A Valentine’s Day Playlist

Els Krimsky, Staff Writer

February 14 is a day to celebrate romance for all people. Enhance your Valentine’s Day experience through music that expresses emotions of passion and most importantly, love.

Careless Whisper (George Michael): George Michael’s hit has become the staple of love songs, or more so the loss of love, ever since it was released in 1984. Even though the lyrics point to feelings of heartbreak, the classic saxophone that plays throughout the song and the incredibly intimate vocal performance delivered by Michael conveys such passion that “Careless Whisper” will always remain as one of the most romantic songs of all time.

My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder): Directly translated from French, “chérie amour” means “darling love” in English. From this romantic title, listeners can already assume they will feel Wonder’s love just from playing the song. “My Cherie Amour” contains lyrics from a hopeless romantic wishing their person of interest will feel the same way — a perfect song to express unconditional love.

Paper Rings (Taylor Swift): Taylor Swift delivers a charming yet playful song about committing to someone regardless of the situation. The lyric “I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings” shows that no matter how much material things mean, Swift will give up everything just to be with her lover forever.

Pluto Projector (Rex Orange County): A soft and simple song, Alexander O’Connor, better known by his stage name, Rex Orange County, gets vulnerable and expresses his fears about the future. However, he calms his worries with the fact that he will always have his special someone, and they will forever have him. The song guides listeners into a place where they will want to do the same.

Rollercoaster (Bleachers): A song with upbeat, lyrics, vocals, and production, “Rollercoaster” is sure to bring some cheery and carefree emotion to your Valentine’s Day. The premise of the song is about a relationship taking off immediately and the enjoyment of just letting go and seeing where love takes you. Quick and filled with passion, this song is guaranteed to bring love to any occasion.

Annie’s Song (John Denver): Through comparing his then-wife to nature, John Denver declares that she means more to him than the world through similes and figurative language in this lyricism. Anyone who knows Denver’s music understands that he indulges in nature and finds beauty and peace within it, making the song even more meaningful. If looking for a beautiful acoustic song for this Valentine’s Day, “Annie’s Song” is the perfect match.

A Case of You (Joni Mitchell ): Joni Mitchell’s career is arguably built upon her incredible lyricism. In “A Case of You,” Mitchell describes a love that she knows comes with its issues but nevertheless is with her forever. The lyric “Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine / You taste so bitter and so sweet” shows Mitchell’s view on love perfectly. This intimate song describes love in an uncommon way, adding a unique feeling to Valentine’s Day.

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) (James Taylor): A classic love song, James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” is an innocent song that makes everyone swell with joy when they listen to it. The song is a simple offering of gratitude for the special someone in your life. Slow yet upbeat, this song is a Valentine’s Day necessity.

Read My Mind (Lianne La Havas): A fun, stripped-back track from Lianne La Havas, “Read My Mind” exudes romance, especially due to the deep and flowy vocals at the forefront and in the background. All about wanting to jump into a relationship, Havas delivers a casually stunning song made for romantics.

Real Love Baby (Father John Misty): With lyrics like, “I’m in love / I’m alive / I belong to the stars and sky,” Father John Misty’s most popular song finds love in the simple things. With repeating verses and echoing vocals, “Real Love Baby” feels like floating in romance: the perfect way to feel on Valentine’s Day.