1127’s Greatest Love Songs
By Eli Nava
Love comes in all forms and 1127 has compiled a list of 11 songs that encapsulate the varying degrees of devotion for all of the true yearners out there! These songs are perfect to put on in the background this Valentines Day for whatever mood you might be in.
1.) Everybody Here Wants You—Jeff Buckley
You can’t have a playlist of love songs without including at least one Jeff Buckley track. With the lyrics “I know everybody here wants you / I know everybody here thinks he needs you / I'll be waiting right here just to show you /How our love will blow it all away” sung in a yearning, desire-filled tone, it’s hard to resist only choosing one of Jeff Buckley’s love songs.
2.) Baby I’m Yours—Arctic Monkeys
Originally sung by Barbara Lewis, “Baby I’m Yours” is about wholehearted devotion. Alex Turner is no stranger to yearning and the Arctic Monkeys create a beautiful interpretation of the 1965 classic.
3.) I Adore You—Molly Burch
Molly Burch’s “I Adore You” perfectly captures the wistful nature of love. Painting a delicate picture of the what-if’s, her voice sweetly reminds an audience about the contradicting pain and softness about missed chances.
4.) This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)—Talking Heads
David Byrne’s one and only love song is a powerful, unconventional take on love. The lyrics “Love me ‘til my heart stops / Love me ‘til I’m dead” remain one one of the most impactful deliveries thus far.
5.) Maps—Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Heartbreak in a song. If the lyrics “Wait, they don’t love you like I love you” sung by Karen O’s pained, desperate, beautiful voice don’t make you yearn even a little, maybe the story behind the song and music video will. Her then boyfriend, Angus Andrew (frontman of the band Liars) was supposed to show up to the shoot to star in the video, but he did not show up until hours after the band had wrapped up filming. Karen O describes her crying as completely organic because she could feel the end of their relationship coming.
6.) Give You My Lovin—Mazzy Star
Hope Sandoval is an expert on creating an atmosphere of longing within Mazzy Star’s music. An innocent love song about a seemingly one-sided love that everyone is against, Sandoval expresses her devotion despite the obstacles presented.
7.) Love You For A Long Time—Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers has an arsenal of songs about love and is no stranger to yearning, however, “Love You For A Long Time” demonstrates love in its purest form. Rogers describes this song to be about love “in all of its forms.” This song could be about romantic love, love for friends, love for family, etc. “I wanted it to sound as wild and alive as new love feels,” Rogers says about the song. That is definitely what this song feels like: alive, thriving, and endless.
8.) Real Love Baby—Father John Misty
A track meant for dancing in a field hand in hand with a lover—Father John Misty has mastered the ambience of love radiating from all around. It’s impossible not to sway along to his honeyed voice, even for the gloomiest people this Valentines Day.
9.) The Only Exception—Paramore
Vulnerable and honest, Hayley Williams wears her heart on her sleeve with lyrics that speak openly to a lover. She reflects on the tainted love that surrounds her and admits her fear with falling in love, but takes a chance on love regardless. Paramore’s “The Only Exception” dives into the complexities of love and loneliness, and is the perfect backing track for a much-needed cry.
10.) Misty—Ella Fitzgerald
A timeless song, Ella Fitzgerald demonstrates that pure, helpless, devotion that comes along with a love so blinding there is nothing left to do but yearn your heart out. This song is meant to be listened to on a cold, rainy day as you stare out the window while ruminating on a past (or current) crush.
11.) Boyish—Japanese Breakfast
Because 11 songs isn’t enough to capture the full spectrum of beautiful love songs, here’s a playlist that expands on this list!