In honor of Valentine’s Day, it only feels right to go over some songs worth listening to in the season of love. I decided to choose a theme to narrow the list down: the word “love,” or a variation of it, in each title. Whether single, taken or somewhere in between, I know there’s a love song on this list that can resonate with you.
‘I Wish You Love, Pt. 1′ by Joe Bataan
Latin soul artist Joe Bataan’s vocals are incredible, with beautiful lyricism on this soothing track. The song truly feels like a summer’s day, and I highly recommend exploring his discography. With some of my favorite lyrics on any song on this list — “I wish you bluebirds in spring to give your heart a song to sing” — I think it’s safe to say it’s fit for the season.
‘Love Song’ by Lani Hall
With one of my favorite voices ever, jazz singer Lani Hall absolutely knocks this track out of the park. To listen to this song feels like a hug, honestly. It feels appropriate for Valentine’s Day, showcasing the power of love.
‘I Love You, Honeybear’ by Father John Misty
It was inevitable that I would choose a song from one of my favorite artists, so I went with indie artist Father John Misty’s “I Love You, Honeybear.” The chorus is divine, and if you need a power ballad with the typical Father John Misty social commentary, it’s worth a listen.
‘Real Love Baby’ by The Heavy Heavy
The next track was originally written by Father John Misty, but I want to showcase an awesome cover. I love it more than the original, as the British duo does this amazing song so much justice. The lyrics are themed appropriately, all about just wanting that “real love.” If you enjoy it as much as I do, check out The Heavy Heavy on their tour in New Orleans at Chickie Wah Wah on April 26.
I am switching it up a little genre-wise with EDM duo Daft Punk. Although the themes are maybe not as heart-warming as a typical Valentine’s Day track — the romance in the song is just a dream — it’s one of the best tracks off one of my favorite albums ever. It had to be included; the guitar at the end may be life-altering.
‘Alien Love Call’ by Blood Orange, Turnstile and BADBADNOTGOOD
I had to show some appreciation for two awesome artists on their collaboration “Alien Love Call.” The version I chose to include features BADBADNOTGOOD, and has more of a soulful vibe than the original. That drum pattern is incredible and, with not only a great Blood Orange verse but an earworm of a guitar hook, there isn’t an unsatisfactory second of the track. I truly want to hear the outro of Turnstile’s Brendan Yates screaming the chorus with the trumpet in the background live before I die.
‘Love Takes Miles’ by Cameron Winter
One of the easiest choices for this playlist for me was by Geese frontman Cameron Winter. I have never been so glad that a song has been given the attention it deserves — it recently skyrocketed in popularity on TikTok. Although I prefer Winter’s work with Geese, “Love Takes Miles” absolutely rocks. Hearing Winter sing “Love will make you fit it all in the car” gives me goosebumps every single time. There’s no better time to listen to any Cameron Winter song than on Valentine’s Day.
‘You Taught Me How to Speak in Love’ by Marlena Shaw
I wanted to end my showcase with a deep cut from legendary soul artist Marlena Shaw. When the chorus transitions from the verses, it’s hard not to smile as the instrumentation opens up magically. The lyricism across every verse is adorable; it’s hard to choose a favorite line but I adore “Your eyes always spring things I’ve never heard before.”