It is common knowledge that Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber are some of the greatest acts to ever grace the music scene. Realistically though, these two aren’t getting anybody a date on Valentine’s Day- unless you’re in middle school. Here are a few more sophisticated songs to help woo your significant other, or help yourself feel better if you don’t have anyone to woo.
Love songs
The songs that make the time with your valentine all the more enjoyable.
7. Al Green – “Let’s Stay Together”
There are not enough people who have heard this song. It doesn’t get old. If your relationship is getting rough, spin this record to remind your valentine that life is much better when you’re together.
6. Frank Sinatra – “My Funny Valentine”
It seems like there wouldn’t be a Valentine’s Day without Frank. Sinatra describes how everything that is imperfect about your valentine is in itself everything that is perfect about your lover. Don’t ever change, valentine. For a deeper cut on the same album, check out “Like Someone in Love.”
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Hard to Concentrate”
The “Funky Monks” matured a bit from their days when they just performed with strategically placed socks. This is for those who forgot how to think because they’ve found someone perfect.
4. Billie Holiday – “I’ll be Seeing You”
“Lady Day” reminded us that you can’t be in love without knowing the blues.
3. The Beatles – “Something”
This is the only song written by George Harrison to be released as an A-side. The song has been covered by seemingly everyone from James Brown to Eric Clapton. Get over your inability to sing and cover this for your valentine.
2. John Legend – “P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care)”
This is for those who don’t need closed doors to display their affection. Go to the park and get down, no matter how many innocent bystanders’ lives are traumatized. Don’t tell them we told you, though.
1. Lauryn Hill (feat. D’Angelo) – “Nothing Even Matters”
Who said hip-hop can’t be romantic? Although this song has a more R&B undertone, “L-Boogie” proved with her only solo album that rap doesn’t have to be about establishing an exaggerated ego. This song brings love to a more personal level without bringing in anything that is discernibly about sexuality.
Bedroom ballads
7. Marvin Gaye –“Let’s Get It On/Sexual Healing”
There is no list of bedroom music without these two songs. Without these songs, perhaps few of us would be here today. In the unfortunate case that these songs are seen as desperate attempts to get your valentine in bed, here are some equally seductive alternatives: “Come Get to This” or “I Want You (Vocal).”
6. Alicia Keys – Rock Wit You
The bass line and piano tease to the point where you can’t stand it anymore. Alicia Keys has proven she can write sexier songs than any of her contemporaries all at the age of 21.
5. Raheem DeVaughn – “Woman”
If you’re fortunate enough to have a real woman this holiday, treat her like she deserves. You’ll be broke forever but “you can have a big ol’ car and a big ol’ house, but next to God nothing else amounts to a woman.” Right?
4. Prince – “Do Me, Baby”
Subtlety was never Prince’s strong suit. This is for all those who believe clothing is a terrible nuisance.
3. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
This tribute to Prince established D’Angelo as one of the R&B’s biggest sex symbols. So much so, that he has left the music industry for over a decade. Hmm…
2. The Isley Brothers – “Between the Sheets”
There is a reason this genre of music was named after this song. Inspired by Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” Ronald Isley’s soft falsetto voice over a hypnotizing bass line redefined seduction. If it was good enough for the Notorious B.I.G.‘s “Big Poppa,” it’s more than good enough for the bedroom.
1. Maxwell – “… Til The Cops Come Knockin”
If the bedroom had a soundtrack it would be “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.” Maxwell mixed soft jazz, driving ‘90s funk and ballad R&B on his debut to lead the neo-soul movement. Push play and your stereo will take over from there. No need to skip tracks on this album. You and valentine won’t need to stop – well, maybe not until the cops interrupt.
No Valentine
For those who think this holiday is a corporate scheme to take all of your money.
3. Outkast – “Happy Valentine’s Day”
Don’t let the title deceive you. By the end of this genre bending jam, Andre 3000 lets you know how ridiculous he thinks this holiday is. By the end of the song, it’s hard not sing along “Fuck that Valentine’s Day” for those who “feel like an organ donor the way they give up their heart.”
2. Tony! Toni! Toné! – “My Ex-Girlfriend”
Some New Jack Swing for those who want to compare their ex to a particular piece of gardening equipment.
1. Michael Jackson – “She’s Out Of My Life”
Quincy Jones originally intended this for Frank Sinatra. But it was only Michael who could bring a youthful innocence to the song. Michael’s voice doesn’t get better than this. He is not singing about anything unique but you can hear utter heartbreak in his voice. This heartbreak makes the disillusionment of someone leaving you at least a little more relatable.
Contact CU Independent Copy Editor Ben Macaluso at Ben.macaluso@colorado.edu.
