Were you expecting something about fave romances in video games? Characters I’d want to date? Maybe a think piece on why there aren’t enough video games about love and romance? I actually explored that last topic years ago and am interested in revisiting it someday.
Forget gaming for today. I want another excuse to talk about love songs. What better time than now? Here’s another playlist for your Valentine’s Day celebrations, however dramatic or low key they may be!
Alicia Keys – “You Don’t Know My Name”
“Round and round and round we go/Will you ever know?”
The lead single off of her sophomore album was a soul-infused mid-tempo number that had me infectiously nodding my head while tying in heart in knots. At the time of its release, the song’s sentiment of feeling invisible to someone that you had feelings for was 100% #relatable. The phone interlude towards the end was always a challenge and it has only aged with time because who even talks on the phone anymore? Even so, Alicia’s tale of feeling nonexistent to the eyes of her crush is still effective at communicating her pain.
The Beatles – “Something”
“I don’t want to leave her now/You know I believe and how”
A glaring omission from last year’s list, “Something” by The Beatles is not only a master-class love song, but also my fave Beatles track of all-time. This song is such a vibe, especially when it gets to the rolling bridge before smoothing back out.
Amerie – “Why Don’t We Fall in Love”
“Everything you do I wanna feel again/Ain’t no use for us to pretend”
Released in the early 2000s, Amerie opens up to her crush in “Why Don’t We Fall in Love”. Though I never had the guts to follow suit, I loved listening to the song at the time and thinking of the day when I’d finally do it. The song is ancient by modern pop culture standards, but the beat still slaps as hard as it ever did.
rainbowpig2 – “La La Land Medley”
“City of stars/Are you shining just for me?”
As of writing, La La Land is my all-time favourite movie. This tale of star-crossed lovers trying to hold on while still chasing their separate dreams floored me with its amazing visuals, story, and music. Without words, rainbowpig2’s cover medley takes me through that emotional rollercoaster. Beautifully performed across a multitude of instruments, I actually listen to this version more than the actual soundtrack due to being able to get the whole movie in one track. I’m likely to be an emotional wreck on the inside every time I hear this but I keep coming back for more.
Common – “The Light”
“It don’t take a whole day to recognize sunshine”
I know. Including this track is cheating a bit, as we included the song it sampled from last year. That said, Common’s version stands tall as quite possibly the best hip-hop love song of all-time. Doesn’t hurt that its also a special song that I share with Steff, We turn this one on full blast and sing along every time we hear it in the car.
Us The Duo – “Safe”
“I see the monsters under my bed/But I’m safe with you”
A few years before they appeared on America’s Got Talent, Steff and I discovered Us the Duo when they opened for Pentatonix. These two are incredible performers and the epitome of #relationshipgoals. I adore a lot of their music, but “Safe” gets the nod this year for being equal parts warm and haunting.
Regardless of what your situation is, I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! Make the most of it however you like.
Last but not least, sending a special Valentine’s Day shout to my wife Steff. She’s the best.
In Third Person 