I love music. I must admit… I might actually be “in love” with music (as is supported by my being in the top 5% of Spotify listeners worldwide although it is only one of the many platforms on which I listen to music). So, what better way to spread this love than by sharing my favorite lovey-dovey songs in anticipation of the love-liest day of the year: Valentine’s Day!
Before I get into my selections, though, I would like to preface by saying that this is not an ordinary, everyday playlist. And this certainly is not your average Valentine’s playlist either. I have chosen love songs that specifically commemorate the most swoon-worthy music decades in history (i.e. the ’50s and ’60s) so that you may fully experience the power of love (And, yes, that is a reference from a different decade, but just go with it). For those of you looking forward to the candy-and-chocolate-heart-filled holiday, whether you find yourself in a couple or not, here are some “oldies but goodies” to get you in the spirit.
“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” by Jackie Wilson is our track number one. I genuinely believe that this might be the most uplifting song of all time. Not only is every minute a constant excuse to smile, but its premise is so sweet: love can have a profound impact on you as a person. In this case, it has made him appreciate all the happiness life has to offer. I suggest you embrace this sentiment as you listen and eventually sing along!
Number two is “Then He Kissed Me” by The Crystals. Okay, I bet a couple of you out there know this song from the 1987 movie, “Adventures in Babysitting,” which is a great movie, and if you have not seen it, I recommend you do. However, this song evokes much more than just a scene from a movie. It takes you on a wholesome journey through a couple’s entire relationship, complete with a beautiful happy ending. This song is definitely a great way to reminisce on your own love story if you have one.
Track three is a contribution by the Bronx’s very own, The Chiffons! “He’s So Fine” is one of my favorite songs from the ’60s because it simply makes me feel like I am one of those girls in the old-time movies who goes to a school dance in her beautiful hoop-skirt dress and catches someone’s eye from across the ballroom. If I am being honest, it also really makes me want to buy an old-fashioned ensemble complete with a string of pearls.
I would like to preface my next selection by saying that I knew this song way before it was used in “Don’t Worry Darling,” but I understand that most of you will be familiar with it because of that movie. “Sh-Boom” by The Chords, although you would not suspect it from the title, is a song about the realization of how much “life could be a dream” if only it was shared with that person you have spent it without. Really, this song does not need much more explanation: Doo-Wop is a national treasure. I mean, those harmonies! And I am a member of the Satin Dolls A-Cappella group on campus, so I should know.
Track five is “My Guy” by Mary Wells. This song is an excellent example of the loyalty one should have to their partner when they find themselves in a committed relationship. There is truly “nothing you could do” to take her away from her guy!
“I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin is my number six pick. “Glee” fans, myself included, can definitely appreciate this one. I literally cannot stop myself from recreating the Unholy Trinity’s dance choreography every time I listen. That being said, I think this song is the most relatable included on this playlist. I mean, who has not actively spent an entire day thinking about and missing the one you love before?
Yes, I know it is shocking: the Bee Gees without their signature falsetto and ’70s get-up, but it had to be done. Track number seven is “To Love Somebody” by the Bee Gees, and what a heart-warming love song it is. Trying to convince someone not only that you love them but that you will love them more than anyone else that happens to come into their life is a tough feat. But, boy, did they convince me.
My next selection is “Where The Boys Are” by Connie Francis. To support why I decided to include the title theme from a 1960 movie as track number eight, I must first explain that this story is not what it sounds like. It may come off as a frivolous rom-com about girls who travel down to Florida in order to be “where the boys are,” but it is also a coming-of-age story about the wonders and tragedies of growing up, which, in my opinion, still holds up today. I highly recommend reading the book (which I own) or watching the movie (which I cried to) in order to get the full experience when listening to this song.
Number nine is “Baby, I’m Yours” by Barbara Lewis. Although I do not know as much trivia about this song as many of the others on this list, all you really need to know about this one is that it will completely melt your heart.
Track number 10 is none other than “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, which may just be the most romantic song ever recorded. What an amazing example of that requited love we all long for! If you have a significant other, I recommend listening together; it will definitely make you appreciate your relationship much more. And, on another note: wow, Nat King Cole can really sing.
No playlist would be complete without the addition of a bonus track. And I have the perfect selection… “At Last” by Etta James. This song is one of the most popular wedding songs in history, and you can definitely understand why when you listen. It is truly about waiting for “Mr. Right” and finally being rewarded. For people still waiting for that special someone, this song reminds you that they are out there, you may just have to wait a while.
