To paraphrase a tweet by famous rapper Tyler, The Creator, “being in love is cool as heck.” To capture this sentiment and celebrate the holiday of Valentine’s Day, I’ve curated a playlist that expresses the idea of being in love. Give it a listen this February 14th for some warm and fuzzy feelings!
- “Peach” – The Front Bottoms
This silly song expertly nails the emotions of when you’ve found your perfect match. With lyrics like, “You are my peach/ You are my plum/ You are my earth/ You are my sun” it’s impossible not to listen to this song without a goofy grin on your face. It’s simple, almost childlike, and reminds you of the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship. Plus, it’s really easy to learn on guitar (or in my case, ukulele) so you could always serenade your sweetheart with this tune on Valentine’s Day.
2. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – The Beach Boys
Perhaps you’re in a long distance relationship and will be spending Valentine’s Day far away from your sweetie. This song gives you an extra glimmer of hope and reminds you of the big picture. Listen to it on those days when you’re really missing your partner and you’ll instantly feel better.
3. “You Make My Dreams Come True” – Hall & Oates
Honestly, it is such a treat whenever this song comes on the radio. It’s catchy, upbeat and the ideal song for spontaneous kitchen dance parties with your significant other. It is also an excellent choice for when you’re walking to class, daydreaming about your boo.
4. “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
THE quintessential acoustic indie love song that has been making people swoon since 2005. Try not to cry as Conor Oberst sings, “Yours is the first face that I saw/ Think I was blind before I met you.” Bonus points if you make it through watching the music video without crying.
5. “Still Together” – Mac Demarco
I know we’ve included this song on previous Edge playlists, but it’s just so good and perfectly fits in with this theme that I have to squeeze it in again. If you’ve been in a serious long term relationship for a few years, this song captures all the hurdles and happiness you’ve faced together as a couple.
6. “My Favorite Book (Demo)” – Stars
Sometimes home isn’t a place, it’s the people in your life. The lyrics of this song describe the familiarity and coziness of when you’ve found your home within your soulmate. As singer Amy Millan states, “I never knew a home/ Until I found your hands/ When I’m weathered/ You come to me/ You’re my best friend,” you practically feel like you’re sinking onto the couch curled up next to your significant other. The demo version of this track adds an extra layer of intimacy.
7. “When the Stars Go Blue” – Ryan Adams
This is Aaron’s wedding song and he wanted me to include it in this playlist. Favoritism aside, this beautiful song explains how your significant other can help you through tough times. Being in love isn’t all sunshine and daisies, but this song explains how you can support your significant other through difficult days.
8. “Falling Slowly” – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
This song will rip your heart out, throw it on the ground and stomp on it. Even if you haven’t seen the iconic movie or musical, this song captures the vulnerability of falling in love. It’s simply gorgeous and a tear-jerker.
9. “When I’m With You” – Best Coast
This song is what you play when you’re driving on the highway, significant other by your side, and you’re feeling free. An ode to sweet, silly fun with your sweetheart.
10. “True Love Will Find You in the End” – Daniel Johnston
This song is made even more heartbreaking given the background of the singer/songwriter Daniel Johnston. Daniel is a prolific songwriter suffering from debilitating mental illnesses. This song is about him remaining hopeful about the future that he’ll eventually find somebody that will love him.
11. “Need” – Pinegrove
This track, although not an outright “love song,” describes the inner thinking process behind needing something or someone. It explains the exact moment when you realize you’re in deep; you need this person and they’re essential to your being. Additionally, Pinegrove is just a really awesome band that I feel everybody should experience at least once in their lives.