Feb. 14 is a day to celebrate the love you share with whomever you’re closest with. Whether that be your significant other, your friends or family, or the tub of ice cream you’re cradling while you watch rom-com movies on repeat, love is in the air. With love all around, what better way is there to prep for Valentine’s Day, than to listen to some love songs. Here’s 11 underrated love songs, from all decades and genres, to help prep you for the upcoming holiday:
1. “I Have Nothing” – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” has been a staple love song ever since its release on The Bodyguard soundtrack. Though the Dolly Parton cover is a monumental love song, Houston’s other hit from the soundtrack is “I Have Nothing.” It’s a powerful testament to loving someone and loving that person with your whole being. Houston’s statement voice booms and ultimately gives chills. Sitting in the shadow of “I Will Always Love You,” “I Have Nothing” is underrated, and is definitely something you should have on your Valentine’s Day playlist this year.
2. “Baby I’m Yours” – Arctic Monkeys
Alt-rock pioneers, Arctic Monkeys, aren’t one for super lovey-dovey music. Yet, its 2006 cover of Barbara Lewis’ “Baby I’m Yours” is the right mix of ‘50s inspired doo-wop with indie rock. Lead singer Alex Turner blends his vocals with those of Oisin Leech, lead singer of The 747s. Together, the two create a rock ballad that declares one’s love for their partner. It’s utterly simple, yet sweet at the same time. It’s a perfect song to get you in the loving mood for Valentine’s Day.
3. “Best Part" feat. H.E.R. – Daniel Caesar
Expressing adoration for loved ones is the sole purpose of Valentine’s Day. In “Best Part" featuring the band H.E.R., Daniel Caesar captures this purpose effortlessly. Along with Caesar’s alt-R&B sound, lyrics such as “You’re the coffee that I need in the morning / You’re my sunshine in the rain when it’s pouring” encompass the amount of love pulsing throughout this song. Featured as an artist to watch out for in 2018, Caesar definitely has shown he can produce a killer love song, and it’s definitely one to jam out to with the ones you hold closest this Valentine’s Day.
4. “Friday I’m In Love” – The Cure
The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love” is definitely one of its most popular songs, and it is understandable why. A bit upbeat compared to their usual sound, “Friday I’m in Love” has an optimistic outlook on love and life. It’s about forgetting everything else and focusing on a good thing in life – love. Though an iconic alternative song, it’s definitely under-appreciated in regard to being a love song. For a more upbeat song this Valentine’s Day, “Friday I’m In Love” is definitely a go-to pick.
5. “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” – Otis Redding
Legendary R&B singer Otis Redding is no stranger to love songs. With other songs such as “My Girl,” “Stand By Me” and “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Redding was a veteran at producing songs about love. Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” has just the right amount of soulfulness. It’s the type of song that makes one want to get up and slow dance with their significant other. In 1967, Redding had a monumental performance of the song at the Monterrey Pop Festival, where he showed just how much he loves performing and just how much emotion he puts into it.
6. “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” – Jennifer Lopez
Arguably the most upbeat song on this list, Jennifer Lopez’s “My Love Don’t Cost a Thing” is a staple love song of the early 2000s. Preaching that money doesn’t equal love, Lopez lets every man know that their money doesn’t mean anything to her in this song. The pop diva confesses how she just wants someone to treat her right, a simple aspiration everyone has in life. This Valentine’s Day, use this powerhouse of a song to remind yourself and others that your love can’t be bought and that you’re worthy of being treated right.
7. “It’s Your Love” – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are one of the few celebrity couples that have been married for more than 20 years, and in “It’s Your Love” they establish just why that is. Fueling this country ballad with emotional lyrics and beautiful harmonies, both Tim McGraw and Faith Hill show the strength of their voices and their love for each other. “It’s Your Love” needs no explanation. It’s a testament to loving someone, and it’s a no brainer for listening to this Valentine’s Day.
8. “Bound To You” – Christina Aguilera
2010’s Burlesque made the world fall in love all over again with Christina Aguilera. Accompanied by Cher and a killer soundtrack, Aguilera delivers a power ballad about trusting someone in a relationship after previously being heartbroken. No stranger to mind-blowing vocals, Aguilera gives listeners chills in the sultry, slow-burning tune. “Bound To You” not only gives you something to listen to in prep for Valentine’s Day, but Burlesque is also a great romance movie option to watch with your significant other this Wednesday night.
9. “We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey
When anyone thinks of Mariah Carey, they automatically think of her Christmas hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Though that’s arguably Carey’s most popular song, she’s also had other popular love songs in her career. Carey’s “We Belong Together” is a slow, R&B-influenced song about letting the love of one’s life go, and ultimately regretting it. Though a bit on the sad side compared to the other songs on this list, Carey’s signature vocals and desperation for love make this one to listen to in prep for Valentine’s Day.
10. “More Of You” – Chris Stapleton
Another song sang by a country power couple, Chris Stapleton’s “More Of You” is a simple, mandolin-led song about falling in love with your special someone over and over again. The effortless harmonies between Stapleton and his wife Morgane make this song all the more meaningful. The song’s simplistic, folk-inspired qualities make it perfect to put on while spending time with loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
11. “Grow Old With You” – Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler is usually seen as the funny guy; however, in 1998’s The Wedding Singer, Sandler sang a beautifully executed love song to Drew Barrymore’s character. “Grow Old With You” is quirky, cute and ultimately showcases the little things couples do for each other. It’s a refreshing take on a love song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still has the same impact as other typical love songs. If you’re looking for a simple, slightly weird take on a love song this Valentine’s Day, “Grow Old With You" is definitely one to listen to.
