Ten Songs for Every Valentine’s Day Mood

You can listen along to all of these tracks on The Crimson’s Official Valentine’s Day playlist.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and the Hallmark holiday can feel different for everyone. Whether you’ll be celebrating in the arms of someone you love or having a party all to yourself, music is a great way to process whatever emotions have been buried for the past 364 days. For all of your Valentine’s Day needs, check out these 10 songs.

1. For the one you had to leave during break: “I Miss You (feat. Teddy Pendergrass)” by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

This eight-minute ballad is an automatic tearjerker. The late Teddy Pendergrass’s deep and soulful voice tells the story of a broken up couple and their struggle for reconciliation.

2. For a day of overthinking: “A Dream with a Baseball Player” by Faye Webster

Faye Webster’s entire discography could work for this list, but this jazz and indie pop fusion begs the age old question: “How did I fall in love with someone I don’t know?”

3. For when they try to “Happy Valentine’s Day” their way back into your life: “Talk Show” by TWENTY88

Jhene Aiko and Big Sean have historically provided tracks that offer a raw perspective on the complexities of love, but this track is their strongest. The two go back and forth arguing about which one is the worse partner through rap and spoken word, accompanied with soaring wind instruments and cheeky audience reactions.

4. For when you realize they were never right for you: “You Sent Me Flying/Cherry” by Amy Whinehouse

Tackling the pain of falling in love with an older man, Whinehouse takes listeners through the stages of realizing who someone really is. As an added plus, the song smoothly transitions into a more playful love song about her guitar.

5. For a Galentine’s Day anthem: “oh my love” by FKA Twigs

FKA Twigs’s raw approach to the frustration of the talking stage of a relationship creates a perfect bop for when it’s time to remember that life is beautiful with or without a romantic interest. She hypes herself up while rejecting the shortcomings of her crush, with an upbeat bass and chorus perfect for a dance party.

6. For a celebration of your first year as someone’s Valentine: “Kiss of Life” by Sade

Love birds will definitely appreciate the sensuality of Sade’s music, and this classic love song is nothing short of perfection.

7. For when you think your FWB could be more: “She Lives In My Lap (feat. Rosario Dawson)” by Outkast

While definitely the most experimental on this list, the creative genius of André 3000 and Big Boi is not to be ignored. Similar to “Talk Show,” actress Rosario Dawson joins the track to add a female perspective to the duo’s funk-filled track.

8. For the secret love bird: “Nothing Even Matters (feat. D’Angelo)” by Lauryn Hill

Music fans looking for a lowkey love song know that Lauryn Hill has some of the most captivating R&B and rap records for when you’re in your feelings. Hill and D’Angelo sing with palpable intimacy while avoiding the often overtly sexual lyrics found in their respective genres.

9. For when you’re getting ready to groove: “Beauty & Essex (feat. Daniel Caesar & Unknown Mortal Orchestra) by Free Nationals

In contrast to “Nothing Even Matters” Caesar’s lyrics paint a picture of love very clearly. The 70’s inspired track will have listeners ready to call up their crush immediately.

10. For when you’re just trying to make it work: “Green Eyes” by Erykah Badu

A stunning 10-minute record, Badu uses her eccentric voice and storytelling abilities to take listeners through the end of a relationship and the lessons learned in the process. Her NPR Tiny Desk concert makes the stylistic shifts throughout the song even more powerful.

—Staff writer Marley E. Dias can be reached at marley.dias@theharvardcrimson.com