician known for his scores doused in longing. “Work Song,” a track released on his debut album in 2014, is a blend of gospel sound and classic blues that creates a timeless take on the dichotomy between love and lust.
Who doesn’t want a partner who would serenade them with lyrics like “When my time comes around, lay me gently in the cold dark earth. No grave can hold my body down, I’ll crawl home to her?”
David Kusher took a page out of the book of yearning with his song “Sweet Oblivion” released on his 2024 album “The Dichotomy.” Its lyrics “I’m kneeling at your altar,” and “take me to your sweet oblivion” are the professions of unbounded love and desire.
How can a playlist about love exist without Mr. John Legend? His 2013 album “Love in the Future,” includes piano ballads like “All of Me,” written for his wife Chrissy Teigen. Its lyrics remind us to love one another despite imperfections and perceived flaws.
“Out of My League,” a 2013 release by Fitz and the Tantrums, is an original song about pining. The lyrics are essentially the inner monologue of an insecure man who believes his desired partner is too good for him. They read like an ache for someone you believe you don’t deserve. They read, “You are more than just a dream, you are out of my league.”
Power to the Single People
If all the lovey-dovey romance isn’t in the cards this year, Beyonce’s “All The Single Ladies” is a staple for the playlist. The original single person’s anthem calls for a stop, drop everything and dance kind of moment, and instantly lifts the mood in any room.
In the same vein, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about celebrating romance, it is about celebrating all kinds of love, platonic included. Ellie Goulding’s 2015 album “Delirium” features a song entitled “Army” that reads like a love letter to best friends. If your night needs a little sentimentality, this song is sure to bring happy tears.
All jokes aside, the most important thing to remember this Valentine’s Day is to love yourself. You are the main character, and the people in your life should just be the extras that enhance it. Hailee Steinfeld said it best in her 2016 self-love anthem, “Love Myself.”
“Gonna love myself, no, I don’t need anybody else,” she said.
