By: Lynn Beisheim, Rose Fennessy, Makayla Leitten, Jadore Thomas, Erin Jones, Olivia Robinson, Ian Schuler, Erin St. Denis, Mykaela Washington, Nissi Olaniyan, Lilliah Otero and Jacob Thomas
Valentine’s Day is a divisive holiday. Some people will celebrate with their special someone, while others will ignore it. It’s a good thing there are iconic songs that fit either category. There are so many love songs and breakup songs to help you either celebrate or get through today’s holiday, whatever your situation is. As voted on by the Music Department of 89.1 The Point, here are 14 love songs and 14 heartbreak songs to get you in the spirit of Valentine’s Day!
Love Song: “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
Childhood romance is one of the purest forms of love and it is perfectly executed through this song. With lyrics about growing old and dedication to one another, it is a no-brainer why this is probably one of the best love songs of today. The way Ed Sheeran explores the topic is absolutely unique and breathtaking. The perspective of friends to lovers creates an innocent and pure form of love that seems to be lacking in today's modern dating world. He brings up simple ideas of just spending time with your lover and enjoying each other's company, and that to me is one of the most beautiful forms of love a person can experience. – LB
Heartbreak Song: “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS” – Tyler, The Creator
After listening to “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS” over one hundred times since its release in 2019, I can confirm it still feels like a punch in the gut after every listen. The reason that it has made this list is because of its unique sound of old motown and jazz using a sample of Al Green’s “Dream,” while also including a modern component of synths, and the dramatic buildup to the second verse and final remnants of the last chorus. The song is jammed-packed full of symbolism that represents the longing and the turmoil of still wanting to be friends with your ex, but knowing ultimately that it will never be the same as it used to be. No matter how much you try to hold it together and tell each other to “not be a stranger,” it is still hard to pretend nothing happened and go back to the friendship beforehand. Like I said…a punch in the gut every time. – JT
Love Song: “Daylight” – Taylor Swift
Released in 2019, "Daylight" is the final track off of Taylor Swift's album "Lover." The song depicts Swift’s past relationships and the struggles she faced during them. She doubted her ability to find true love, until she meets this new person. Now, she only wants to focus on them and their future together. The most popular lyric of this song is, “I once believed love would be (black and white)/But it’s golden/Like daylight.” The song ends with a spoken word outro in which Swift says that she wants to be defined by the things that she loves, rather than what she hates. – RF
Heartbreak Song: “Falling” – Harry Styles
This song is the definition of longing. Styles outdid himself in this lost-yet-loving ballad. He perfectly captures the feeling of loss that can only be executed when one has felt such love. This song is the essence of the term "beautiful kind of sadness," and because of that it's just as beautiful. The self-reflection idea of the song emphasizes the guilt that one feels when they leave a long-term relationship of any sort. Styles' lyricism also expresses the acceptance that comes with the bittersweetness of letting go of someone you love. The lyric “and it kills me 'cause I know we've run out of things we can say" is so devastating because it displays the idea that falling out of love is just as strongly as being in love itself. This song itself can be described as a modern-day Shakespearean tragedy and it is the perfect song for hopeless romantics everywhere. – LB
Love Song: “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is known for her more somber and dark lyrics, but with this song, Eilish decided to keep it light as a feather. The song embodies the feeling of loving someone so fiercely and being able to find not only a lover, but a best friend in that person. The song is featured on Eilish’s Grammy-nominated album "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT" and had the number one spot in both the Billboard Global 200 Chart and Billboard Global Excluding U.S. Chart. On a scale from one to five stars, I give "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" four and a half. – ML
Heartbreak Song: “You’re So Vain” – Carly Simon
This song, in my perspective, is more of a breakup song than a love song. But, one cannot have one without the other, so that is why it is so important to the list. Carly Simon is quite lyrical and genius in this song with all her backhanded compliments told in such a clever and gorgeous way. This "over it" attitude is refreshing because it shows yet another perspective of love: self-love. The song emphasizes solo relationships and how it can almost be preferred to be by oneself. The whole song is a catchy and vulnerable song about the frustrations the wrong kind of relationship can bring, but instead of sulking about it, Simon emphasizes it in the most empowering way. – LB
Love Song: “My Girl” – The Temptations
It is definitely agreed that “My Girl” by the Temptations is probably one of the most known love songs, which is why it has made this list. Although it is definitely a reflection of the time it was created in (1964) with its motown feel and smoothness that was common in the 60s, it has still stood against the test of time and never becomes outdated. The song is just overall extremely romantic, basically stating that the girl makes everything better just because she’s there. This was the Temptations' first U.S. number one single, and has since been coined as their signature song. When listening to it, you can’t help but snap and hum along to the beat and hit the “my girl” every single time (even when there is no girl…) – JT
Heartbreak Song: “Glimpse of Us” – Joji
"Glimpse of Us” by Joji opens with a slow piano instrumental that primes the audience for the emotional song that follows. Joji sings about being in a relationship with someone who would be perfect for him, but he keeps longing for a previous lover. He hits on the internal conflict of not being able to move on but desperately wanting to. The chorus displays beautiful vocals with one deep voice complimenting Joji’s main, higher vocals. I found myself really focusing on these harmonies in my last listen. They create a haunting picture of the nostalgia that Joji is singing about. Accompanying hard-hitting lyrics with the gentle piano instrumental and haunting vocals, Joji creates the perfect picture of longing for a love that got away. – ES
Love Song: “Friday I’m in Love” – The Cure
The Cure’s 1992 hit “Friday I’m in Love” is an incredible pick to have on any list of love songs, but it is especially perfect for this Valentine’s Day, because the holiday falls on a Friday this year. “Friday I’m in Love,” which is a single off the album “Wish,” is about getting through the week in hopes for it to finally be Friday, which represents finally being able to be with the person you desire. Lead singer Robert Smith’s deep voice and brooding charm pairs well with the upbeat instrumentation that join together and create a song that reminds you of the giddiness and anticipation that comes with falling in love. In the “Friday I’m in Love” music video, the rest of the band continues to change the set behind Smith, matching the passing of time Smith sings about. – EJ
Heartbreak Song: “Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls
This song is an absolute classic. The way the song presents itself is grand, to put it lightly. The chorus builds up to an extreme and it shows true dedication to one's character. It expresses the dedication and selflessness one has when one is completely consumed in love. One of the strongest forms of love is being to put someone else's needs and wants before yours. The song is about sacrifice, whether it be for the relationship itself or the individual in it – sacrificing comfort zone for example. The song is a beauty, and really captures a moment everyone wants to stay in forever. – LB
Love Song: “Hey Lover” – Daughters of Eve
Hey, Hey, Hey Lover – this song is a firm favorite of mine and is an oldie but a goodie from 1965. It's by the Daughters of Eve, an American all-female rock band formed in Chicago the same year "Hey Lover" was released. They are known for being Chicago’s lost band, with no physical copy of their songs together anywhere, as well as introducing dreamy and enchanting melodies to their music that signify the 60s era of music. But you don’t have to worry, life’s a problem in my hands – I highly recommend this song for you and your girls this Galentine’s season. – OR
Heartbreak Song: “Apocalypse” – Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex is a dream pop band known for their whimsical and dream-like style, and their lyrics mainly feature themes of romance and love. The song "Apocalypse" depicts someone reaching out to their significant other in hopes that they will let go of a past relationship that has been troubling them. The title relates to how destructive the past relationship was for the person's significant other and the lyrics highlight the fear and beauty that comes with welcoming a new relationship after such a destructive one. On a scale from one to five stars, I give "Apocalypse" five stars. – ML
Love Song: “Love Shack” – The B-52’s
What would a top songs for Valentine's Day list be without The B-52’s “Love Shack”? While it is not a traditional love song, this 1989 hit is the perfect song to get anyone in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, no matter what their relationship status is. “Love Shack” is a nonstop party, filled with grooviness and fun. This catchy hit, which comes from the album “Cosmic Thing,” made it all the way to the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of The B-52’s greatest hits. This Valentine’s Day bash continues in the song’s music video, where keen eyes can spot RuPaul shimmying with the rest of the Love Shack. – EJ
Heartbreak Song: “favorite crime” – Olivia Rodrigo
Released on her first album, "Sour," "favorite crime" is one of Olivia Rodrigo's other well-known breakup songs besides her hit single "driver's license." This song, and the whole album "Sour," is known to be about her well-known ex-boyfriend Joshua Bassett – yes, the same ex-boyfriend that Sabrina Carpenter had, which started the whole beef between them. This song can be seen as a metaphor for a failed relationship, and others see it as a relatable song, that they are not able to date in the eyes of society. The melodic melody and the amount of raw emotion Rodrigo puts into this song while singing would bring anyone to tears. I personally have teared up listening to this because it's so relatable. "I say I hate with a smile on my face" – you miss them, but they did you so wrong. The good and bad memories will always be with you. – LO
Love Song: “Hold My Hand” – Michael Jackson and Akon
The story of "Hold My Hand" is an incredibly heartbreaking one. Akon and Michael Jackson recorded their vocals together in 2008 as a song about how “this life don’t last forever” for Akon’s next album. Sadly, Jackson never got to see the song finished, as he died the next year in 2009. After that tragic loss, the song took on a different meaning and Akon finished his vocals 2010, a few days before its release as the first song on Michael Jackson’s first posthumous album, "Michael." The music video stars fans of Michael Jackson and serves as a beautiful tribute to the King of Pop. – IS
Heartbreak Song: “because i liked a boy” – Sabrina Carpenter
“all because i liked a boy ” was written by John Ryan, Julia Michaels, and JP Saxe. This song was released along with 12 other songs on Sabrina Carpenter's fifth studio album, “emails i can’t send,” on July 15, 2022. All of these songs are based on emails she wanted to send to people in her life but never did. This song specifically is speculated to be about her ex-boyfriend, Joshua Bassett. Her dating her caused a lot of internet and celebrity drama because the year before Sabrina dropped this album, Olivia Rodrigo dropped her song, "driver's License" and then her album, "Sour," which is also speculated to be about the same ex, and have shots towards Sabrina Carpenter. One part of this song that sticks out is the chorus. It talks about all the threats she got online for dating the ex of another singer, a celebrity of the same age and similar background. Both girls started their careers off acting on Disney Channel, and both released an album about the same boy that broke their hearts. She sings about being called a “homewrecker” and having death threats “filling up semi-trucks.” in the last chorus, she adds one more lyric talking about how everything happened after she and Bassett broke up. She was ruthlessly attacked online and was called disgusting names for dating a boy who had a past relationship with someone else. I feel like the reason why this song was the one that blew up off of this album, besides her song "Feathers," which was later released on her deluxe version “emails i can’t send fwd:” is because a lot of girls can relate to the meaning. In today's world, especially if you’re a teenager in love, things can get messy depending on the history of the person you date. You can be hated by someone or a lot of people just because you dated someone who has a certain ex, and then you become vilified because you like them and decided to date them. – LO
Love Song: “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star
“Fade Into You” is a classic 90s love ballad created by Mazzy Star, a group that included singer Hope Sandoval and guitarist and producer David Roback. This song details falling into an obsessive, but tender love accompanied by beautiful guitar instrumentals. “Fade Into You” was Mazzy Star’s biggest hit and even gave them their only spot on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. When listening, I find myself entranced by the unique voice of Sandoval and can’t help but get lost in the sounds and lyrics of a haunting but unconditional love. This Valentines Day, find a quiet spot to listen to “Fade Into You” and let the feelings of this love ballad sink in. – ES
Heartbreak Song: “Silver Springs” – Fleetwood Mac
One of the most iconic breakup songs, "Silver Springs" was released in 1977. Written by Stevie Nicks about her relationship with band member Linsdey Buckingham, the song was originally intended to be on Fleetwood Mac’s album "Rumors." However it was left off and later released as a B-side to “Go Your Own Way.” The song won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance and has stayed a hit song since. – RF
Love Song: “Be My Baby” – The Ronettes
Quite the old song but very memorable, The Ronettes has released one of their most iconic songs in 1963. It has more of a passionate feel to it, which is perfect for this lovely holiday. They only want the love of their life to be by their side, desperate for them to be theirs. If that doesn’t deserve to be on the list, I don’t know what does. Despite breaking up in 1967, the group gained a spot in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. They even got a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2007. I’ve never heard any other songs from The Ronettes, but I love how calming their music is. I love the music that’s been releasing now, but when it comes to the 60s, the soul in their voice is so much more comforting. – MW
Heartbreak Song: “Always” – Gavin James
Gavin James is an Irish singer songwriter whose popularity hasn’t quite reached America. Although he has been the supporting act for two of the most popular British singers of our time, that being Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. “Always” is Gavin’s second most streamed song on Spotify with over 186,000,000 streams, second to a song he features on called “Tired” by the Norwegian DJ Alan Walker. “Always” was also a number one hit in Brazil and certified platinum there and in multiple other countries as well as being one of the 100 most Shazamed songs globally. – IS
Love Song: “All of Me” – John Legend
"All of Me" by John Legend is a beautiful and an emotional love song. In this song, John Legend expresses unconditional love ("you are my end and my beginning"), vulnerability in love ("even when I lose I’m winning") and deep emotional connection. At the song’s core, the song explains the idea of giving oneself to another person completely, not seeking only perfection, but being rather embracing their flaws also ("all your curves and your all your edges"). Personally, I would rate the song a 9/10. The lyrics define what everyone looks forward to in a relationship. – NO
Heartbreak Song: “No Surprises” – Radiohead
“No Surprises” off of the English rock band Radiohead's 1997 album “OK Computer” is one of the more popular songs on the album, and that's for good reason. The song, during its almost-4-minute play-time, takes us into the mind of someone who is very dissatisfied with his current life. Although this song isn’t directly about a breakup, it definitely fits the vibe to be on someone's breakup playlist. Everything about this song screams sadness and unfulfillment like you're missing something or someone. Which is something that the listener can definitely feel within the first few seconds of the song. Even the music video has this vibe by featuring a man with his head in a box as it slowly fills with water. Between the visuals, lyrics and tone of this song it fills all the requirements to be on a list about breakup songs. I think this song is relatable to a lot of people after they go through a breakup. The feeling of being incomplete and not wanting anymore surprises to come your way.
Love Song: “Baby” – Justin Bieber
Traveling back to the 2010s, at the ripe age of 15, Justin Bieber released one of his most iconic songs “Baby,” which features Ludacris. Being discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun and starting his career in 2009 established Bieber as a teen idol. Soon after, he became the Justin Bieber we know today, who has two Grammys awards, 26 billboard music awards, and 23 teen choice awards. Back onto the topic of the song, this song has the rights of being placed on the list. For one, it’s nostalgic, and two, it fits the Valentine’s Day theme. A boy who was with the girl of his dreams, but soon loses her and is determined to win her back. Reminiscing the moments they had together, but their heart shatters when they remember they aren’t together anymore. As much as Valentine’s Day is a day of love for couples, it also contains many breakups between those same couples. Now, me personally, I can never skip this song. The song is just too iconic and addicting. Whether it’s on the radio or pops on in my recommendations on Spotify, I just have to listen to it to reminisce the good ol’ days. – MW
Heartbreak Song: “Linger” – The Cranberries
Stuck letting it linger? Us too...” Linger” was made by Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries at 18 years old after experiencing her first break up. After auditioning for the band, O’Riordan was given an instrumental that she was to add lyrics to. “Linger” came from that task, and the singer's place in the band was secured. This 90s classic has seen a recent surge in popularity with its relatable lyrics being shared all over social media. The song opens softly before bursting into a dreamy melody of guitar and violin. I found this song a few years ago and it has been one of my favorites since. The instrumentals themselves are beautiful and the addition of O’Riordan’s reflections on her first relationship make this a top ten song in my collection. I am no stranger to screaming this song in the car after a breakup, so scream-sing your heart out this Valentine's Day. – ES
Love Song: “Lover’s Rock” – TV Girl
This song is from TV Girls’ debut 2014 album “French Exit.” The song opens with soft drums, acoustic and bass guitar, as well as gentle vocals that make way for yearning verses. This is what I listen to if I want a night-time walk or for slow-dancing with that special someone in your life. The phrase “love can burn like a cigarette/and leave you with nothing” is sung like a declaration of love. The backing track was created from a looped sample from the 1960 single “The Dance Is Over” by the Shirelles. TV Girl was formed in 2010 in San Diego when friends Trung Ngo and Brad Petering got together with no ambition but to just hang out. I like this song because it’s relaxing and warm. – OR
Heartbreak Song: “She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5
Maroon 5: a band filled with love songs. How could they not be on the list? Especially this specific song, which came from the album “Songs About Jane.” I mean, come on, it fits the theme perfectly. Lead singer Adam Levine came up with the idea for the album after breaking up with his ex-girlfriend, Jane Herman. It's devastating but creating a playlist for your loved one is one of the sweetest acts one can do. A song about being there for your partner, even at their lowest, shows how much one cares for them no matter the situation. I’ve good a few songs from Maroon 5 and I must say, they know how to make some passionate love songs. Whether it’s toxic or healthy, I can't stop listening to their music. I want to thank Herman for existing. If it wasn’t for her, we would have never heard such masterpieces. – MW
Love Song: “My Love Mine All Mine” – Mitski
This song from Mitski’s seventh album in 2023 became her first commercial breakthrough, earning her a first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, where it peaked at the number 26 spot. It was ranked one of the best songs of 2023 by many publications, including the New York Times, Pitchfork and the Rolling Stone, with former President Barack Obama also including it in a list of his favorite songs. Another one to slow dance with, or have a picnic with a loved one in your life, you’ll fall in love with this song if you haven’t already. – OR
Heartbreak Song: “The Scientist” – Coldplay
The music video for Coldplay’s The Scientist was extremely difficult for the lead singer Chris Martin to film. This is because the whole thing is in reverse. So, in order for Chris to lip sync with the song, he had to learn how to sing the song backwards, which took him an entire month. The hard work would pay off though, since the music video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video and won three MTV Video Music Awards, those being Best Group Video, Best Direction and Breakthrough Video. – IS
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