Valentine’s Day is for most people, a love/hate relationship. You love it when you’re in love (or at least in like) and you hate it when you’re not.
In college, relationships are often not as simple as single or taken. Relationship labels can range anywhere from in a relationship and totally in love to hooking up but wanting more back to in a relationship but on the verge of a break-up to just single and loving life. Every love story, or anti-love story, needs the perfect soundtrack so whichever category you fall into, we’ve got the perfect playlist for you.
We’ll start off on a happy note. If you’re in a relationship and head over heels in love, these nauseatingly romantic songs are for you.
- At Last by Etta James: This one’s a classic as the late, great, Ms. James sings about how her lonely days are over and “life is like a song.” It’s a beauty.
- Let’s Stay Together by Al Green: Another classic. If you’ve got someone that will love you “whether times are good, happy or sad” then you’ve got yourself a keeper.
- Love On Top by Beyoncé: If anyone knows about love, it’s Mrs. Sean Carter herself. The world knows how much she loves her some Jay-Z and this song will make any couple in love want to get up and dance.
- Our Song by Taylor Swift: Although T-Swift often sings about her trials and tribulations of heartbreak, there was a time when she was happy in her relationship with Joe Jonas, Jake Gyllenhaal, Taylor Lautner, or really you can just fill in the blank with any hot male celeb you’ve ever wanted to marry. This song is the perfect depiction of young, sweet, innocent love.
- Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars: Bruno, why are you so perfect? Every girl and maybe even some guys have dreamed about getting serenaded to this song by their significant other. After all, love really is about (warning: the remainder of this sentence is extremely corny) loving someone and appreciating them for exactly who they are.
OK, last one! And my personal favorite…
- Lucky by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat: Sigh. This song is just perfection. It’s so cute and lovey dovey and doesn’t everyone want their love to be their best friend?
And maybe things aren’t so wonderful in your current relationship and you’re heading towards a break up. Grab the Kleenex and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and blast these break-up anthems!
- Breathe by Blu Cantrell feat. Sean Paul: Plain and simple, “when love hurts, it won’t work.” Thank you, Blu. It’s sad when people can’t realize this but when you finally do, just like Blu, you’ll be able to breathe again.
- First Love by Adele: Do you ever get the feeling that Adele is speaking directly to you? Break ups are never easy especially when you’ve found that it’s time to leave your first love behind. Your first love doesn’t mean it will be your only love so maybe this will be your chance “to taste the kiss of someone new.”
- Should’ve Said No by Taylor Swift: No, the Taylor Swift songs do not stop here so I apologize in advance. Once again, Swifty knows exactly what to say. Break ups can get messy especially in this case, where someone was unfaithful. Dude, you really should’ve said no.
- Leave (Get Out) by JoJo: An oldie but a goodie. Even at age 13, JoJo knew exactly what to do when she caught her boy calling her friend. Tisk, tisk.
So now you’re single but still sort of dwelling on your past relationship/relationships. Ah, the hopeless romantic. We know you all too well.
- You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift: There she goes again, knowing just what I’m thinking and expressing it so perfectly. We’ve all been in these shoes before. Unrequited love on the surface but something just tells you that you are meant to be with the super hot captain of the football team. Keep on dreaming, girls. Maybe your wish will come true.
- Have You Ever? by Brandy: You know Brandy a.k.a Moesha… or maybe I was the only one who watched that show. Anyways, other than the Boy is Mine, this song is definitely one of Brandy’s best tracks. Alright, you caught me. I only know those two songs but they are fabulous. Brandy asks, “Have you ever been in love so bad, you’d do anything to make them understand?” Yes, we have all felt this way at one point or another.
- Somebody to Love by Justin Bieber: If anyone knows about love, it’s the Biebs. Though JB may have found “somebody to love” in Selena Gomez, there is a very large population still searching for that person.
And now here comes the fun stuff! You’re finally over your break up and you are single and so ready to mingle. No strings attached.
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper: This is definitely one of the best girl power anthems of all time. It’s true, we really do just wanna have fun.
- Domino by Jessie J: One word. Obsessed. This is the happiest song on the radio right now and is the perfect depiction of having fun and just living life. Go ahead girls, feel sexy and free!
- Single by Natasha Bedingfield: Who needs a man? Not you. You certainly do not need to be on somebody’s arm to look good. Embrace your single status.
- Crazy, Beautiful, Life by Ke$ha: Life in all of its glory should be crazy and beautiful. After “dodging all the d****e bag guys” you deserve to have some fun.
- Summerboy by Lady Gaga: This is the epitome of a no strings attached relationship. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good summer fling?
So no matter what sort of situation you’re in, this playlist has got it all covered. Happy Valentine’s Day!