In the spirit of the season of love, music means a great deal for those wanting to get in the mood for Valentine’s Day. Or stay firmly out of it. I can see both sides, but the common denominator is that we want music that makes us feel something. This is my, personal, ranking of the top five love and break-up songs.
Love Songs:
1. All this In Heaven Too by Florence and The Machine
By far, this is my favorite love song to date. The lyricism is stunning, adventurous, and immerses the listener in the thrill of love. Rhythm and dramatic shifts in voice resemble the lack of control one has over their feelings. It’s dramatic but raw in its delivery, and we are thrust into sharing in the intensity. To “give all this and heaven too” if we could understand our hearts is a powerful proclamation applicable to those searching for love.
2. Daylight by Taylor Swift
What would this list be without a Taylor Swift song? I feel as though Daylight fully encompasses the relief that comes with the realization of being in love. It follows the singer through her harrowing journey of loss and sorrow then transitions into her newfound happiness. Swift captures the listener with her authentic perspective, as said in her spoken outro: “I want to be defined by the things that I love”
3. Valentine by Laufey
With nostalgic vocals and a soft sound, Laufey brings us back to the innocence andnaïveté of falling in love. Some of us might resist it, fear it, like the singer herself, but love is capable of creeping up on us where we least expect it. Love can be intimidating, but so sweet when it’s felt and nurtured. The emotions we experience as we listen to Valentine align with the bittersweet lyrics, andthetitle is only fitting for the holiday.
4. In A Week by Hozier
Hozier paints a stunning and vivid picture of two lovers dedicated to one another. The juxtaposition of voice between him and Crowley makes for a soothing song that embodies peace. The singer recognizes all of what life has to offer in a symbolic death, the two lovers willing to spend eternity together. “In A Week” emphasizes the importance of “home” as a state of being with the one you love.
5. Friday I’m in Love by The Cure
A classic love song, at least for me growing up. The fun, upbeat sound combined withrepetitive lyricism, takes the listener through the metaphorical days of the week. Everyone experiences hardships, but the relief love can bring is capable of breathing lifeback into us. This song sums up the universal experiences of living with glimpses ofwhat it’s like to be in love day by day.
Break-Up Songs:
1. I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift needs to make two appearances on this list. We witness the combination of sadness and anger as the rhythm and noise build through the song. Her usage of aggressive lyrics transforms into a catchy sound full of feeling. The perfect catharsis to scream along to alone in your car or in a room full of friends, “I Knew You Were Trouble” makes the ideal break-up song.
2. Kill Bill by SZA
Dare I say it would be criminal of me not to include Kill Bill. This song took over theinternet, deservingly so, and is ideal for a fun yet strong piece for Valentine’s Day withfriends in the same boat. SZA wrote this song with her audience in mind, most of us being capable of relating to the lyrics in some capacity. This piece makes use of cinematic reference and catchiness to create an iconic post-break-up song.
3. doomsday by Lizzy McAlpine
A guilty pleasure of mine to indulge in the inevitable melancholia prepared for February 14th. Doomsday is perfect for a crying session for anyone in need of it. The song begins slow, solemn, and steady as it prepares the listener for a powerful bridge. For those experiencing heartbreak, McAlpine helps people feel less alone and comforted byputting into words the disappointment in break-ups.
4. Don’t Hurt Yourself by Beyoncé (feat. Jack White)
One of the best songs to blast in your headphones and feel your independence this Valentine’s Day. Full of rage and power in her sound and lyricism, Beyoncé encourages the listener to rely on their own self-assurance and realize their value. It’s worth noting the degree to which she invests her personal life into this song and how that contributes to the authenticity. This holiday, take her advice: “We just got to let it be”.
5. You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
Simon perfectly summarizes what it feels like to reflect on a past relationship in acheeky way with the perfect dose of jokes at their expense. The sound and lyrics contribute to a fun, colorful song that most can relate to. She sheds light on how bitter feelings can still be described in a lighthearted manner. Overall, the song serves as a perfect break-up track to have a laugh and poke fun at the past.
