Songs You Should Hear: Valentine’s Day Edition

Songs You Should Hear: Valentine’s Day Edition

As the holiday of love draws near, take some time out of your busy schedule to treat your mind, heart and ears to the Catalyst staff’s handpicked Valentine’s Day playlist. This selection has something for everyone, Valentine’s Day lovers and haters alike, ranging from oldies you know by heart to newer romantic picks.

“Love You For A Long Time” by Maggie Rogers

“I wanted it to sound like the last days of summer,” Maggie Rogers wrote in an Instagram post regarding her first release since the breakout success of her debut album, Heard It In A Past Life. “I wanted it to sound as wild and alive as new love feels.” “Love You For A Long Time” is by all means a triumph on this account, with Rogers’ angelic, carefree vocals ringing out over catchy pop instrumentals. “Maggie is just a whole mood,” Copy Editor Claire Newberg said with her recommendation of this track. “She’s happy and that makes me happy.”

“Seen My Aura” by Helado Negro

“I love this song because it reminds me of being in the pool here on a hot day with my best friend,” Staff Writer Ky Miller explained in reference to this dreamy track, reminding us that Valentine’s Day should be about sharing love with everyone important in our lives, not just romantic partners. Helado Negro’s Florida roots make themselves known within “Seen My Aura,” with the song’s chill beat and Negro’s lyrical talent shining through.

“Time of the Season” by The Zombies

“What’s your name? Who’s your daddy? Is he rich like me? Has he taken any time to show you what you need to live?” Editor in Chief Jacob Wentz recalls, drawing attention to some of the most iconic lyrics of the Zombies’ 1968 classic hit, “Time of the Season.” It is indeed the time of the season for loving, so throw it back with this psychedelic, era-defining love song. 

“February” by Beach Bunny

Spend some time this Valentine’s Day reflecting on lost love with Beach Bunny’s “February,” a song indicative of the group’s consistent dedication to the relatable themes of growing apart and growing up. “Any day’s better than February,” lead singer and songwriter Lili Trifilio promises on this track, providing you with the perfect affirmation to get through the rest of this month and onto the next heartbreak.

“Pynk” by Janelle Monae (feat. Grimes)

Staff Writer Sophia Brown says she recommends “Pynk” because she is “gay and basic,” but Janelle Monae’s groundbreaking anthem of queer sexuality, controversial video included, deserves all of the attention it gets and then some. This song encapsulates the feel-good energy that Valentine’s Day should always have, and if Monae’s lyrics “Let’s count the ways we could make this last forever” fail to get you in the spirit, then you might just be out of luck.

“Under Your Spell” by Desire

Electronic pop trio Desire nails the often obsessive mood that comes along with an intense crush with “Under Your Spell,” a repetitive, emotionally draining hit popularized by the highly revered 2011 action drama film, Drive. “This song gives me a warm feeling,” Staff Writer Sergio Salinas said with his recommendation, calling on the track’s nostalgic background drone and spoken bridge, which sounds more like a conversation between friends than lyrics. “Do you think this feeling could last forever?” vocalist Megan Louise asks, evoking the state of bliss and eternity new love creates while also alluding to its potential, inevitable end.
Check out the Spotify playlist for this column at https://spoti.fi/37bFKSQ.

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