'Pancakes For Dinner' by Lizzy McAlpine
Have you been crushing hard for ages and been postponing telling them? If so, this song is for you. You love fantasizing about love but need another minute or two (or a million) to ever reach out for it. While McAlpine's music is often sad, this song is a real pick-me-up and brings out that school-kid giddiness. This song has so much whimsy and makes you want to giggle, kick your feet, and twirl your hair. This Valentine’s Day, blast this tune and dance along in your pyjamas until you build the confidence to make your crush your valentine.
'Best Part' by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.
This is when you are in love in love. You have fallen head over heels. This song feels like a perfect night at a cosy bonfire snuggled up next to your partner. Life cannot get better. I aspire to find a love that feels like this song. Top-tier. No feedback. The two artists' voices melt into such a dreamy and calming melody, making you release a sigh of that unknown tension you had before. I would recommend this song to anyone celebrating a long-term relationship and looking to slow dance in their living room.
'Here, There and Everywhere' by The Beatles
Paul McCartney has never found himself struggling for words when it comes to crafting the most ethereal, romantic ballads. During his time in The Beatles, he cemented his place as the champion of passionate melodies, undoubtedly encapsulating the romantic ethos of the swinging 60s with many hits. Though, when discussing Paul McCartney’s most treasured love songs, ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ sticks out. Appearing on Revolver, McCartney’s lyrics of intense longing (“Changing my life with a wave of her hand”), paired with the subtlety of the rhythm guitar come together to form not only one of the greatest songs ever, but also one perfect for Valentines Day.
'Mama, You Been on My Mind (Studio Outtake - 1993)' by Jeff Buckley (Bob Dylan cover)
What do you get when you combine Jeff Buckley’s vocals and Bob Dylan’s writing? Emotional devastation, that’s what. "Please understand me / I have no place I'm calling you to go / I'm just whispering to myself so I can pretend that I don't know Mama / You're just on my mind". Are you insane? The best love songs are written when love is lost. They’re mournful and lamenting and they’re really love letters in song, and not one does that better than this one, a song full of yearning and so much sadness: "I don’t even mind who you’ll be waking with tomorrow / But then, Mama, you’re just on my mind".