Featured image: James Kelly 

It seems we’re all unanimous in saying that love is one of those mystifying, uncontrollable forces of nature, and this is not a new sentiment. See the entire discography of music and poetic works dating back to ancient times and earlier (or your ‘sad’ playlist – which we all have) for proof. Despite love’s intensity and occasional discomfort, Valentine’s Day is a thing, and I believe there are two schools of thought on the occasion: ‘Enjoy it’ or ‘Ignore it’. Both are equally valid, and in either case, listening to doom-mongering anthems of heartbreak and regret is just not a great idea on this occasion. So, as a reasonably positive person, I thought I’d compile a list of love songs that are actually about love – not the absence of it, nor the uselessness of it – to ease you through this Hallmark holiday.

I Love You – Fontaines DC

Paying no mind to the predictability of this inclusion, this song has earned a place on this list for being such a raw encapsulation of the feeling of devotion. Its lyrical structure repeats its titular pledge with a feeling of determination and perseverance which contrasts some of the less positive imagery within its verses. It’s a selfless ballad to someone who means more to the writer than they themselves. Isn’t that what love is? Probably.

Anything – Adrianna Lenker 

Sung to a twinkly, folksy guitar with slow, beating bass notes to set the lazy pace, Lenker’s ‘Anything’ sounds like the best parts of a relationship – those silent moments that creep by when you’re so focused on not letting them do so, but they invariably do. Not all is always pure and innocent in our relationships, but the common thread is affection.

I’ll Have To Say I Love You In a Song – Jim Croce

The circumstances of Jim Croce’s life are heartbreaking, bordering on devastating, but he wrote music like a man who woke up every day with an insurmountable level of will and dedication to what he loved. This song is no exception. With simple chords played effectively in Croce’s usual folksy style, he sets the perfect mood for the shy message of tenderness he delivers to his wife. The bass kicks in as the chorus does, allowing us to feel that rising anticipation he surely felt while writing, blending vulnerable lyricism and uplifting melodies to deliver what was probably an effective apology. 

After Hours – The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground have a certain reputation. Muddy, distorted guitars which grittily incorporate the angsty vocals of one Lou Reed into some really thought-provoking work. Within their few albums, however, you will occasionally encounter something sweet and laid back – such as ‘After Hours’. Performed by drummer Maureen Tucker to achieve a sweetness unachievable for abrasive writer Reed, this song laments the insecurity of being on the outside looking in.

April Come She Will – Simon & Garfunkel 

Paul Simon was constantly singing about seasons. I don’t know if you’ve noticed. I suppose this song is the culmination of this, as this song is only about seasons. Nonetheless, it’s such a bittersweet melody, sung beautifully, and so divinely accompanied by the talented (and often overlooked) Art Garfunkel, that you get lost in the somber meaning of its message, and drift into thoughts of loved ones and niceties. That lingering, hopeful expectation of summer is a perfect encapsulation of what love can feel like, and is just bordering on sad and mournful – but it had to be on the list.

I Live For You – George Harrison 

Does anyone speak ill of George Harrison? Unlike his bandmates, I don’t believe this man ever did anything but love, and try to inspire it. I know people say ‘Something’ is his (or the) best love song, but… The Beatles have more than had their flowers. George Harrison, however, can have a few more. From me. This song could have ended at the title and would still have perfectly represented that dedicated feeling you have for someone dear to you. Combined with the simplistic, dreamy instrumentation, this track comes together as a love letter like no other. 

Stay – Fatlip 

This song stands out slightly in this list, which largely consists of singer-songwriters, but that’s really why it’s on here. Fatlip’s (with vocals provided by Slimkid3) ‘Stay’ is one of the first songs that came to mind for this list, for its genuine earnestness, while still staying true to its hip-hop style. Love songs don’t need to be overly-romantic, sappy ballads, and The Pharcyde’s Fatlip took that idea and ran with it like a professional, delivering a piece with undeniable sentimental and musical value.

Baby I’m Yours – Barbara Lewis 

Do you want a song that’s as romantic and sentimental as it is an absolute masterpiece of musicianship, and performed by an iconic legend? One that’s certain not to bring you down, and instead intoxicate you with its upbeat and amazingly realised performances? Well, here. Written by Van McCoy specifically for Barbara Lewis (and later covered by Arctic Monkeys), the track is just one item in an endless list that cements Lewis as an unquestionable talent in the music industry.

Lean On Me – Bill Withers 

What can be said for a song that is so very ingrained in our collective consciousnesses? What can be said for a man who has so consistently delivered track after track of musical prowess and vocal domination in his genre. This song barely needs justification for its inclusion in this list. Perhaps this is a song less sung to a lover and more to a good platonic friend, but I think there’s a place for that on Valentine’s day. We all love our friends. Go tell them. 

Candy – Paolo Nutini 

This is a special song; without mentioning its infectious, marching rhythm, carrying the song through all its moments of lyrical genius; without mentioning its gorgeous lead guitar, rising and falling in the background, like the anxious stomach of a lover; and saying nothing of its captivating vocal melody, which Nutini sings their haunting lyrics to, before ending with an emotional coda, professing undying commitment. This is a special song because this is the song that my girlfriend suggested when I asked her favourite love song. So, it sits at the very top of this list for her – in the hopes that she will keep sharing her favourite music with me, so that I, in turn, may keep understanding her soul.