With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the music guru in me thought to compile a list of essential love songs for the season. While the day traditionally celebrates romance, it’s also a reminder that love is everywhere. To inspire you to get into the loving headspace, I’ve sorted these songs into three categories: iconic love songs, slow love songs and everyday love songs. For those not feeling the love this year, the final section highlights songs celebrating individuality and new beginnings. Each section includes a link to a Spotify playlist. Enjoy!
These are timeless love songs that warm our hearts. The following are my top five from this playlist (in no particular order).
“Make You Feel My Love” – Adele (cover; original by Bob Dylan)
This is, by far, my favorite love song. Not only does this song feel nostalgic, but it also feels like love. Adele’s voice is unmatched, but it’s the lyrics that make it even more powerful as she expresses the depths of her love — strong enough to be with her significant other through everything. This song is perfect for a slow dance, first dance or karaoke performance — it truly is beautiful.
“Annie’s Song” – John Denver
“Annie’s Song” is simple and kind. Beautiful imagery and raw emotion wind together throughout the record to give the listener a warm feeling inside. Its slow tempo lets you fully appreciate the lyrics, making it an ideal song for a slow dance or simply cherishing that special someone.
“She’s Always a Woman” – Billy Joel
This song may not immediately come to people’s minds when thinking about iconic love songs, but I think it’s one of the sweetest and truest of the genre. Although love and relationships are referenced in many songs, this one feels genuine. Joel shows that he has taken the time to get to know this woman with all her flaws and loves her because of them. This unique love song shows us why he loves her for who she is and not for how she makes him feel.
“Iris” – The Goo Goo Dolls
While this is another track that may not strike you as a love song, “Iris,” is the most compelling of all. As the singer expresses his willingness to sacrifice anything to be with the woman he loves, this song evokes deep emotion. The instruments are powerful, and the lead singer’s voice is captivating. While it’s not a traditional love song, it offers one of the most accurate portrayals of how all-consuming — but ultimately worthy — love can be.
“She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5
This song is a classic that always feels nostalgic. It’s reminiscent of Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman” in that the singer admires the woman he loves for all that she is. He recognizes her troubles and, instead of getting scared away, all he wants to do is help her. Again, we see themes of sacrifice and longing, which always make for a good love song.
Sometimes, more mellow songs can capture love more softly. The following are my top five from this playlist.
“I’ll Be Here in the Morning” – Townes Van Zandt
An underappreciated love song, “I’ll Be Here in the Morning,” feels like a lullaby and reassurance. The guitar is soft and simple, occasionally accompanied by a flute and Van Zandt’s reverb is organic. The song may initially sound sad, but Van Zandt tenderly admires his love, promising to always be there for her, no matter the distance or hard times they face.
“Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star
This well-known song didn’t initially strike me as a love song. It’s more about unrequited or complicated love –– perhaps love in its purest form. The lyrics express longing as the singer wishes to know who her lover really is and her general obsession with them. This song reveals the less glorified, vulnerable side of love while honestly portraying its hardships, which is why it resonates so deeply.
“Look After You” – The Fray
“Look After You” is unmistakably heartfelt and a known tear-jerker. This song is filled with desperation and longing but in an endearing way. The singer is so sure of his love that he cannot let it go. He treasures how his love has transformed his life and is committed to taking care of her. The drums, the singer’s pleading voice and the catchy melody make this love song beautiful.
“Shake the Frost (Live)” – Tyler Childers
Another song not usually deemed a love song, “Shake the Frost” is gorgeous. Childers uses descriptive imagery, metaphors and memories to describe his love. From his lyrics, we can see his love is pure but complicated — as love usually is. Childers’ voice is unmatched, especially live. He admits his faults and says that he will do better if he gets to keep his love. It may not be right, but it sure is compelling. The instruments are incredible, making it the perfect love song.
“Congratulations” – Mac Miller feat. Bilal
This more modern love song tells a story through its lyrics. A piano draws the listener in and Miller begins singing over the melody. His lyrics offer a candid reflection on himself, his relationship, his partner and the reasons he loves her so deeply. The song’s musicality has a fairy-tale quality, contrasted by the sometimes sexual lyrics, showing the multiple levels that come with a relationship.
“Moon River” – Frank Ocean (cover; original by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer)
This song is just beautiful — from the instruments, to Ocean’s voice and the lyrics. It tackles the complexities of love while never giving up on it. It yearns for adventure and exploring the world with someone you love by your side. Ocean sings from the perspective of both a dreamer and a lover, which goes hand-in-hand.
If cheesy romantic songs aren’t for you, these are easier to incorporate into everyday life; to cherish the one you love on a walk to class, in the library or in the shower. The following are my top five from this playlist.
“Love” – Keyshia Cole
An early 2000’s classic, “Love” is the ultimate R&B love song. With twangy instrumentals and a catchy melody, it makes for the perfect song to scream in the car or to sing in the shower.
“National Anthem” – Lana Del Rey
A modern-day love song expert, Del Rey creates the perfect chill love song in “National Anthem.” Del Rey has created a song that describes a more modern love, with its twists and turns, in a melodic and catchy form.
“Ink” – Coldplay
A more nostalgic song, “Ink” describes love in a pure and simple way. This song is truly sweet, with a calming beat and endearing lyrics that are way too catchy.
“Sure Thing” – Miguel
This song is smooth. The beats make you want to move your body, and the lyrics are charming as Miguel describes his special love.
“iloveyou” – BETWEEN FRIENDS
An underrated song, “iloveyou” is different from other love songs on this list. It will never not be reminiscent of summer days, bringing you the feeling of love just with its vibe.
These are not necessarily breakup songs but songs of acceptance or appreciation of love through hard times. The following are my top five from this category.
“Let It Be” – The Beatles
With soulful instruments and a delicate tune, “Let It Be” feels like a hug. It serves as a reminder to let life take its course, reassuring us that answers will eventually come.
“I Can See Clearly Now” – Johnny Nash
This song feels like opening blinds in the morning and watching the sun flood a room. It is an upbeat song that is perfect for realizing the good in what you have.
“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
A timeless song for navigating life’s big daunting changes, “Landslide” reminds us that change is inevitable and that growth comes from embracing it.
“Let Her Go” – Passenger
With a lullaby-like quality, this song encourages listeners to let go of what no longer serves them, offering solace in its release.
“the way things go” – beabadoobee
A modern-day breakup song, “the way things go,” is almost like an affirmation. The repetition of “that’s just the way things go” promotes acceptance and closure.
