Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and couples everywhere are surely fretting over ways to show their love. Instead of bowing to corporate traditions by spending money on flowers, chocolate, and Hallmark cards, try sending your valentine something far more meaningful this year: a new favorite song. If you need some help brainstorming, here is a list of some of our favorite love songs to send your lover, crush, situationship, or even grandma.
Sally: “Pink in the Night” – Mitski
This past weekend, Nashville resident Mitski played a surprise pop up show at the Basement East! I along with hundreds of likeminded fans lined up outside Grimey’s for hours in the cold for a chance to see Mitski sing her gut wrenchingly vulnerable music in the flesh. Mitski’s music doesn’t always center on love and romance, going viral for songs such as “Nobody” and “I Bet On Losing Dogs” which are not tunes I would personally send my beau on Valentines Day (unless I was trying to send a message). But, the track “Pink in the Night” off of 2018 album “Be The Cowboy” is the perfect soft ballad for this Valentine’s Day. The song centers around the imagery of a person “glowing pink” because they are so infatuated with their lover. It’s an added bonus that Mitski’s metaphor includes the ultimate Valentine’s Day color! This song makes sense aesthetically and thematically. In verse two Mitski makes the simple yet passionate statement “I could stare at your back all day” which is my favorite part of the song and one of the most beautiful declarations of love I can think of. So much of Mitski’s music focuses on loneliness and despair, but that just makes the occasional, pure, love song glow even brighter, and pink! Listen to the track at the link below!
Chloe: “Anyone Else But You” – The Moldy Peaches
My Valentine’s Day pick is “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches. Most people, like myself, discovered this song from the iconic coming-of-age movie, Juno. The Moldy Peaches is an indie folk and garage rock duo composed of Adam Green and Kimya Dawson. This duo is defined by a raw, unproduced sound and honest, playful lyrics. “Anyone Else But You” is an adorable duet in which Green and Dawson woo each other with creative, romantic metaphors. My favorite lyrics are, “Here is the church and here is the steeple, We sure are cute for two ugly people, I don’t see what anyone can see, In anyone else but you.” The song comes from their 2001 self-titled album, but its appearance in Juno significantly increased the duo’s popularity. The film isn’t exactly a romance, but the scene at the end of the movie, where Elliot Page and Micheal Cera’s characters sing this song together as the camera pans out, creates a shy, romantic spark. If you’re craving a playful, simple duet to sing with your partner, I highly recommend this song!
Alex: “Here There And Everywhere” – Hether
My Valentine’s pick of the week is a cover of “Here There And Everywhere” done by the artist Hether. Most of you are probably familiar with the original Beatles’ version of “Here, There And Everywhere.” The song is a masterclass on songwriting and has a melody so infectious you’ll hum it in your sleep. John Lennon also once in an interview cited it as his favorite McCartney song. I am using this awesome song as an opportunity to highlight a smaller artist I’ve been loving named Hether. Hether is based in California and makes sunbleached guitar driven music. Hether’s rendition of “Here There And Everywhere” takes an already beautiful song and reimagines it with his distinctive lofi intimacy.
Abby: “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” – Frankie Valli
My Valentine’s pick of the week is “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” by Frankie Valli. I picked this song, not only because of its sentimental meaning, but also because it reminds me of how much love means and how many ways it can be shown. Released in 1967, this song became an immediate love song classic, still being played and dedicated decades later. Frankie Valli, known for being a part of The Four Seasons, sings about his undying love and dedication. He continues to repeat, “You’re just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off you,” enveloping the listener in lovey-dovey feelings. I thought this song was the perfect fit for Valentine’s Day, and showing how much we love those in our lives. With a strong saxophone, swinging guitar, and snappy melody, “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” is sure to get anyone up and on their feet!
