As of late, I’ve had this recurring dream. While frantically plastering wallpaper around my apartment, I hear singing outside my window. Preparing to call for him to quiet down, I realize the voice of Eddie Vedder, emanating from the body of our Bucky mascot, is serenading me with the “Titanic” theme song. I do not know what my subconscious is trying to tell me. I do know that I have not found myself a fan of the song at any point since its 1997 debut.
I also know Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. And with the abundance of love songs accumulated since music was first recorded and made available to the masses, I cannot help but wonder why this particular one played itself into my ears.
Personally, I loathe the holiday. Blame it on my grammar-school anxiety from handing out those horrible little valentines. Blame it on my distaste for the necessity of capitalism reminding me when and how I should tell people I love them. You will likely blame it on the fact that, come this time of year, I inevitably find myself the single amid multitudes of happy couples.
The only value I find in the day is the excess of music expressing variations of the theme of love, as I am a sucker for a good love song.
Radio stations temporarily transform to middle-school-dance disc jockeys, continuously playing that perfect last song of the night.
Stores move romantic music compilations to the front shelves, surrounding them with heart-shaped sale signs. Even Starbucks has its own mix collection of tender tunes.
You may find yourself in the company of those singing anthems of anti-love, young love, unrequited love and endless love. Regardless of your stance on the topic, take a hint from the likes of Starbucks.
Ameliorate your own lovely night with sounds specifically tailored to your Valentine’s mood. With love and relationships easily the most discussed subject in the musical realm, the only difficult part will be rifling through all those tunes to find the right ones.
For turning any space into a romantic dance floor, there are certainly the old standbys, such as Extreme’s “More Than Words” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” And who has not found himself singing Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” in his sweetheart’s ear?
Sift through the discography of wedding-reception standards and you cannot go wrong with the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” Etta James’ “At Last” and some Neil Young from the album Harvest Moon.
Bringing it back to our generation, Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest” is essential. Folds’ lines, “I love you more than I have / ever found a way to say to you,” make for a much better late-night serenade than “My Heart Will Go On.” Desirée’s “Kissing You” and Dispatch’s “Out Loud” are also fundamentals for creating such an ambiance.
Should you be planning something a touch more energetic than a candlelight meal and gazing into your darling’s eyes, have no fear, as poignant romance has not eluded the rock genre.
For power-pop ballads, give Annie Tugboat’s “Love” and Drive’s “Adorable” some airtime. Return to old-school sunshine with a wide variety of Beatles’ tunes, Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” from Queen.
Get those beats rocking a little harder with Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” before a return to classic rock from Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Whole Lotta Love” from Zeppelin. Honestly, Axel Rose frightens me more than my dreams of Bucky, but Guns ‘n Roses’ “Sweet Child ‘O Mine” put them on the map for a reason.
The tunes for getting a little more physical are the easiest — no one hears the lyrics. Sure, you can stick to Marvin Gaye, as getting it on would not be the same without him. The Mary Jane Girls’ funky “All Night Long” similarly leaves out subtleties. The rhythms of neo-soul sounds naturally exude an undeniable sexiness — think D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” or Angie Stone — and adding a little of the blues basslines will not hurt.
As proved by his 15 progeny, B.B. King once could talk just about anyone into bed. The live 1964 recording of “Sweet Little Angel” at Chicago’s Regal Theatre, with the loud horn section and his searing voice backed by screaming fans, suggest how.
On the other side, you may be wallowing and want to remain in that disposition until hearts and cupids are put away for the year. Ben Harper’s acoustic live version of “Another Lonely Day” is a good facilitator for such achievement. Harper and Bree Sharp have two very different yet equally appropriate tunes entitled “Walk Away.”
So too are Rachael Yamagata’s “Letter Read” and Fischer’s “Too Late,” with lines like “I’ve burned all my bridges with you / and I can’t walk on water,” sure to break your heart if it is not already in pieces.
Filling your stereo with Dashboard Confessional and the likes of Matchbox Romance, among other emo bands, makes good company. Indeed, if such anger needs expression come Valentine’s Day, Ani DiFranco’s “Untouchable Face” is ideal. I suppose anything Ani will provide a decent outlet.
Should you actually seek empowerment from your solitude, nothing but the lines “I think you better call Tyrone / And tell him come on help you get your shit / You need to call Tyrone / But you can’t use my phone” from Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone” will do as a finale.
The lists could go on and on, breaking music down by emotion or genre, proving the industry thrives on our need to sing along to songs about love. Undoubtedly, you will feel the need to emphasize the inclusion of a tune and question the omission of another. Think of these as frameworks for starting your own set list.
Unless you would like to be plagued by someone else’s favorite love songs, or worse, Celine Dion, take some time to compile your beloved sounds to set the stage for however you wish to enjoy Valentine’s Day.
