LISTS: SONGS FOR ALL KINDS OF LOVE

What is Valentine's Day? Why is Valentine's Day? Does its existence even matter at all? I think it is completely fair to affirm the answers to those questions can greatly differ from one individual to another. I personally do not believe Valentine's Day needs to exist. However, I choose to give it meaning and embrace it. I consider the 14th of February (or even the whole month) an opportunity to remind ourselves what love is and why we all need it. Without trying to sound way more interesting than I actually am, I believe Valentine's Day is about significantly more than simple (or complicated haha) romantic love. Platonic love and self-love must also be celebrated. Do we need to honor all forms of love during that specific month? No. Is it okay to do so? Certainly! In this carefully put-together collection of songs, you will find lyrics about self-appreciation, finding THE one, and so much more.  

MIGHT LOVE MYSELF BY BEARTOOTH (2023) 

Are the lyrics revolutionary or incredibly poetic? No, but they remain considerably comforting and empowering. Their beauty lies in their simplicity and how the instrumental showcases both softer and harder musical moments. Let's face it; when it comes to self-love, feeling comforted and empowered is all we truly need. This song has an extra emotional layer when you know how badly frontman Caleb Shomo struggled with this issue. Shomo might look like the most confident band leader these days; however, it has been a long and bumpy road to get to love myself ville. Do not get me wrong. I absolutely adore sad and aggressive-sounding Beartooth tracks. However, this hopeful tune does hit differently. ''Might Love Myself" is a necessary reminder that self-love is a journey no matter who you are or what your social status is. 

'' I am exactly who I wanna to be."

STILL INTO YOU BY PARAMORE (2013)

Some long-time Paramore fans will say that this song has aged poorly. However, most of us have developed a different interpretation and appreciation of its lyrics over the years. If you are not aware of what this track is originally about, let me provide you with the briefest explanation. Paramore's lead vocalist Hayley Williams wrote this song for her husband. Out of respect for Hayley, I will NOT go into further details; this is not what my blog is about anyway. Let's not dwell on the past. Nowadays, I consider ''Still into You" to be a love letter from fans to the band. If you have been paying close attention to Paramore's career, you know how their rise to the top has been everything but simple. From internal conflicts to countless lineup changes, Paramore could have completely given up on more than one occasion; they never did. The same can be said about some of the fans. Despite the many hardships and divisive musical evolution, a number of fans have never stopped supporting the legendary trio. Consequently, every time I listen to this track, I think of Hayley, Taylor, and Zac and how I am still into their music after being a devoted fan for nearly 17 years. Paramore was my first concert: the band that started it all. Paramore was my favourite. Paramore is my favourite band. Paramore will be my favourite band. See? Here is another form of love: the love fans have for artists and bands.  

     ''And baby even on our worst nights, I'm still into you."

LOVE YOU LIKE THAT BY LAUV (2023)

What if I told you there is a song that exquisitely expresses self-acceptance and the emergence of romantic feelings? On ''Love you Like That", through his personal experience, Lauv conveys an uplifting message: it is more than okay to proudly and loudly love whomever we love. It will eventually be okay. This song can help listeners cope with confusing new feelings considered forbidden by their families, friends, society. Have you ever heard the saying; you do not have to understand it to love it. Sometimes, we do not know or comprehend how a relationship (or even friendship or any new connection) came to be. However, we are sure of our love and appreciation for it. On this catchy and heartfelt song, Lauv tells a relatable story of transition From discomfort to incomprehension all the way to inner peace.   

''Used to judge myself, now I don't care".

LOVE SONG BY SOFTCULT (2022)

As a long-time supporter of Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn's career, it is always an honor to include their work (even if only a small part of it) in my articles. If I am being truthful, ''Love Song" was not the song I came back to the most off their 2022 EP; ''See You in the Dark", However, as I was working on this piece, I realized I needed to include ''Love Song" in this list. Who has ever felt that (sometimes) irrational fear of losing the one we love or a loved one? Every single one of us, right? As explained by Mercedes Arn-Horn herself, this stunning track is about being so afraid of losing someone (in any way, shape, or form) that the apprehension prevents us from truly appreciating the relationship. Softcult delivers a universally relatable message while using words that engrave tragic movie-like yet very realistic images in our brains.  

''Someone died on the evening news. I don't know why, but I thought of you

Lose my mind when I think what I would do."    

RIPPLE EFFECT BY SCOTT HELMAN (2017)

No, this is not a song about a fairytale-like romantic relationship. Do not get me wrong, some of those lines do give off major romantic comedy vibes and will instantly make listeners daydream and smile with all of their teeth. However, I believe the real charm of this song lies in the authenticity of its lyrics. Helman brilliantly paints a picture of how complicated love can be while still remaining amazing and worth the effort. Even a love that is greatly flawed is not impossible to fix. Sometimes, lovers, (or friends) just need to be reminded that it is perfectly normal to have bumps in the road; it does not mean we have to stop the caravan forever and sell it to a stranger.  

''Not a lot of people make it. And they're lucky if they do It's a shot in the darkness

But I'll take it for you."

HEAVENLY BY BROADSIDE (2020)

Have you ever felt like someone in your life was your remedy, your literal heaven? ''Heavenly" stunningly encapsulates that feeling. Upon first listen, this track might strictly seem about romantic love (an epic one, that's for sure). On the other hand, as music listeners, we all know how significantly different the meaning of a song can be from one person to another. Therefore, this memorable track by Broadside can remind you of a special individual no matter what they mean to you: the love of your life, your absolute best friend, or someone simply providing you with infinite comfort and happiness. I also appreciate how this tune is not your typical acoustic love ballad; it allows fans to express their love for a special somebody while singing their lungs out and headbanging. I LOVE IT!!! Moreover, I wanted it to mention that this track and the rest of Broadside's third album ''Into the Raging Sea" was my personal heaven during the pandemic.

''Don’t mean to sound pathetic but I finally get it. Don’t mean to sound so desperate

but you are my heaven."

HER BODY IS BIBLE BY FLETCHER (2022)

As unimaginable as it may be, there was a time when (Queer) music listeners did not have access to music that reflected their personal experiences whether romantic or not. If we are being honest, the growth in abundance of songs about LGBTQ+ realities is a fairly new phenomenon. As a gay woman myself, ''Her Body is Bible" will forever hold a special place in my heart. Fletcher unashamedly shares how she feels about another woman in a track that is lyrically simple yet powerful, romantic, and sensual all at once. Fletcher's proud use of the pronouns ''she" and ''her" throughout the song must hold a lot of meaning for Queer kids and adults across the globe. The chorus of this track has to be one of my favourite choruses I have ever heard and sung along to; it reminds me how much I love women and how proud I am to love them.  

''And she's the freedom, freedom I need to taste."

      

 GARDEN BY MEET ME AT THE ALTAR (2020) 

Do you know what is one of the purest demonstrations of love? Reminding the person you love, a dear friend, or even a family member that you will be there for them when the sun has disappeared and they are facing a violent storm. I consider it perfectly normal to be scared that people we care about will leave the second their existence gets harder in the slightest. Therefore, it is such a beautiful and often times necessary moment when we or people we love take the time to remind us they are not going anywhere despite what the universe has in store for us. If remaining by someone's side through all of the most painful instances and the most joyful days is not love; then what is? With its hopeful, encouraging, wholesome lyrics and bright sounding instrumental, "Garden" is the perfect track to share with a person who needs to be reminded they are not alone in this crazy journey we call life. We all need a little help to grow like the most colourful flowers and tallest plants in the world.

"I’ll always be right here when everything’s unclear."

FOLLOW YOU BY BRING ME THE HORIZON (2017)

Romantic yet tragic. Delicate yet brutal. Bring me the Horizon has created one epic love song that should have been included on a movie soundtrack. Listening to the song itself feels like quite the journey. This track conveys the feeling of being willing to do literally anything to be with the person you love. The contrast between the soft instrumental and some of the hard-hitting lyrics remind us how magnificient yet destructive love can be. 

"So you can drag me through hell If it meant I could hold your hand.

Is this my favourite or best article? I honestly do not think it is. However, I was proud enough of what I wrote to publish it. One of my goals for 2024 is to release at least six articles. Thank you so much for taking the time to read article #2 of the year. As usual, I hope reading this article has provided you with new musical discoveries or a feeling of happiness. Thank you to my amazing friend Miracle who helped me tremendously when I struggled to finish writing this piece. 

Your favourite blogger, friend, and hopeless romantic,  

Ariane