Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a great music selection. Love songs are easily the most common type of song in the realm of popular music, and there’s no shortage of these great songs. To take your Valentine’s Day from good to great, I’ve assembled some of the essentials for the perfect playlist for getting in the mood for the day and a romantic candlelit dinner that will be sure to fill your day with love!
The Beatles – “Something”
I could’ve filled up this whole article with Beatles songs, to be honest, but I’ll limit myself to two – though going with an all-Beatles playlist would be a wonderful option. Written by lead guitarist George Harrison, “Something” is not only one of the best Beatles songs but one of the greatest love songs ever written. Its beautiful lyrics, combined with a lush arrangement and smooth guitar solo make this a Valentine’s Day essential.
Billy Joel – “Just The Way You Are”
Billy Joel’s 1977 Grammy Award-winning hit “Just The Way You Are” is the perfect moodsetter for a home-cooked Valentine’s dinner cooked with love. Joel sings of wanting his lover for her natural beauty and wants nothing more than that. The song features a soft rock arrangement featuring soothing electric piano and Phil Woods’ heartfelt sax solo, while Joel’s vocals are smooth and heartfelt. Bonus points if you can play piano and sing this to your lover!
Frankie Valli – “Can’t Take My Eyes off You”
Though it may not be everybody’s taste, the 1960s doo-wop and pop offers some great selections for Valentine’s Day music. This Frankie Valli hit from 1967 may be simple in its lyrics, but it’s easy to hear the passion that Valli brings in his delivery. This is especially apparent in the song’s iconic chorus, where Valli triumphantly declares his love with powerful, melodic lines. Combined with the iconic horn line leading into the chorus, this is a classic that holds up perfectly for Valentine’s Day.
The Police – “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”
Some would be inclined to put “Every Breath You Take” in this spot, but that song is more of a stalker anthem, so it’s best to avoid that one. Instead, opt for their 1981 hit “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” The song’s rolling piano part, the under-stated blend of synthesizers and the energetic drumming from Stewart Copeland combine for an upbeat pop arrangement that will make you want to get up and dance with your lover, especially during the song’s lively outro as Sting’s voice raises to express his love.
The Beatles – “All My Loving”
I had a hard time trying to figure out what other Beatles song to include on this list, but I settled on “All My Loving” from 1963’s “With The Beatles.” Paul McCartney sings of missing his lover while he’s away and pledges his love to her from afar. The song’s bouncy shuffle, rockabilly-inspired guitar solo and simple, yet effective vocal harmonies that kick in halfway through the song combine for a great song for any long-distance couples to celebrate their love to — or any couples who are away from each other that day.
The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows”
Like The Beatles, I could have filled this whole list with Beach Boys songs. But there’s no better song from the iconic 60s surf group for this list than “God Only Knows” from their 1966 magnum opus “Pet Sounds.” Lead guitarist and singer Carl Wilson delivers his finest vocal performance as he sings of his lover’s importance to him and ponders “God only knows what I’d be without you.” The track’s baroque-inspired Wall of Sound featuring accordion, french horn, flutes and a string section pulls the heartstrings of the listener and is a perfect devotion of love for Valentine’s Day.
The Cure – “Just Like Heaven”
This 1987 hit from the iconic goth rock band perfectly encapsulates the dizzying energy of falling in love with someone. Robert Smith delivers a passionate vocal performance that any listener in love can relate to. Its upbeat arrangement of acoustic and electric guitars, combined with an iconic synthesizer line, make this another great one for you and your lover to dance the night away to.