The days have gone by and suddenly we are in the middle of February. With Valentine’s Day just a couple of days away, some of you may be making romantic plans with your significant other while others are probably planning a cozy night in with your galentines. Whether love is in the air for you or you’re going have a good cry to a sad movie, we have the perfect playlist for your Valentine’s Day festivities.  

Here’s a playlist from a self-proclaimed expert on love and angst (I watch a lot of rom-coms):

1. “Be My Baby”- The Ronettes 

This is a classic love song you just can’t go wrong with. This song has been covered dozens of times, but no one does it better than The Ronettes. This song is perfect for that whimsical, joyful kind of love! 

2. “ONLY” – LeeHi

This. Song. Touches. My. Soul. LeeHi’s vocals are so soothing and gentle that they find a way of making you feel all the feels. The chorus and some other lyrics are in english and even that gives you the general feeling of the song, but if you really want to understand this song look up the full english translation. 

3. “Everlong” – Foo Fighters 

The guitar alone will have you looking mysteriously out the nearest window, and we love that. The Foo Fighters put their all into that guitar riff and the lyrics are the perfect compliment to a sick riff. There’s a sense of that angsty, yearning kind of love. 

4. “Lovefool” – The Cardigans 

Throw this into the pile of whimsical love songs. This song feels like skipping and jumping around in a big billowy dress. This song perfectly embodies that teenage girl feeling of having a super duper mega crush and we love to see it. 

5. “Friday I’m in Love” – The Cure 

Yet another silly love song perfect for jumping and singing in your room. The Cure has made the simplest concept sound so fun and romantic and it’s awesome. If you have that special someone who you just can’t wait to see, The Cure has your new anthem. 

6. “Iris” – The Goo Goo Dolls 

And so the crying begins. Nothing screams looking out the window on a rainy day quite like “Iris”. These lyrics will either mend that little hole in your heart or they will make it double in size. Talk about heart-wrenching lyrics. Honestly, the angst is palpable. If listening just isn’t enough, search up their live performance in the rain in Buffalo, NY. Lives were changed. 

7. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley 

Ah yes, the classic wedding song in every rom-com under the sun. And I eat it up every time. This song is just so good— tell me those lyrics don’t make you want to be in love. There’s just something about older love songs that feel so comforting and warm, and this is a perfect example of it. An absolute gem of a song. 

8. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles

I. LOVE. THE. BEATLES. I mean this song is just perfect, from the goofy guitar to the simple yet sweet lyrics. This song makes me want to jump around once again (there’s a lot of jumping on this playlist). There is such a simple beauty to The Beatles; their songs are timeless, they just literally never get old.

9. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer 

So by now, everyone and their grandparents has heard this song before. Considering every Tinder ad I’ve seen in the past 6 months has this song in it. But I just can’t help it, this song is so cute. Once again, “Kiss Me” is the perfect combination of heartfelt lyrics and amazing instrumentals. Literally, what’s not to like about this song?

10. “Corazón de Melon” – Los Panchos 

What can I say, I love old love songs. This song is just so cute, with the soft strumming of the guitar and tender lyrics. One quick look at the english translation and you’ll understand just how amazing this song truly is. A classic for sure. 

11. “Happy Together” – The Turtles 

This song is one of my favorites and it has been from the moment I heard it play in Shrek. I told you, I have a soft spot for old love songs and this is no exception. This song feels like a warm hug on a cold autumn day and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cute lyrics and a fun beat are all you need for a good love song. 

12. “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” – The Smiths 

If you’ve ever seen the horror movie that is 500 Days of Summer then you know exactly what I’m thinking of. 

“I love The Smiths” 

“I’m sorry?”

“I said I love The Smiths” 

Same Summer, same. This song is so fun and fresh and it just feels like a cool wind on a summer morning. I mean what is more romantic than suggesting the idea of being run over by a double-decker bus?!

13. “The Only Exception” – Paramore 

Ah Paramore, the creators of angst. If you’re feeling that desperate and angsty kind of love this Valentine’s Day, Paramore has you covered. Can’t lie, this song makes me shed a tear here and there. Maybe it’s just Haley Williams’ heavenly vocals. 

14 . ”Cariño” – The Marias 

The Marias are one of my favorite artists, and for good reason. They always serve up the cutest toe-tapping tunes. This song reminds me of sitting in a cafe with a good book and people watching out the window. One quick translation will reveal just how sweet this song is. This song is a must-have on any Valentine’s Day playlist. 

15. “About You” – The 1975 

If you’re looking for a good hearty cry this Friday, we’ve got you covered. This song is so sad, dude— and I guarantee that everyone that listens to this song thinks of at least one specific person. The 1975 really have that angst down-packed. The vocals and lyrics alone are enough to make even the toughest person shed a tear and don’t even get me started on that bridge. The perfect song for looking longingly out a car window. 

16. “Soulmate” – Mac Miller 

Omg, I love this song. Mac Miller is one of my favorite artists and this song just embodies everything I love about his music. For one, the song opens with a speech from “Good Will Hunting”… I mean come on, that is just too good. Right behind it is the grooviest beat I’ve ever heard. Once Mac comes in, he uses his lyrics to tell truths and stories of love, and it’s just so good. Recently this song has found its way onto my on-repeat and I think it should find its way onto yours starting this Valentine’s Day.

17. “Sara Smile” – Daryl Hall and John Oates 

I have to be honest, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear this song is that Boondocks episode where Tom sings it. Animated sitcoms aside, this song is awesome. Hall and Oates have some amazing vocals I could listen to for days. This song is soulful and each line is full of emotion. The perfect song for a romantic slow dance. 

18. “Can I Call You Rose” – The Sacred Souls 

Talking about soulful music, this song takes the cake. Every part of this song, from the instrumental to the lyrics to the vocals, it’s truly moving. It’s mind blowing that a song released in 2022 gives me the same feelings as a song released 50 years earlier. The Scared Souls are incredibly talented and have created an instant classic with this song. 

19. “Mia and Sebastian’s Theme” – Justin Hurwitz 

Ouch. If you’ve ever watched La La Land you know the pain those opening notes bring. This may be a Valentine’s Day music article, but if you’re looking for a good movie to cry to with your friends on Friday, give La La Land a try. This piano piece is so impactful and makes me feel the most wild range of emotions and that, to me, earns it a spot on this list. 

20. “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5 

Last but certainly not least, this song is a 2000’s classic. These lyrics represent the emotions of all the hopeless romantics and professional yearners of the world. Scream-singing this song is the only way to listen to it, I don’t make the rules. This song makes me think of those movie scenes where someone stands outside a window holding a giant boombox and I think that is the vibe for this Valentine’s Day.