As you may know from the endless torrent of heart-shaped, pink memorabilia from most stores recently, it is almost Valentine’s Day! In lieu of this, I have compiled a list of 14 love songs, one for each day leading up to Valentine’s Day (as well as other recommendations from fellow students). Here is what’s been gathered and listed in alphabetical order by song:

1. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

This song is a certifiable classic, even being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. I feel like this song is truly just the embodiment of the 1960s with how light and airy it is while also maintaining equal passion. It just makes sense for it to be on this list because of its beautiful zeal and empowerment within the lyrics (It is also my mom’s favorite, which may have swayed me a little).

2. “As The World Falls Down” by David Bowie 

I have listened to every single Bowie album, every song if I am not mistaken, and “As The World Falls Down” has definitely got to be one of his best. It captures this beautiful, romantic, and so very ‘80s feeling perfectly, and that is most likely why I put it on this list to begin with. It is definitely overlooked because it was made for Labyrinth and not one of Bowie’s separate projects, which is terrible because this song is the beauty of love encapsulated.

3. “Baby, I Love You” by Ramones

This song is actually a cover of a version sung by the Ronettes, but I do happen to like the cover done by the Ramones better because of the euphonious string section they added to the song. My disappointment was unmatched when I discovered that it was not included in the original. Nonetheless, it is a fun and upbeat-sounding love song that just really hits all the marks for me. It will be a favorite if you enjoy more classic punk rock. I have found that it sounds pretty similar to the songs The Clash had on their album “London Calling” (Lost in the Supermarket, Spanish Bombs, etc…).

4. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael

Careless Whisper is a romantic classic, and it is funny to think that the song had a possibility of not being made. Michael had some mixed feelings about the song and had thought that it, “…was not an integral part of my emotional development.” That being said, I am glad we have this song today. The iconic saxophone riff and synthesizers in the background that practically defined the 80’s remain a classic.

5. “Fearless” by Taylor Swift

“Fearless” has got to be, at least in my personal opinion, one of Swift’s best albums to date. It is right after her first one where she was still exploring the country genre, but in Fearless her songs lean towards the pop side which she later embraces. There were hits on this like “Love Story”, “The Way I Loved You”, “You Belong With Me”, and especially the first song on the album, “Fearless.” It is definitely catchy enough to get stuck inside your head and it is just fun to listen to. It captures the euphoric excitement of a new romance perfectly.

6. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer

In the same category “just fun to listen to,” there is “Kiss Me.” Leigh Nash’s voice is so airy and light and it matches the tone of the song so beautifully. The song has such a simple composition and it is expressed in such a sincere way that is surprisingly hard to find in music. All things considered, this song is a really sweet listen and on par with the theme of Valentine’s Day.

7. “Last Night on Earth” by Green Day

The way this song is composed is actually wildly different from the way Green Day has composed their other songs. “Last Night on Earth” is a piano led number, as opposed to the majority of their other songs which are composed mostly with the guitar as a main instrument. It is an unapologetic love song that Billie Joe Armstrong wrote for his wife, and it definitely expresses the softer side of the rock genre that Green Day explored in this album.

8. “Moment in Paradise” by Electric Light Orchestra

“Moment in Paradise” is just one of the many strokes of genius Jeff Lynne has created. It is really a shame that ELO is not recognized often for their beautiful contributions to music. It is an exquisitely composed song with such a soft and slow romantic feel; it sounds exactly like a slow dance. It is a very authentic song that he created for his partner, Rosie Vela, that shows Lynne’s musical prowess.

9. “No.1 Party Anthem” by Arctic Monkeys

The title may throw you off, because you’d expect the song to be an upbeat party song, but it is actually one of the more emotional ones produced by Arctic Monkeys. It is a slow ballad that in itself does not represent the loudness of a party, but the quietness of the odd one out who does not quite belong with the crowd. My favorite part of the song has definitely got to be the section during the chorus, “Come on, come on, come on,” It sounds similar to someone hyping themself up to take advantage of a fleeting moment to express their love.

10. “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean

Someone in a YouTube comment said that this song is, “what falling in love sounds like” and I cannot agree more. “Pink + White” is such a relaxing and lovely song that explores the themes of what once was and reminiscing on a past love. This may sound sad; however, the song is anything but. It is about appreciating what you had with that person and how the passage of time is truly inevitable, so you might as well enjoy it.

11. “Radio” by Bershy

“Radio” has recently gained popularity because of its appearance during one of the scenes in the game Dispatch, and I could not be happier because this is such a feel-good song. It is about how the right person can sometimes change you, and Bershy wrote it based on a relationship that brought her out of her shell. It is such a special song that I love, especially for its resemblance to 80s pop and for just how pleasing it is to listen to.

12. “Surrender” by Suicide

Speaking of the 80s, this slow ballad encapsulates the beauty of a first dance. It portrays the vulnerability and devotion you have with a deep, emotional connection. It is truly an unchained melody that expresses the beauty of loving someone so much that you surrender yourself completely and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

13. “Walk to Class” by Malcolm Todd

There is a plethora of undeniable bangers by Malcolm Todd, to the point where it was actually hard to pick out just one. I chose this song because it does not talk about the love of a relationship, but rather pursuing one. “Walk to Class” sounds like the nerves you get before talking to someone you like, including the fear of rejection that he expresses in the song. The budding anxiousness of a new relationship is extremely relatable, and that is mostly why I have taken to this song.

14. “Whistle For The Choir” by The Fratellis

Last but not least, “Whistle For The Choir” is perfect for feelings of longing admiration. The lyricism this song has is unmatched, and I love how every time you listen to it you can find a new meaning. The guitar in the song gives it such a nice and cozy feeling and it is just an easy-going love song to listen to.

Now with only 14 love songs, not all bases were covered. So, I asked some Manheim Township students what their favorite love song was for Valentine’s Day, and here are the responses I have gathered:

Mia Perez, sophomore: “The Only Exception” by Paramore

Allure Cao, junior: “Love Song” by The Cure

Rachel Noll, sophomore: “Daylight” by Taylor Swift

Angelina Gurung, freshman: “Valentine” by Laufey

Maggie Mumma, sophomore: “My Eyes Adored You” by Frankie Valli

Emily Lai, senior: “Honey Honey” by ABBA

Marley Martin, sophomore: “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” by Frankie Valli