My 10 Favorite Songs for Valentine’s Day
It’s been a while since I last posted, so what better way to make a comeback than with something light and fun? With Valentine’s Day around the corner (a.k.a. the official holiday of overpriced chocolates and awkward romantic gestures), I figured it was the perfect time to share my ten favorite love songs. There’s no particular ranking here, just a random mix of songs I love. Whether you're deeply in love, rolling your eyes at all the romance, or just here for the music, this list has a little something for everyone.
Also, for those looking for something a bit more useful, don’t worry, I’m working on a blog post that’s actually helpful. But for now, let’s just have some fun with music!
So, grab a cozy drink, hit play, and let’s dive into the soundtrack of love!
Polyphia - So Strange (Feat. Cuco)
Honestly, I just needed an excuse to include a Polyphia song. They’ve been my Spotify Wrapped #1 artist for two years in a row, which is pretty rare for me, so they definitely deserve an honorary mention. It might seem a bit odd that my so-called favorite band is mostly instrumental, but sometimes my brain just needs a break from constantly analyzing vocals. This song barely has any lyrics, but somehow, it never fails to lift my mood.
Tamino - Fascination
I’m not even sure if this technically qualifies as a love song, but to me, it holds a special meaning—and I’m so glad someone actually wrote a song about this feeling. Also, I’ve been told I don’t feature enough Belgian artists, so here we are!
This song takes me back a few years to a date I went on. The guy was nice, but something just felt off, and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Later that evening, I heard this song, and suddenly, it clicked: I need to be with someone who is fascinated by the beauty around us. I’m always the first to notice something pretty or cute, and if I don’t get a reaction when I point it out, it just falls flat.
So in a way, this is a very important love-related song for me, not about romance itself, but about understanding what matters to me in a relationship.
Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
This song definitely feels like a guilty pleasure when I listen to it—it’s almost too sappy. But hey, it’s a good song, okay?! And the live performance is incredibly powerful.
I actually had to Google the lyrics for this one because, despite hearing it so many times, I never really knew what it was about. The chorus feels so different from the verses that it threw me off. From what I gather, it’s about revealing your true self to the person you love, even if you keep it hidden from the rest of the world. But apparently, it was written for the movie City of Angels, so maybe I’d understand it better if I just watched the film.
Taylor Swift - Begin Again
What’s a love song list without Taylor Swift? I mean, is it even possible? Is it obvious enough that I’m a millennial?
For me, Begin Again represents hope, the reminder that after a bad date or even a bad relationship, there are still good people out there. It perfectly captures that bittersweet moment when you start to believe in love again, even when you’re not sure you’re ready.
One of Taylor’s greatest strengths is how she writes in such a relatable way, making you feel like she’s putting your exact emotions into words. I think that’s why so many people adore her, she doesn’t just write songs; she tells stories that feel like they could be yours. And this one, in particular, is a soft but powerful reminder that new beginnings can be just around the corner.
Cigarettes After Sex - Apocalypse
Cigarettes After Sex are absolute masters of atmosphere. I love how they stay true to their signature sound, dreamy, intimate, and melancholic, yet still manage to captivate me with every new release. Their songs may have a similar feel, but each one is unique enough to keep me hooked.
Greg Gonzalez is an incredible songwriter, with a way of crafting lyrics that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Apocalypse is no exception—it’s haunting, hypnotic, and full of that slow-burning emotion the band does so well.
Whitney Houston - You Give Good Love
Whitney Houston has countless legendary love songs, but for this list, I wanted to highlight a lesser-known gem from the early days of her career. You Give Good Love may not have the dramatic highs of I Will Always Love You, but what it lacks in climactic moments, it makes up for in pure vocal elegance. Her transitions are unbelievably smooth, effortlessly gliding through every note with that signature warmth and grace. It’s a song that proves Whitney didn’t need big, show-stopping moments to be absolutely mesmerizing.
Kylie Minogue - Love At First Sight
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t rank my favorite love songs, how could I possibly choose between these gems? But if I had to, Love at First Sight would take the top spot. To me, this song perfectly captures the rush of infatuation, that fluttery, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling.
What makes it even more interesting is the lyric: “Baby, when I heard you for the first time.” Most love songs focus on falling for someone’s looks, but Kylie? She fell in love with their music. That’s such a unique and fitting perspective.
To me, Kylie Minogue is the undisputed queen of pop. She’s been delivering hit after hit for decades, never losing her spark, never having a dull moment in her career. She just gets it.
Stevie Wonder - Ribbon In The Sky
Time for another slow song! Ribbon in the Sky is, in my opinion, the perfect track for a slow dance. The melody, the lyrics, the emotion, it all feels tailor-made for a wedding. Strangely enough, though, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it played as an opening dance song. A quick Google search even suggested it as a funeral song, which... feels like a totally different vibe!
To me, this song is pure and innocent, a heartfelt declaration of love wrapped in Stevie Wonder’s signature magic. It’s delicate yet powerful, like a love so special it feels almost destined. Hence, the "ribbon in the sky."
Fun fact: I once went for a run with this song on repeat. Who listens to a soulful ballad while running? Apparently, me. But it was already dark outside, and somehow, the song just matched the quiet, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Jeff Buckley - Lover, You Should’ve Come Over
Of course, I had to include a Jeff Buckley song, how could I not? He’s one of my all-time favorite singers, and Lover, You Should’ve Come Over is one of his most stunning tracks. The lyrics are beautifully written, full of longing and regret, making it one of those songs that just hit differently every time you hear it.
To me, this song is a reminder that love is fragile, and when we find it, we shouldn’t take it for granted. Jeff’s voice carries so much emotion that you can feel the heartbreak in every note. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after it ends—haunting, poetic, and timeless.
Luther Vandross - A House is Not A Home
Okay, it’s a breakup song, but breakup songs are love songs too, in their own way. A House Is Not a Home isn’t just about heartbreak; it’s about the emptiness that lingers when love is gone. Luther Vandross pours so much emotion into every note that you feel the longing, the regret, the ache of missing someone who once made a house feel like home.
It’s one of those songs that proves love isn’t just about the happy moments, it’s also about what happens when it’s lost. And honestly, no one delivers that kind of emotion quite like Luther in this legendary performance.
Writing this list was harder than I expected! At first, I planned to include just five songs, but then more kept popping into my head—so I bumped it up to eight. Then, before I knew it, I had ten. Honestly, I could keep going, but I had to stop myself somewhere! There are just so many incredible love songs out there, each capturing a different shade of romance, heartbreak, or devotion. Whether you’re celebrating love, reminiscing about it, or just enjoying a good melody, I hope this list gives you something to play this Valentine’s Day. ❤️
Nina Standaert
Voice Teacher Nina
