Playlist: Love Songs for Every Type of Valentine’s Day
Sad girls, boys, and nonbinary friends, rejoice! This playlist has a song for people with any kind of love life (or lack thereof).
Written by C.S. Harper
Illustrated by Darrina Green
Not everyone is lucky enough to get shot by cupid’s arrow on Valentine’s Day. Many playlists that commemorate the holiday are filled with lovey-dovey songs about star-crossed lovers or love at first sight, but they fail to recognize the variety of relationships a person can celebrate (or mourn). Despite its glorification as a celebration of romance, Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to be about writing love letters and gifting heart-shaped chocolates. From lovelorn singles to passionate lovebirds, this playlist has a relatable song for every type of relationship status.
Type 1: Single and Loving It
“No Scrubs” — TLC
TLC’s classic “No Scrubs” is an anthem for successful women who feel exasperated at incompetent men constantly coming their way. The R&B girl group calls out every toxic guy that a woman might encounter in her life, from penniless bums to unaffectionate lovers. In the pre-chorus, group member Chilli offers the perfect clapback for annoying suitors: “No, I don't want your number / No, I don't want to give you mine / And no, I don't want to meet you nowhere / No, I don't want none of your time.” These iconic lines from “No Scrubs” will motivate you to be your own valentine and wait for a partner who truly deserves you.
“Not a Love Song” — bülow
In “Not a Love Song,” Canadian pop singer bülow expresses her desire to have a purely sexual relationship with a guy who wants a romantic one. But the track isn’t raunchy — it takes on an honest narrative that considers the perspectives of both people. “You’re looking for a nice girl to fall for you for a lifetime / But that’s not my vibe, I’m just tryna have fun,” she sings blithely. With this song, bülow reminds singles that no matter how many pictures of cute couples flood their social media feed, nothing should pressure them to commit to a relationship they’re not ready for yet.
Type 2: Single and Ready to Mingle
“Baby Blue” — King Krule
“Baby Blue” is the theme song for lovesick singles. Interweaving King Krule’s breathtaking poetry with mellow guitar chords, the track perfectly conveys the pain that comes with longing for a person who doesn’t even know you exist. Singing lines like, “Girl, I could've been someone to you / Would have painted the skies blue,” in his signature pained growls, King Krule will have all the depressed weeaboos crying along and hoping that senpai will notice them someday.
“Call Your Girlfriend” — Robyn
Whereas King Krule quietly crushes on a girl in “Baby Blue,” Robyn is straight about her attraction to someone in “Call Your Girlfriend.” Wanting her burgeoning relationship with a lover to flourish, the Swedish pop icon tells them, “Call your girlfriend / It’s time you had the talk.” Despite her demanding tone, she wisely suggests her love interest to break up with their girlfriend amicably: “Tell her how you never mean to hurt no one.” Robyn’s dancefloor magnum opus isn’t just a memorable club banger; it’s a mature track that exemplifies the importance of respecting the feelings of everyone involved in a breakup.
Type 3: Galentine’s Day
“Bros” — Wolf Alice
“Bros” is a grungy ode to childhood friendship. A wall of guitars and drums envelop frontwoman Ellie Rowsell’s angelic vocals as she sings, “Forget our mothers and past lovers, forget everyone.” This heartfelt message reminds listeners that while parental figures and love interests come and go, friends are forever. With these touching lyrics, “Bros” is the perfect song to celebrate your platonic love for a lifelong friend.
“Me & My Girls” — Selena Gomez
In this cut from 2015’s Revival, Selena Gomez wears her Latinx heritage on her sleeve. Over a flurry of saxophones and trumpets, the Texas-born artist reveals her badass side. Singing, “I got my chicas by my side” and “No jodas, nosotras [Don’t f-ck with us],” the pop star taunts a suitor by asserting the importance of her girl squad. The themes of independence and sisterhood in “Me & My Girls” make it a song for single women who’d rather go on a girls’ night out than a Tinder date.
Type 4: Dumped
“Someone Like You” — Adele
“Someone Like You” is the quintessential breakup song. It’s a simple piano ballad, but it packs a punch with Adele’s powerhouse vocals. Even though the British songstress is heartbroken, she has no bitter feelings toward her ex and tells them, “I wish nothing but the best for you.” The track has a bittersweet tone throughout, as Adele reminisces about her past relationship and comes to terms with the fact that her ex has moved on. With its simple but powerful lyrics, “Someone Like You” is a tear-inducing song that portrays the post-breakup psyche in the most heart-wrenching way possible.
“Supermodel” — SZA
Sometimes, your insecurities make it hard to move on from a relationship, even if you know your ex wasn’t good for you. SZA’s introspective “Supermodel” portrays the complexities of this issue, showing how emotional dependence on a partner and society’s beauty ideals fuel insecurities in women. In her typical TMI fashion, the First Lady of TDE pours her heart out by telling her ex, “I could be your supermodel if you believe / (...) Why I can't stay alone just by myself?” However heartbreaking these lyrics may be, the singer creates a candid narrative that many young women can relate to. This Valentine’s Day, let SZA remind you that self-love is more important than the attention of someone who can’t love you back.
Type 5: In a Relationship
“Alan” — Perfume Genius
“Alan” is a love song for the ages. A lesser-known deep cut from 2017’s No Shape, the track strips away the colorful electro-pop production of Perfume Genius (born Mike Hadreas) for ethereal piano chords and synths. The song is a testament to Alan Wyffels, Hadreas’ longtime boyfriend of over 10 years, and it features some of the best-written lyrics of his discography: “Thought I’d hide / Maybe leave something secret behind / Never thought I’d sing outside.” These cryptic but heartfelt lines perfectly capture the beautiful intimacy of queer romance and how it helps people revel in their identities. With its soft vocals, gorgeous instrumentals, and breathtaking lyrics, “Alan” epitomizes how wonderful it feels to be with a partner who encourages one’s self-love and personal growth.
“This Old Dog” — Mac DeMarco
Couples can grow together in long-term relationships, but change can also bring people apart. In “This Old Dog,” Mac DeMarco assures his longtime girlfriend that even though it seems like his love for her has gone cold, his adoration of her is undying. “This old dog ain’t about to forget / All that we’ve had, and all that’s next,” the “jizz jazz” artist sings with his Viceroy-fueled croak. Universal themes and lyrics like these make “This Old Dog” the perfect song to commemorate any relationship that has stood the test of time.
Despite the variety of relationships this playlist represents, 10 songs aren’t enough to fully explore the beautiful and diverse experience that is love. From interracial relationship and marriage struggles to puppy, star-crossed, and unrequited love, the full playlist below has more songs to explore the breadth of the romantic experience. Check out the full playlist below for more tear-jerkers and romantic odes.