Love Songs

February is the month of love and thanks to those who care for us. With Valentine’s Day putting love in our hearts and minds, those who express themselves musically are surely looking for some songs of the season. Here are my few suggestions for those open hearts. 

Lips like Sugar (Echo and the Bunnymen)- If you're looking for a more upbeat, refreshing song to encapsulate the joy in love this is perfect. Echo and the Bunnymen bring a unique sound with their usage of a light piano followed by a backing of the louder guitar. Their lyrics describe a light love that’ll make you feel like you're in the midst of the summer weather. With phrases like “She'll be my mirror reflect what I am,” Lips Like Sugar is a great encapsulation of happiness found within a person. 

Glycerine (Bush)- Glycerine is a perfect example of how a rock band can change its tone when love comes into play. Bush typically produces more aggressive or louder songs, however Glycerine is a much softer sound while still sticking to its own style. Featuring a louder guitar and strong vocals, this song has heart-crushing lyrics with a beautiful melody. 

“Couldn't love you more, you've got a beautiful taste”-Glycerine (Bush) 

Every Breathe You Take (The Police)- holding its place as one of their most popular songs, Every Breathe You Take certainly remains in the spotlight for good reason. This classic 80’s love song has lyrics that speak to everyone’s loving side. To make it even more impressive singer/songwriter of the Police, Sting, stated the song took about a half hour to write. With obsessive lyrics at times, Every Breathe You Take remains a song endeared by people around the world. Who can blame them with lyrics like “I dream at night, I can only see your face I look around, but it's you I can't replace” resonating to all? 

Be my Angel (Mazzy Star)-  Mazzy Star’s tambourine and guitar always bring a more whimsical take onto songs of any topic. Be My Angel is no exception to this trend. With loving undertones and a beautiful melodic sound, Be My Angel might be just what you’re looking for. Star incorporates her personal style extremely well into everything she makes, and for this song in particular, her voice stands out as unique and beautiful. This song somehow takes a soft yet intense approach to the heart with lyrics like “Holding on to you, holding on to me, holding on tight, 'till my love is crossed.” The song depicts how love can make you do crazy things you’d never do before all for that special someone. 

I’d have you anytime (George Harrison)- George Harrison is very well known for his hand in writing some of the Beatles' most remarkable songs however his independent work is debatably just as fantastic. Despite his own love troubles (with Eric Clapton to blame), Harrison released some extremely heartfelt lyrical pieces such as I’d Have You Anytime. This song in particular is noted for its beautiful instruments and Harrison’s light singing voice. Bob Dylan had his hand in producing this masterpiece and it’s marked as the starting point for both Dylan and Harrison’s new musical paths. Many debates on whether the song is about the two’s friendships or their own personal relationships but either way, this song is a terrific example of love whether its platonic or otherwise.

Gloom (Kashmir)- Gloom by Kashmir is a little different than the previously mentioned songs. With its extremely unique instrumental placements, Gloom can be described as more of an unrequited love song or a song for those longing for their person. This piece is very lyrically driven but the real power comes from singer Jean Violet’s unique tone. Kashmir originally joined together as a Led Zeppelin tribute band but became so much more as they developed their incredibly stand-alone sound. The feeling this song invokes can be described as the calm after a storm. It shows you that everything can be worth it for the right person. 

Music is one of the best ways we as people can express ourselves, and love songs are a prime example. Love is a beautiful thing we get to experience in our lifetime, no matter if it is platonic, romantic, or just from the passion we feel from such songs.