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Saturday 10 February 2018

Top 10 Songs to Add to Your Valentine’s Day Playlist

Image Source:  Mwahaki King Photography
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re a romantic like me, you are probably getting a bit excited. I know that some people have rather a dim view of Valentine’s Day these days, but I think any excuse to make the people you love feel special is a good one. Of course, you shouldn’t wait for one specific day to show people that you care; and spontaneous acts of love and kindness are some of life’s greatest joys. However, Valentine’s Day provides us with a great chance to show the people in our lives how much they mean to us; be it a significant other, a family member or your best gal pals!

During university, one of my best friends used to hand-make cards for our whole friend group and slip them into our mailboxes or under doors, every Valentine’s Day without fail. Even after we’ve graduated she still makes them and posts them to wherever we are in the world. That is the sort of thing that I will always cherish. On the romantic side, I’ve definitely been known to buy champagne and decorate a whole room with rose petals and candles just to surprise someone I loved. Valentine’s Day can be a world of fun, it’s just up to you to decide how you want to celebrate it!

I am massive music lover and now that you know I’m also a bit sentimental, it should come as no surprise that I’ve compiled my top ten songs to get you into the Valentine’s Day spirit. I’ve picked favourites from a range of genres, including pop, reggae and modern country. So if you’re having an intimate dinner at home, or if you’re just a sucker for a good love song; these ten songs are sure to get you in a romantic mood and boost your Valentine’s Day spirit!


1. Is This Love - Bob Marley


Starting the list off with a classic from everyone’s favourite, the reggae legend Bob Marley. Melodically the guitars and subtle percussion instruments combine to create a tune that is at once  calming and inviting to the listener. Moreover, with the lyrics such as “I wanna love you and treat you right, I wanna love you every day and every night.”, this song is ideal for Valentine’s Day.

2. Loving You - Tessanne Chin and Kees Dieffenthaller


Continuing in the Caribbean, we come to a beautiful song that effortlessly combines the reggae influence of Jamaica with the calypso and soca rhythms that dominate Trinidad and Tobago. Winner of the popular American television programme, “The Voice” and Jamaica’s sweetheart, Tessanne Chin teams up with Kees Dieffenthaller, the lead-singer of Trinidad’s well-respected soca group Kes the Band to make a formidable duo. The undeniable vocal chemistry heard between these two patently demonstrates a warmth indicative to the tropics.Wherever you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, “Loving You” will instantly transport you to the idyllic island getaway of your dreams.

3. What Ifs - Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina


Twenty-four year old Kane Brown is a rising star on the country music scene and in this duet with his friend and former classmate Lauren Alaina, it’s easy to see why. Lyrically “What Ifs” is a heartwarming look at the genuine concerns we all have about falling in love,“What if I hurt you, what if I leave you? What if I find somebody else and I don't need you? What if this goes south, what if I mess you up?” However, these concerns are quickly rebuffed with the opportunity of true love. Brown’s dynamic and distinctive voice complements Alaina’s dulcet tones as they rebut with: "What if I was made for you and you were made for me? What if this is it, what if it's meant to be? What if I ain't one of them fools just playin' some game? What if I just pull you close, what if I lean in? And the stars line up, and it's our last first kiss. What if one of these days, baby, I go and change your name? What if I loved all these ‘what ifs’ away?”

Additionally, the powerful drums and precise guitar strings mirror the highs and lows of the song's lyrical content seamlessly. This is one of those songs that will have even the most cynical among us believing in the one.

4. Every Woman in the World - Air Supply


“Every Woman in the World” is a classic feel-good love song from the beloved Australian soft rock pair, Air Supply. A mellifluous melody underscores the tale of a man who never had time for love until that one woman came into his life and changed everything for the better. Yes, it’s a bit sappy but there’s nothing wrong with that sort of thing every now and then, especially on Valentine’s Day! “Every Woman in the World” is the story of so many a romantic comedy, wrapped up in a neat 3 minutes and 44 seconds; and it’s guaranteed to make the lady in your life feel special.

5. All for Love - Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting


When it comes to romance, is there a more commanding trio than Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting? I think not. Individually, they are stalwarts of the soft rock genre; but when they join forces, these powerhouses are simply unstoppable. With “All for Love” they managed to produce a platinum selling record that remained at the number one spot of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for three weeks after its original release. If you play only one song this Valentine’s Day, let it be this.

6. If We Fall in Love Tonight - Rod Stewart


As previously mentioned, when it comes to love songs, Rod Stewart knows exactly what he’s doing. “If We Fall in Love Tonight” is the perfect anthem for budding romance, as well as for those who have been hurt a time or two. Delicate piano keys accent Stewart’s soulful voice as he croons, “If we fall in love tonight, you’re gonna be alright. Your heart is in good hands. Darlin’, if we fall in love again, on me you can depend. If you can take a chance. Open your heart and let love, love again.” Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day with that someone special, or your fiftieth; “If We Fall in Love Tonight” will make a great addition to the playlist.

7. What’s Mine is Yours - Kane Brown


In this modern era when many of us bemoan the lack of romance, courtship and chivalry seen in our grandparents’ generation, “What’s Mine is Yours” is a contemporary reminder that maybe true love can still exist, even in this world of texting and Tinder. This can be seen in the music video for “What’s Mine is Yours”, a charming compilation of home videos showcasing Brown’s life with his fiancé Katelyn Jae. The chorus alone will pull at your heartstrings as Brown sings: “What's mine is yours. Every breathe I take, every choice I make. It might sound crazy. All my pain washed away, in the blink of an eye. Yeah, you saved me. You got all of me and I don't need it anymore. What’s mine is yours.”

8. Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman - Bryan Adams


Lyrically, “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” is an extremely eloquent declaration of love with a profound level reflection and compassion rarely seen in pop music. This clearly resonated with audiences when it was released in 1995. The song was number one for five weeks straight in both the United States of America and Canada, number one in Austria, Australia and Switzerland and in the top ten across the globe. The prevalence of Spanish guitars invoke a sense of intimacy and sensuality that provide greater dimension to an already enchanting ballad. Over twenty years later and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman” remains spellbinding.

9. Your Song - Elton John


When you hear "lyrics by Bernie Taupin, music by Elton John", you know that whatever follows is going to be fantastic; and “Your Song” is no exception to this. Released in 1970, Elton John’s first pop hit, “Your Song” is a classic that still resonates with lovers today. Taupin’s deeply human and relatable lyrics coupled with John’s dexterity on the piano will continue to enchant listeners for generations to come. A timeless piece of music for Valentine’s Day and every day in between.

10. Everything I Do - Bryan Adams


It seemed only fitting to end this list with Bryan Adams and even more so with “Everything I Do”. Spending over sixteen consecutive weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart when it was released in 1991, selling over fifteen million copies globally and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time, “Everything I Do” has a resume that speaks for itself. All these accolades aside, it is the song’s central themes of love, sacrifice and loyalty that captured the hearts of audiences then and now. Impressive refrains from an electronic guitar dominate the ballad while subdued piano chords create an added layer of subtlety and depth, mirroring Adams’ expressive lyrics. “Everything I Do” manages to strike the delicate balance between strength and tenderness that few songs can achieve, which is undoubtedly the secret to its success.

So, that’s it for my top ten songs to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day. It is by no means an exhaustive list as there are quite literally hundreds of songs that didn’t make the cut, but I still love dearly. Feel free to let me know some of your favourite love songs (and songs in general) in the comments below. I’m always looking for new ones to add to my playlists. And whatever you're doing this Valentine's Day, I hope you have a great one!

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