Originally this was going to be titled “12 Non-Cheesy Love Songs” but as I have come to realize, there is no such thing as a completely non-cheesy love song. Here are my picks for the best love songs to listen to this Valentine’s Day.
1. The Moldy Peaches – “Anyone Else But You”
Anyone who is a fan of Juno probably added this to their playlists the second the film ended (I know I did).
2. Ryan Adams – “When the Stars Go Blue”
A lot people may be familiar with Tim McGraw’s recording of this song, but the original Ryan Adams version is a lot more stripped down and romantic.
3. Coldplay – “Yellow”
This may be one of the more cheesy songs on the list, but there’s no denying that it’s beautifully written.
4. Vance Joy – “Georgia”
Not as upbeat as his hit “Riptide,” but definitely more sincere.
5. The Lumineers – “Dead Sea”
Almost any Lumineers song could easily fit on this list, but “Dead Sea” is by far my favorite from their album.
6. Lana Del Rey – “Video Games”
It’s pretty hard to find lyrics more romantic than “it’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you”
7. Arctic Monkeys – “I Wanna Be Yours”
Despite the weirdness of someone saying they want to be your vacuum cleaner, this is still a great love song.
8. Hozier – “Work Song”
This is by far the most depressing song on this list, but still very romantic.
9. Maroon 5 – “Sunday Morning”
Maroon 5 has put out dozens of love songs since Songs About Jane was released some 11 years ago, but none of them have stuck quite like this one.
10. Alabama Shakes – “I Found You”
Few lead singers can convey emotion as strongly as Brittany Howard does on this Alabama Shakes song.
11. Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You”
This song may be as cheesy as they come, but no Valentine’s Day playlist feels complete without some Whitney.