Little Bit of Love and Happiness: The ultimate Valentine’s Day mix tape

Although I might not always seem like it, I’m a sentimental idealist at heart. Put on the perfect love song and these eyes won’t stay dry for long.

Now, I know I’m not alone in this. Maybe it’s a classic that played at your parents’ wedding or one that accompanied your unforgettable senior prom held in a crepe paper-filled gymnasium, but you’ve got a soft spot for the sappiest of songs.
I set to the task of compiling a list of my favorite love songs. Appropriate for this time of year, wouldn’t you say?

I scrolled endlessly through my epic iTunes library and tried to pick the most unique love-drenched tunes I could find that might just turn your Valentine’s Day around – or, perhaps, make you feel even more lonely, but let’s not harp on that.

The Beatles –
“Here, There and Everywhere”

“Something” might be the obvious choice, but the plaintive tenderness of “Here, There and Everywhere” is undeniably stunning. It plainly states that life can only be better with love by one’s side – it can’t get any clearer than that.

Bright Eyes –
“First Day of My Life”

“This is the first day of my life/ I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you.” No wonder this is one of my cell’s ringtones.

The Beach Boys –
“God Only Knows”

I don’t think I need to enlist IU professor of music Glenn Gass to convince you that this is one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Even John Lennon agreed. Case closed.

Death Cab For Cutie –
“Passenger Seat”

Take a long, late-night drive with the one you love while playing “Passenger Seat,” and you’ll never feel more in love than you do in that moment. Trust me on this one.

The Smiths –
“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”

Moz fans, I did not forget about you. I know we both agree that, although a bit morose, this is one of the most honest love songs to come out of the 1980s.

Dooley Wilson –
“As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca”

I don’t care how old it is, this is my future wedding song. ’Nuff said.

T.Rex –
“Jeepster”

Utterly riff-tastic, This T.Rex tune finds Marc Bolan charmingly explaining that he’s just an ordinary guy who’s willing to do anything for love. Adorable!

The Cure –
“Why Can’t I Be With You?”

Sweeter than sugar and bursting at the seams, this synth-filled Cure classic is exploding with passion and pure, unadulterated desire.

Marvin Gaye –
“How Sweet It Is
(To Be Loved By You)”

Although I was raised on the James Taylor cover, Gaye’s blissful crooning is pure joy. It’s the quintessential song about the happiest of moments spent with the one you love.

The Doors –
“Light My Fire”

It might not be the most tender of “love” songs, but if someone played “Light My Fire” for me, I’d be more than inclined to do so.

The Buzzcocks –
“Ever Fallen in Love”

A punk song about love? Yes, it’s true. While a bit lovelorn, it’ll be your best friend if your Valentine’s Day isn’t exactly “lovely.”