Valentine’s day, you either love it or you hate it. Some people think it’s a nonsense commercial holiday, others enjoy the public displays of affection.
But this year we’re choosing to look at it differently. In its simplest form, Valentine’s day is a day to show your love for those who are important to you. It should be used to celebrate love in all forms; romantic love, friendship, family bonds and self-love. Since the beginning of the pandemic, small acts of kindness and compassion have been even more important for our wellbeing, so for the year that’s in it, why not give Valentine’s day a chance?
Here are some love songs that embrace love on Valentine’s day, from partnership to spirituality, there’s something for everyone. If you like any of these make sure to listen to the full Valentine’s Sessions playlist on the Instrumental Sessions Spotify.
He Loves Me – Brittany Howard
This song is not your typical love song, it’s actually a candid account of about Howard’s relationship with God. The lyrics speak about an all-loving and accepting God, a bond that can’t be broken by acts that others may think are “sinful”. Combining a soulful rhythm with Howard’s powerful voice, whether you’re spiritual or not, it’s still a brilliant song.
Someone Like You 2 – Malaki
Malaki, meaning ‘messenger’, is a Dublin rapper who’s really gaining momentum worldwide. This song, featuring Matthew Harris, reimagines Van Morrison’s Someone Like You. A love song within a love song, the layering of this track are amazing.
For Elise – Saint Motel
This one is a love song to cultural icons. The melody of this song is modelled on Beethoven’s Für Elise, Saint Motel claim that they wondered who Beethoven’s muse Elise really was, so they wrote this song dedicated to other modern muses. The song references Norma Jean (Marilyn Monroe), Patti Boyd (married George Harrison and Eric Clapton), Carole King (married James Taylor) and Linda Eastman (married Paul McCartney and was a member of Wings) as well as the trans actresses Holly Woodlawn and Candy Darling, who inspired Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side.
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
This song is timeless, it’s one that always has everyone singing along by the chorus. It’s been covered by so many artists and featured in plenty of movies, most notably, when Heath Ledger serenaded Julia Styles in ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ (if you haven’t seen it, you need to).
Sofia – Clairo
This song beautifully describes being nervous about admitting your feelings for someone and exploring your sexuality. It also looks at the difficulties of same-sex relationships, referencing how the relationship might be harder due to stigma but acting as a reminder that love shouldn’t feel like a crime.
Little of Your Love – Haim
You can always rely on Haim for upbeat, feel good songs. This song embraces the fact that you don’t need to give all of yourself for someone to love you, giving just a little and seeing that same love reciprocated is enough. You never need to force your feelings for someone to love you back.
Something About Him – Brockhampton
Kevin Abstract wrote this about his long-term boyfriend, Jaden Walker, and it’s no surprise that Abstract can write such a meaningful love song. This song gets the usual Brockhampton treatment, with complex drum beats and robotic vocals it’s just another classic.
Romeo and Juliet – Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler’s unconventional love song parodies Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Although the balcony scene plays out similarly, Juliet famously tells Romeo “you nearly gave me a heart attack”. It’s a beautifully told story about a couple whose love was real even though the timing was wrong.
Cotton Candy -Yungblud
Yungblud embraces group love in this song, he talks about finding and losing yourself in other people. It’s dedicated to showing love to others and being open to relationships. It’s essentially a cheeky commentary on polyamory fitted around a heavy bassline. What’s not to like?
Heroes – David Bowie
I honestly don’t think I could make this list without this song. This is the ultimate anthem for love, friendship and togetherness. It talks about living in a fantasy world with someone that you love. It has been the soundtrack to unity and love in live events and movies, like the ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ or ‘Moulin Rouge’. Bowie sings about taking on the world with someone, standing together, even if it’s just for one day.
