Although never having had a boyfriend, I do find myself to be quite the expert in curating an amazing Valentine’s Day Playlist. And what makes me an expert? Well my obsession with having a love song dedicated to me of course, and my undeniable talent of picking the perfect thirty second clip of a song for my Instagram feed. So now having established my more than qualified portfolio of raw skill, here is a recommended list of songs that will cover the spectrum of feelings to be felt amidst the poisonous air of Valentine's Day.
1. Please Let Me Wonder- The Beach Boys
Could you expect anything less from an actual musical savant like Brian Wilson and his brothers. With classic 60s heartbreaking vocals delivered by Wilson and the background harmonies that successfully convey desperation, who wouldn't love the line "I built all my goals around you, that someday my love would surround you?” If only real men were like that, one can truly wonder. The Beach Boys hold a special place in my heart as Pet Sounds has been literally burned onto the CD of my soul.
2. Something About Us- Daft Punk
Lethal with a sample, iconic french duo Daft Punk delivers the perfect nerdy electronic love letter of wanting to work it out. “It might not be the right time. I might not be the right one. But there’s something about us I want to say. Cause there’s something between us anyway.” Mixed with what I assume to be a melodic piano tune and a great drum beat, the groovy song is a light and subtle hint at maybe sending that “You up?” or “Happy Valentine’s Day” text. If you like this song then queue up Instant Crush by Daft Punk featuring Julian Casablancas or We Invented Love by Alt Grandma.
3. A.M. 180- Grandaddy
If you’re feeling a little homesick or nostalgic, it’s okay; Grandaddy’s got you. Reminiscent of taking the train home and packing for my first semester of college, A.M 180 makes you miss the people you love most. It is best listened to and understood during the hours of 4-6 pm as the sun sets, through wired headphones, and, if possible, on a bike. Trust me I know how to make the perfect playlist. Off of their “Under the Western Freeway” album, almost all the songs off it capture that summer fling before school starts feeling.
4. Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go- Soft Cell
Have you experienced a burning, yearning deep inside you, that hurts so bad? Well then of course I had to hit you with that 80’s Rom-Com, John Cusack and Molly Ringwald combo. I am a bit of a “Tainted Love” bias, as it was the song playing in the hospital while my Mom delivered her beautiful ray of sunshine (me), but anyway I digress. Having synth heavy beats and vocals questioning where everything went wrong, maybe this Valentine’s Day has been plagued by the same questions or tainted love that you may find yourself experiencing.
5. Only a Broken Heart- Tom Petty
Truly a masterpiece, this song is what I imagine to be fully understood by a significant other and sometimes having that connection ripped away from you. But to him “It's only a broken heart” which is a hard pill to swallow yet his melancholic vocals and soft guitar track gives some closure to missing a person that is no longer here beside you. Whether they moved away, broke up with you or passed, a broken heart is simply a price to pay for the gift of loving someone.
6. Te Quiero a Ti- Los Bukis
Arguably Mexico’s version of the Beach Boys, Los Bukis has been the soundtrack to countless Sunday’s spent cleaning, morning car rides and basically any celebration. “Te Quiero a Ti” though is a bit heart wrenching as the sensitive and rather romantic sound of Marco Antonio Solis’ Spanish delivers the message of apologizing for having hurt his darling’s feelings. Take note if you find yourself buying “Take me back?” chocolates and flowers or simply trying to learn how to be a latin lover.
Now in all honesty, I had a rather long list, but you see we only have so many columns on this paper, so do with it that you will. Just share a token of your love.
