With Valentine’s Day coming up, romance is in the air. With the universal language of the world being music, let’s look at some of the best songs to listen to.
1.) “Novacane” – by Frank Ocean
Young, dumb, stupid and fun. Although this song is more about lust than affection or love, it’s still a song that just fits for this time of the year. This will not be Frank Ocean’s only appearance on this list.
2.) “Because of You” – by Ne-Yo
This song is a classic R&B hit about a man who just can’t help but be “strung-out” and addicted to everything about the woman in the song. This is a go-to song for you and your significant other to just belt out at the top of your lungs in the car driving to a restaurant, and honestly, what is a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than that?
3.) “Dear Maria, Count Me In” – by All Time Low
“It was never a phase – it’s a lifestyle.” Really all that needs to be said.
4.) “Lost” – by Frank Ocean
All of Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange” album can be thrown onto this list, but I’ll limit it to just this track. A song about just being lost traveling the world with no destination, just two young kids in love going nowhere except wherever they want. The lyrics, vocals, and production are all immaculate and the vibe of this entire song is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
5.) “Ms. Jackson” – by Outkast
Even though everyone knows this song for its famous hook, a lot of people don’t really understand the context of the song. It’s very mature in its content. It’s about a man apologizing to the mother of his former lover, saying that he never meant to hurt her and promises to be there for the child he and his former lover have. Belting out “I’m sorry, Ms. Jackson” is fun, don’t get me wrong, but the real meaning of the song is one of closure, moving on and being there even when things don’t go the way they are expected to. Hey, nobody said Valentine’s Day had to be only about young, dumb love.
6.) “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” – by Fall Out Boy
Another pop-punk classic, this song is another one to belt out at the top of your lungs in your car. Another song in which the context might be missed, it’s about someone who wants so desperately to be more than just a “notch in the bedpost” for a person. This might be a song for people who want to be someone’s valentine rather than an actual couple, but it’s still an amazing song for Valentine’s Day, nonetheless.
7.) “Run” – by Joji
Dark, gritty and soulful, and just a little bit depressing. This is a song about a person willing to do everything for another who just doesn’t reciprocate the love like she used to. Expertly produced and features some of the best vocals of Joji’s career, it truly is an incredible (and heartbreaking) experience.
Teren Kowatsch can be reached at [email protected].