Despite the fact people often pan lists of cheesy love songs that fill the world wide web every 14th February, we decided we would share our own favourite pro-Valentine’s or pro love songs for those not a fan of this very commercial day. I mean think about it how many songs on your iPod/in your CD/Vinyl/Cassette collection have the theme of love – probably a good 70% so no complaining.
Not interested in happy songs check out our Ten Anti-Valentine’s Day Songs
//Dashboard Confessional – Stolen
Not a very complicated song with the line “You Have Stolen My Heart” repeats over and over. But fans of Scrubs will know that it captures one particular scene perfectly (no spoilers here).
// White Stripes – Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
This song contains one of my favourite lyrics and possibly the most romantic line Jack White has ever written. “Every breath that is in your lungs is a tiny little gift to me” – beautiful lyrics. The harsh guitars completely contrast with the love-smitten lyrics.
// Finlay Quaye – Dice
“Nothing can compare, To when you roll the dice and swear your love’s for me” – There is definitely a case to suggest that this song could also appear on our Anti-Love/Valentine’s Day post, but the intense feeling of euphoria that Mr Quaye derives from knowing he is loved drags it on to this one.
// The Postal Service – Such Great Heights
A bit of a well timed plug here considering their new tour announcement but a fantastic track. This bouncy track reflects on the perfect symmetry Ben Gibbard sees between him and his lover. A bit of a counterpoint to Gibbard’s more self-pitying style this song reaches out to his lover despite the distance between them.
// Coldplay – A Message
Before recent album Mylo Xyloto’s took Coldplay towards a more electronic future, Chris Martin and the boys had apenchant for soft acoustic numbers. This unashamed declaration of love (“And I’m not gonna take it back And I’m not gonna say, “I don’t mean that”) is in my mind one of their best efforts.
// The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
How many love songs do you think could really work with the opening line “I may not always love you…”, yet somehow this is one of the most fantastic love songs ever written. I put it up there with another favourite, The Beatles – I Want to Hold Your Hand. Few songs are as perfect as this track, nothing really needs said.
// Reindeer Section – You Are My Joy
Well the likelihood of one of my lists not featuring Gary Lightbody was pretty slim, but if you are a fan of scottish indie music you should really check out this particular side project. There is nothing sophisticated about the chorus of “You Are My Joy” but surely it just sums up what everyone wants this in their lives?
// Wolfman feat. Pete Doherty – For Lovers
Images of lovers at a railway station, running away – a classic lyrical theme from Mr Doherty set to some great textured sounds. This song’s for lovers and it might be the best thing Pete’s done since Kate Moss.
// Glen Campbell – There’s No Me…Without You
Some of you may laugh at the inclusion of Glen Campbell on this list but a man that has sold over 45 million records cannot be ignored. Tragically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is unlikely Glen will tour again but his final studio album featured this beauty. Weighing in at well over 6 minutes this heavyweight is a loving tribute to any partner. “Once upon a lonely day, God came through, He blessed me with you”
// Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life
“Yours is the first face that I saw, swear I was blind before I met you”. Conor Oberst is one of the best lyricists of the last decade and this song furthers it. Oberst conveys the simple message that nothing before really mattered. This song was on a mix CD I got from my first girlfriend and it’s stuck with me since.
