Below is a handful of songs to soundtrack whatever path your Valentine’s Day celebration takes you on.
Songs for slow dancing under the stars
Take Care — Beach House
Whether you are planning on growing old together or simply enjoying the time you have now, these delicate lyrics will melt you into your inner softy. Go on, rest your head on their chest. Look for constellations in the night sky. Hold one another.
Crush — Cigarettes After Sex
It is dark and late into the quiet night with this song. With just the right amount of jazz lounge and shoegaze blended together into a song that just exudes affection in its very raw form. So hold each other tight and let two souls become one with this one playing in the background.
u v v p (ft. Buck Meek) — Illuminati Hotties
The tropical flourishes crossed with the wide-ranging picture created through the touches of Americana on the track illustrate this buoyant and flying feeling that can only be described as pure and true love. Look for Sarah Tuzdin’s sweet and sour voice reaching a heavenly peak at the end of the track for a truly spectacular moment to embrace.
At Last — Etta James
What would a soundtrack about love be without a romantic song by, the one and only, Etta James? Even though the song was released in 2012, it takes listeners back to a time of saddle shoes and hairspray. Grab your partner, run out into the middle of the street and hold one another. It is just the two of you, at last.
Green Tea — Honeyboys
Local band Honeyboys’ newest song impeccably describes what it feels like to be on different pages with a partner. Even though you may be longing for that person, it is just not meant to be. And that is okay, it is probably for the best.
Graceless — The National
It is pretty hard to find a lyric that better resonates with the feeling of getting your heart ripped out by someone better than, “there’s a science to walking through windows without you.” While the beat on this one is pounding like our hearts following a breakup, the minimalist production feels entirely like the emptiness we can feel in the subsequent days or weeks.
Valentine — Snail Mail
There is nothing better to include in a playlist about love, or rather the lack thereof, than a song called “Valentine.” Snail Mail’s delicate guitar notes followed by a classic rock chorus takes listeners through a whirlwind of emotions, just like a breakup. Feeling angry? Jealous? Weak? Give it a listen.
Songs for the perfect night in
SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE — Tyler, the Creator
Grab some takeout and cuddle up on the couch while listening to this chill tune. Whether it is with your bestie, partner or roommate, Tyler, the Creator’s spin on the classic love song will transport you into a world of “sweet” tranquility.
Smokey Joe’s La La — Googie Rene
Sometimes the best way to conduct a night in is to get a good meal cooking in the kitchen and nothing makes a better tune to cook to then this jazzy track. You will be vibin’. You will be dancing. But most of all, you will have a damn good time!
What I Know About You — Durand Jones and the Indications
Few tunes express genuine love better than “What I Know About You.” This mellow song seems to be about that one person in your life that you know you can count on. From friendships to lovers, this song encompasses it all.
Songs for a sparking romance
MINE — awfultune
Have you ever met someone and just knew you were not going to let them go? awfultune’s fragile lyrics remind you of those little moments — snuggling, spending quality time or watching a movie — with the one person you like in this world.
I Dare You — The Regrettes
They say that your lover is also your best friend, and there is probably no better expression of that than this song, which is just so much fun and has the energy of a whirlwind romance. Grab your partner and dare them to dance wildly with you to this song, you will not regret it.
Lips — The XX
Let’s be honest, the start of a romance always has a good deal of infatuation involved, that gauzy moment of dreamlike affection where everything melts away. This sultry track by The XX is perfect for this exact feeling. You cannot listen to this song without picturing that special someone you think too deeply about and wanting to sink deeply into the ocean of feeling this song conjures.
Songs for the best Galentine’s Day ever
Funny Thing — Thundercat
“Do you mind if I wild out / A little?” Let’s be honest, this song is a straight vibe that immediately makes you think of that best homie that you can be a complete weirdo around. You do not need to hit MoTab because, with them, everywhere is a party and a damn good time. So when you meet up with that homie tonight, just let them know, “I just wanna party with you / All night.”
Secrets (Your Fire) — Magdalena Bay
I am always a fan of songs that one can immediately love within 15 seconds, this one being well within that category. It is a hella fun track that just exudes energy, which is perfect for your plans to go out. Bonus, try to listen in for the part that is perfect for a playful toy sword fight with your main.
The Only Heartbreaker — Mitski
While the lyrics speak to a different type of thing altogether, the vibes that emanate from the synths in this track create a song that feels charging and unafraid of risk. It feels like a song you can take on the night with, while completely being your true self. It is ok to be the one making mistakes because the people you are with have your back.
Emily Tobiason is a content writer and DJ trainee for KCPR. Josie Doan is an art and design major and designer for KCPR.
