Love in Music

No matter the artist, genre, or style, everyone can collectively agree music is the gateway to the soul. Music brings us together and allows people to express themselves in a genuine and artistic manner. That’s why for Valentine's Day I've decided to spread the love, sharing some of my favorite songs and writing about the impact of music. 

Alt-Rock takes to expressing love in a very passionate way.  With songs like “All I Need” by Radiohead and "Everlong” by Foo Fighters, this genre pairs beautiful melodies with harsh and deep metaphors. Each and every alternative rock song is uniquely beautiful and meaningful. In my opinion this is one of the best genres for love songs. Whether you like loud, soft, poetic, or simple, Alt-Rock love songs have a bit of each. Some personal suggestions are "Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Pressed Against the Sky" by Toadies, and "Selfless” by the Strokes.

Another popular and important genre for love songs is Indie. If you like more calm and laid-back music that is still very lyrical and beautiful, this genre of love songs will most definitely work for you. Indie artists have a way of conveying love in an almost perfect way. The words they use not only paint an image in your head but will immediately connect to your heart. They have a very intimate approach to their lyrics. Artists like Mac DeMarco and the Arctic Monkeys are very popular for indie love songs for good reason. If you like this genre they’d be one of the best places to look. Some suggestions are “My Love Mine all Mine” by Mitski, “Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear, and of course "Linger” by the Cranberries.

Metal, Classic Rock, and Big Band artists have nothing in common. However, I think they each have their own amazing and unique takes on love songs. Metal isn’t too known for love songs but the ones they do have are very passionate and metaphorical. “Mascara” or “CherryWaves" by Deftones are amazing examples. I’d also suggest Slipknot's “Vermillion Pt2” or “Love You to Death” by Type O Negative. Some classic and timeless love songs can be found by artists like Frank Sinatra or even The Mamas & the Papas. The genres Classic, Rock, and Big Band have the most important and famous examples of love songs. “It’s Been a Long Long Time” by Kitty Kallen and “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin are amazing examples.

My last two genres obviously had to be pop and rap. I'm not very familiar with too many pop love songs. What I do know is that no matter your opinion of these artists, we can all admit they have lyrical talent. “Lover" by Taylor Swift is a great example of this. If you're looking for rap however I suggest “Love Is Only A Feeling” by Joey Bada$$. I hope you can find your voice in these songs or songs like them. Music is an amazing outlet for expression and everyone deserves that space.