A Valentine’s Day playlist for every emotion

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love can be felt worldwide, with many celebrating the occasion with someone special. However, this celebration is not all about flowers and chocolates but is also a time to reflect on the power of love and the warmth, joy, and happiness it can bring. For thousands of years, music has been a key component in conveying these emotions and an influential instrument in celebrating the gift of love. That is why I have collated some songs surrounding the theme of romance and brought them together to create this Valentine’s Day playlist. Hopefully, I will provide you with some inspiration to make your own playlist for the special day! 

‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers 

Choosing a timeless classic to begin your Valentine’s playlist ensures you capture how love has stood the test of time. The Righteous Brothers deliver a beautiful melody, describing the importance of time and waiting for the perfect person to come along and transform your life into something magical. This song has arguably had an incredibly significant influence over romance music, as it has been sung by hundreds of artists over the years, making it essential to any Valentine’s playlist. 

‘Iris’ by The Goo Goo Dolls 

The raw emotions captured by the Goo Goo Dolls make it a worthy song on any playlist attempting to convey the theme of love. The emotional intensity in the lyrics, combined with the repeatedly changing melody, encapsulates the powerful nature of love. This can be felt through the vulnerable lyrics, “I just want you to know who I am”, highlighting the desire for warmth and intimacy with someone you love. 

‘Valentine’ by Laufey 

Laufey’s ‘Valentine’ rightfully deserves a spot on any Valentine’s playlist as she perfectly portrays the innocence of love, and how it can happen when you least expect it. Not only does she capture the romantic feel, but her jazz style creates an elegant atmosphere, capturing how simple and easy it can feel to be with your valentine. 

‘Can’t Take My Eyes off You’ by Frankie Valli 

Classic love songs are must-haves on any love playlist! Valli’s classic conveys the passion and adoration one feels when in love, and the upbeat tempo creates a happy atmosphere –essential when celebrating Valentine’s Day. Additionally, I cannot listen to this song without thinking about Heath Ledger’s performance in Ten Things I Hate About You, perfectly capturing the beginning of a beautiful romance! 

‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift 

I feel it is not a love playlist unless you have a Taylor Swift song somewhere within it… and what better song to pick than ‘Lover’? This song embodies the joy of being in love, encapsulating the desire for intimacy and warmth. The melody itself reflects the tenderness of being with your favourite person, making it a perfect addition to any Valentine’s Day playlist.  

‘Another Love’ by Tom Odell 

Although Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, it is also important to highlight the complexities that can arise, such as longing and heartbreak, which Odell beautifully conveys in his music. “I wanna cry, and I wanna love/ but all my tears have been used up” truly captures the yearning and sadness that is often heightened this time of year.  

‘Liability’ by Lorde 

Continuing the complex theme of love, Lorde’s ‘Liability’ offers a vulnerable portrayal of being in a relationship where you feel as if you are ‘too much’, providing an incredibly private and personal narrative that shows you are not alone in your feelings. The lyrics, combined with the simple piano keys create an extremely emotive atmosphere, expressing the sadness one can feel when in love.  

‘A Soulmate Who Wasn’t Meant to Be’ by Jess Benko 

This song truly conveys the bittersweet reflection of love, discussing the complex feelings of a love that feels like destiny, yet fate has other plans. Pain and beauty are felt within Benko’s vulnerable vocals, heightened by the soft chords, providing comfort to those who have felt the aching of longing for a relationship that was never meant to be.  

‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Adele  

Adele successfully captures the unconditional love that is felt within a relationship. Her powerful voice, accompanied by the slow ballad, allows the listener to reflect on their own perspective of love. Adele is an essential musician on any playlist attempting to display the theme of love, as she certainly makes you feel everything the emotion has to offer. 

‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E. King 

I have chosen to end this playlist with another timeless classic, one that depicts the loyalty and support that is essential in any relationship. The message of this song emphasises standing by someone through anything they are experiencing, and this devotion, in my opinion, is truly the most important thing to hold onto in love, making it a beautiful addition to your Valentine’s playlist.