I personally feel like Valentine’s Day is one of the most controversial holidays. This is mainly because I’m not in a relationship, and also, I just don’t like couples. As someone who has experienced all the seasons of a relationship, I have the authority to assign a playlist to help everyone, regardless of your stage in a relationship, to cope with Valentine’s day.
For the Lovebirds
When I was in a relationship, I would often make playlists for my significant other. Oftentimes, these were cute, whimsical songs explaining my love for him, at the time. I honestly found this to be really cute and a great bonding activity for us when we were long distance. In this playlist I wanted to highlight some of the cutest love songs to exist from some of my favorite artists. I think Valentine is a real standout here, because it’s cute and on-theme with V-day.
- Valentine by Laufey
- Lover by Taylor Swift
- My Love All Mine – Mitski
- Anyone Else But You – The Moldy Peaches
- Lego Ring – Faye Webster
For those in ‘Situation-ships’
Situationships are a complicated, back and forth, rush of emotions that can feel exhausting at times. You can feel high highs, and low lows all within the span of a few months. I wanted to make this playlist highlight how difficult it can be in a situationship and not feel the appreciation you deserve on this special day. I feel like Illicit Affairs perfectly highlights the feeling of being in a situationship well. It brings the listener throughout all of Taylors feelings of frustration and rage while dealing with her partner.
- Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers
- Illicit Affairs – Taylor Swift
- Why Do I Cry – Margo Guryan
- Heart For Brains – Roar
- Strawberry Blonde – Mitski
Going through a Break Up
As someone who has been through many breakups, and have experienced the slow demise of a relationship, I know this playlist is guaranteed to make you cry. I once played Vampire Empire for a friend who recently got out of a relationship, and seconds into the song she started crying because of the raw emotion in the song. Just know that at the end of the day you deserve so much better. Definitely check these songs out if Valentine’s day is not your cup of tea and you’re struggling with the loss of a partner.
- Vampire Empire – Big Thief
- I Know It’s Over – The Smiths
- Night Shift – Lucy Dacus
- Cry Me A River – Lesley Gore
- You Oughta Know – Alanis Morisette
For the Singles
Lastly, single people always get left out of the greater narrative of Valentine’s day, which is unfair, as we all deserve a bit of love, regardless of where it comes from. I made this playlist thinking about how happy I am to not be in a relationship, and how grateful I am to be in a space where I can fully love myself. As RuPaul says, “how can you love someone else, if you don’t love yourself”. My favorite song on this playlist is Bad Reputation because it makes me feel very cool and empowered, and happy to be me and not care about my “single-ness”.
- Dreamer – Laufey
- I Got Heaven – Mannequin Pussy
- Ain’t Shit – Doja Cat
- Plan B – Megan Thee Stallion
- Bad Reputation – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
In conclusion, there is no need to feel left out because it’s Valentine’s day. Regardless of relationship status, it’s a great way to practice self love, and celebrate love.
I am a student at University of Houston currently studying Strategic Communications. In my free time, I write for different publications as I am extremely passionate about music. I collect vinyls, go to concerts, and play guitar. Some of my favorite artists include Paramore, Kendrick Lamar, and Lorde. On the weekends I make pottery, sew, and spend time with my dog.
