Valentine’s Day, possibly the most controversial holiday of the year, is coming up soon. While some excitedly count the days until their dream Pinterest date with their valentine, others bitterly loathe the red and pink hearts plastered on every wall. Regardless of which one you might be feeling this year, here are four curated playlists to match your Valentine’s Day.
Kicking your feet, twirling your hair
Congratulations, you’re one of the lucky ones who ended up with a partner this Valentine’s Day. Celebrate with this collection of soft, beautiful songs, perfect to listen to as you think of that special someone.
Listening atmosphere: cuddled up with your significant other (lucky you).
“Pretty Boy” — The Neighbourhood
“Here, There And Everywhere - Remastered 2009” — The Beatles
“You Might Be Sleeping” — Jakob and Clairo
“Lovesong” — beabadoobee
“Sweet” — Cigarettes After Sex
“Everyone Adores You (at least I do)” — Matt Maltese
“Right Side of My Neck” — Faye Webster
“2 Hold U” — Clairo
“Something - Remastered 2009” — The Beatles
“You’re here that’s the thing” — beabadoobee
“Kiss Me” — Sixpence None The Richer
“Apocalypse” — Cigarettes After Sex
“stars” — dacelynn
“Apple Cider” — beabadoobee
“Kingston” — Faye Webster
“Head Over Heels” — Tears For Fears
“My Kind of Woman” — Mac DeMarco
I like to imagine Jim Halpert (from “The Office,” often described as “the OG yearner” in TikTok comment sections) has a playlist similar to this. Whether you’re yearning for someone out of reach or yearning for a person to love in general, give this playlist a listen on Valentine’s Day. These songs are soft, melancholic, but also absolutely gut-wrenching. Pay attention to the lyrics.
Listening atmosphere: lights off, noise cancellation on, tissues on standby.
“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” — Jeff Buckley
“No. 1 Party Anthem” — Arctic Monkeys
“Always” — Daniel Caesar
“I’m Not In Love” — 10cc
“Touch” — Cigarettes After Sex
“Fade Into You” — Mazzy Star
“Forget Her” — Jeff Buckley
“Staying” — Lizzy McAlpine
“Back to the Old House - 2011 Remaster” — The Smiths
“Don’t Know Why” — Norah Jones
“Every Breath You Take” — The Police
“Everybody Here Wants You” — Jeff Buckley
“Linger” — The Cranberries
“Waiting Room” — Phoebe Bridgers
“Somethin’ Stupid” — Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra
“Fake Plastic Trees” — Radiohead
Heart-stabbing breakup/heartbreak songs
When you’ve just gone through a breakup, seeing Cupid’s throw-up plastered on the walls everywhere you go is just salt in the wound. If you prefer to stay home on Valentine’s Day for this very reason, don’t wallow in silence — amplify your emotions with this absolutely heart-stabbing playlist.
Listening atmosphere: similar to the last one, but with a lot more tissues.
“I Know It’s Over - 2011 Remaster” — The Smiths
“Nauseous” — Conan Gray
“Sienna” — The Marías
“Moon Song” — Phoebe Bridgers
“About You” — The 1975
“Pushing It Down and Praying” — Lizzy McAlpine
“Vodka Cranberry” — Conan Gray
“Talking to the Moon” — Bruno Mars
“Some Protector” — ROLE MODEL
“I know it won’t work” — Gracie Abrams
“When I Was Your Man” — Bruno Mars
“I miss you, I’m sorry” — Gracie Abrams
“White Ferrari” — Frank Ocean
“The Cut That Always Bleeds” — Conan Gray
“loml” — Taylor Swift
“Connell” — Conan Gray
“Sparks” — Coldplay
“Promise” — Laufey
“Astronomy” — Conan Gray
“Baby Came Home 2 / Valentines” — The Neighbourhood
“Just To Keep You Satisfied” — Marvin Gaye
“The Scientist” — Coldplay
“Memories” — Conan Gray
Who needs a valentine when you have galentines? Instead of spending Valentine’s Day alone, have your friends over, play some good music and celebrate your friendship. On a holiday that places so much emphasis on romantic relationships, it’s important to remember that platonic relationships can be just as (or even more) meaningful than romantic ones.
Listening atmosphere: surrounded by your best friends.
“Feather” — Sabrina Carpenter
“Beaches” — beabadoobee
“Girl, so confusing featuring lorde” — Charli xcx and Lorde
“Cheer Me On” — Malcolm Todd
“Writing’s On The Wall” — ROLE MODEL
“Save Your Tears” — The Weeknd
“Tumblr Girls (feat. Christoph Andersson)” — G-Eazy and Christoph Andersson
“Hartwell” — Shelly
“Murder On The Dancefloor” — Sophie Ellis-Bextor
“Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo)” — Wallows and Clairo
“space girl” — Frances Forever
“Read your Mind” — Sabrina Carpenter
“Perfect Places” — Lorde
“Space Cadet” — beabadoobee
“Roommates” — Malcolm Todd
Whether you spend Feb. 14 cuddling with your partner, attempting to break a tissues-per-minute world record or partying with your best friends, keep these playlists on hand to immerse yourself in your full Valentine’s Day experience.