Valentine’s Day, perhaps the most polarizing holiday of the year, is just around the corner. Shelves are stocked with candies, and everything is pink and sweet. The one thing missing is the perfect playlist.
Whether you are in love, single or somewhere in between this year, your Valentine’s Day can be enhanced by the perfect soundtrack. Here are five mini-playlist recommendations for your Valentine’s Day, depending on your holiday mood.
The love birds
If you’re one of the lucky ones who get to enjoy Valentine’s night with your beloved, you need a playlist that speaks to all the possibilities. Valentine’s Day can be filled with excitement, surprise and sensation. Hopefully, these five songs will be the score of a flawless evening.
- “My Whole Life” – Alina Baraz. She has the voice of an angel, and this song is the sweetest.
- “Love” – Keyshia Cole. I have never experienced greater joy than singing this song with my boyfriend and giggling as our voices crack. Turn up the volume.
- “Get You” – Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis. Bae and I will be dancing to this at our wedding, but I’m recommending it. Use wisely.
- “Inhale” – Bryson Tiller. I will let you and your sweetheart discover this one on your own.
- “Pretty Little Fears” – 6LACK and J. Cole. Cole’s verse is absolutely everything true about love.
The vengeful hater
Ghosted on Valentine’s Day? They chose their friends over you? I have been there, trust me. If you’re stuck at home stewing on your Valentine’s revenge arc, here are the songs for you.
- “get him back!” – Olivia Rodrigo. We can mix a little bit of missing them with some spite.
- “Still Your Best” – GIVĒON. No toxic playlist would be complete without a touch of GIVĒON’s artful superiority complex.
- “Happier Than Ever” – Billie Eilish. Skip to the second half and rage.
- “B.S.” – Jhené Aiko and H.E.R. Remind yourself of your worth with this girl jam.
- “GLO’S PRAYER” – GloRilla. Even someone as iconic as GloRilla deals with romantic incompetence.
The “missing you” mix
Whether you’re long-distance or mourning your ex (stop it), Valentine’s Day can make you a sadness factory. Take yourself on a night drive or do some singing and thinking in the shower with this list.
- “I Have Nothing” – Whitney Houston. No explanation necessary.
- “When I Was Your Man” – Bruno Mars. There are very few problems singing along to Bruno can’t fix.
- “We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey. Maybe they really are irreplaceable. That’s your business.
- “BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US” – Jessie Reyez. A slow build that is good for belting and raw emotional eruptions.
- “Love” – Avenoir. If you have never heard this song, I need you to play it right now. Between the vocals and the piano, you will feel the rollercoaster of emotions you need to process your current situation.
The mystery box
Maybe you’re hitting the town to see what might happen. Maybe you’re waiting by the phone for that situationship to call and take things to the next level. Maybe you’re planning your “I love you” speech and hoping your special someone feels the same. Whatever the case may be, let’s get you some jams to fill the space.
- “Love Me Not” – Ravyn Lenae. This is your movie, here is your opening track.
- “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)” – Alicia Keys. Waiting for that next step? So is Alicia.
- “Make You Mine” – GIVĒON. To be honest, any GIVĒON will fit this mood, so play this song and then play the rest of his discography.
- “Love On The Brain” – Rihanna. Rihanna understands the runaround. Commiserate.
- “Kitchen” – SZA. Take your mind off the strife of waiting and recenter.
The content single
Good for you. You’re happy and healthy by yourself on Valentine’s Day. On a personal note, I have never once been in your position, so bask in this moment. Here’s a playlist for celebrating self-love. (P.S. This was the hardest playlist to make because every song ever made is about love. I hope you still enjoy).
- “Good Days” – SZA. This song is sunshine.
- “My Jeans” – KayCyy. A put on your best fit and treat yourself type of song.
- “Balloon” – Tyler, the Creator and Doechii. Infectious, confident energy.
- “Capable of love” – PinkPantheress. Deep down, the lyrics of this song are not for singles, but the feeling of the beat makes up for it.
- “Luxurious” – Gwen Stefani. As a college student, nothing feels better than music that makes you feel more expensive than you are.
Graphic via The Scribe archives.