Words: Shannon Garner

There are tons of ways to express heartfelt wishes to someone you love this Valentine’s Day but what better way than creating a soundtrack full of romantic songs. Whether you’re going out or staying in, we’ve rounded up ten love songs to set the right mood for your day.

The Beatles – Something

It goes without saying that this track is a classic. The Beatles certainly have their fair share of tender and sweet songs but ‘Something’ really tugs at the heart. The song, originally attributed to George Harrison’s then-wife Pattie Boyd, is hailed as one of the greatest love songs of all time by Frank Sinatra and he was far from wrong. The guitar instrumental near the end of the track, personally my favourite part, is all-encompassing as it allows you to just feel the music and sit on your current emotions. The Beatles have an insane discography so make sure to throw a few other songs of theirs into your playlist this year, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. 

Nancy and Frank Sinatra – Somethin’ Stupid

I honestly don’t think anything can beat a bit of Frank Sinatra. He’s just got the best songs no matter the occasion. Written about a couple, early in their relationship, ‘Somethin’ Stupid’ explores the honeymoon phase up to the point of first saying the dreaded phrase “I love you.” This track encapsulates the feelings around saying the eight lettered phrase as most of the time, people are scared or worried to say it. You never know when’s the right point, whether they’re thinking or feeling the same or if it’s totally a spur of the moment thing. Hearing the journey of the relationship, from going for a drink to spoiling the moment by saying “I love you”, you can never get bored of this track. The story alone is enough to make you wonder what happens next.

5 Seconds of Summer – Ghost of You

The minute this article became a discussion, I knew this song had to be included. Granted, it may be interpreted in different ways but no-one can deny that ‘Ghost of You’ is incredibly beautiful. The track reflects on a relationship and the lamenting of it through discussing little things such as a lipstick stained coffee cup and more. The attention to these little details really drive the song as who doesn’t love when people notice these types of things about them? They really make you fall in love all over again. Speaking about falling in love, the raw lyrics may hit where it hurts but the production of the track will have you wanting to slow dance through the house with somebody. I’m not sure if you’d include this in a playlist for somebody else but definitely in one for yourself as it allows you to feel all the emotions in the right way. It’s got the perfect balance of wallowing mixed with bittersweet memories that you can’t help but smile at.

Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved

If you’re a 90s baby, can you ever hear this song without picturing that scene from The Last Song? I swear it’s impossible. The timeless song, ‘She Will Be Loved’, put Maroon 5 on the map and still defines them as a band today. The ballad explores how within any type of relationship, someone can be there to help you through difficult times and still love you. It is a complicated love song but overall, it works. You still end up screaming it at the top of your lungs and it will never get old. 

Frankie Valli – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You

This may have to be the top song, for me personally, out of this roundup and no it’s not because it reminds me of Heath Ledger’s rendition in 10 Things I Hate About You. That does play a little part in it though but let’s not diminish the worth of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. This track reeks of success and it’s a contender for one of the top most-covered songs of all time whether you know it from the original version or the multitude of artists who have covered it since. It’s a song about building intensity, shown within the lyrics and the exciting musical structure, but at its core, it’s a remarkable declaration of love. It’s used over and over again in film soundtracks, it oozes romance and if, like me, you associate it with Heath Ledger serenading Julia Stiles, what’s more to love?

Halsey – Finally // beautiful stranger

It’s hard to believe that ‘Finally // beautiful stranger’ is supposedly the first love song that Halsey has ever written. The stripped back track finds Halsey singing terms of endearment to someone special with an assortment of charming and descriptive lyrics such as: “Beautiful stranger, here you are in my arms / But I think it’s finally, finally, finally, finally, finally safe / For me to fall.” The songwriting is evidently strong throughout and the theme of finally finding the one is made evident when she discusses how “beautiful strangers” have only hurt her in the past but now that she’s found the right person, she feels “safe”. If you think you’ve found the one, don’t hesitate in sending them this.

Mac Miller ft. Ariana Grande – My Favourite Part

‘My Favourite Part’ is just one of the romantic gems on Mac Miller’s ‘The Divine Feminine’ album. The scintillating track is driven by chemistry and full of lovestruck lines sung by Miller in his precious near-mumble that plays perfectly alongside the crackling lead guitar. The song radiates everything about being infatuated with someone and is done so, so tenderly. The twinkly guitar harmonies and a never-stagnant rhythm compliment Grande’s airy harmonies perfectly and the pair make the duet sound so effortless. I guess that’s what being in love does.

Paramore – Still Into You

Not feeling any of these songs as they’re not exactly to your taste? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I know for a fact that everyone vibes with this song as it’s an absolute anthem. Paramore have had a lot of hits over the years but ‘Still Into You’ is perfect for the long-term lovers who are still head over heels in love with each other after all this time. The lyrics are heartfelt and relatable as Hayley Williams sings about not being over the “butterflies” and the whirling synths and crisp guitar lines make this track a toe-tapping jam. It showcases what Paramore do best – simple yet well crafted love songs.

Mario – Let Me Love You

I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t listen to Mario every once in a while. He is a guilty pleasure that I’m not even ashamed of. His music is just too good. The uptempo, soulful ballad, ‘Let Me Love You’, quickly became one of Mario’s biggest hits to date and whilst we’re here, does anyone else remember Zayn Malik singing this at his X-Factor audition? That’s a memory I can never shake from my head. The lazy hip-hop beats paired with soulful bass and seductive keys provide the perfect background music for whatever your doing. It would be a big mistake to leave this one out of your playlist.

Taylor Swift – Love Story (Taylor’s Version)

Would it really be a Valentine’s Day themed playlist without including at least one Taylor Swift song? That girl pretty much sings about love for a living. Nothing will capture the grand delusions of young love better than ‘Love Story’. It sweeps you up in its whirlwind momentum and soaring choruses whilst having you wish you were living the impossible fantasy. Plus, she re-released her version in time for Valentine’s Day last year and as a song all about forbidden love and following your heart, you can call that perfect timing for a release.