Love is a theme with a large presence in music of all genres, so it is easy to find music to fit any situation you might find yourself in — whether content, unsatisfied, single or in a relationship. This playlist has compiled songs about anticipation, butterflies in stomachs, infatuation, unrequited feelings, the honeymoon stage, complication of relationships, breakups and anything else you might be feeling on this day that celebrates love.
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
A classic from the 80s, this song is for those who have yet to experience love, but are excited for when it happens.
“The Way” by Ariana Grande featuring Mac Miller
The initial stages of love are captured well by Grande and Miller, who were dating at the time of the release of this song. The combination of whimsical lyrics and an upbeat pop instrumental is perfect for those who have just recently fallen in love.
“Can’t Take My Eyes off You” by Frankie Valli
This 60s song is sung from the perspective of someone who is exuberantly in love and allows you to feel all the strong emotions through Valli’s softer verses, a catchy instrumental and a powerful chorus that acts as a declaration of love.
“Softly” by Clairo
This more slow-paced alternative indie song portrays the more delicate side of being in love, particularly when being concerned about whether that love is requited.
“Not Another Love Song” by Ella Mai
Similar to “Softly,” this R&B and soul song expresses the anxiety those in love have over whether the person they are in love with returns those feelings. This song is for those who want to confess their feelings to someone but are nervous to make the first move.
“Love On Top” by Beyoncé
An upbeat pop song, the melody of “Love On Top” — alongside Beyoncé’s powerful vocals — perfectly represents the feeling of being strongly in love and its positive impact on one’s state of mind when it is returned.
“Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede and Björn Skifs
Recorded in the 90s, this song is one that will make you feel as happy and ecstatic as you would finding out that the person you love also loved you back.
“Play Date” by Melanie Martinez
While love can be an amazing feeling when returned, it is often frustrating when lack of communication prevents you from knowing how the other person feels. This song captures the exasperation felt when one is playing hard to get and not knowing what the other person wants.
“Out Of My League” by Fitz and The Tantrums
Another complicated aspect of love is one concerning “leagues,” a social construct that leads people to believe that they are undeserving of love from a particular person because he or she is superior. In an era that heavily relies on social media, this feeling may be familiar to many.
“Lucky” by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat
This song perfectly resembles a strong relationship between two people who love each other — Mraz and Caillat’s harmonization alongside a guitar background is for those in secure relationships that include trust and friendship.
“Work” by Charlotte Day Wilson
An almost inevitable and difficult part of relationships involves disagreements. However, this hopeful R&B and soul song will remind you through a slow-paced tempo and Wilson’s comforting voice that — in some cases — connection and love can still be maintained through time and work.
“Bad Things” by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Camila Cabello
This hip-hop and rap song describes a nearly toxic relationship. Love is often described as a drug — it provides temporary euphoria, making the red flags of an unhealthy kind of love easy to ignore.
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
This early 2000s hit has an anthemic tune that describes the jealousy of seeing someone you love with another person while simultaneously having to pretend to not care and put on a brave face. This melancholy rock song is for those in similar situations.
“Regent’s Park” by Bruno Major
Bittersweetness is a feeling sometimes associated with love and expressed almost flawlessly with “Regent’s Park.” Major softly sings of having his heart broken by someone he still continues to love but who will never love him back. This song serves as a reminder to let that person go, as loving someone who is unattainable will only do damage to yourself.
“Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis
This 90s near-rock song is one of defiance. It tells those still in unreciprocated or destructive love to move on while not looking back on the experience with regret.
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Fugees
This classic has an enrapturing melodic chorus and thoughtful lyrics, and portrays love as harmful as it gives those you love the potential to cause you pain.
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
This iconic 2010s song by Taylor Swift — whom this playlist would not be complete without — is pretty self explanatory.
“Truth Hurts” by Lizzo
This final upbeat song is one that is empowering and vocalizes fantastically that love from anyone besides yourself is not a requirement for happiness.
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