COLUMN: Songs for the hopeless romantics
When I typed “love songs” into Pandora I got “Lonely” by Akon. This confirms my belief that classic love music is dead. I guess we still have those crooners, but the male lead is slowly being replaced by melodic and melancholy female counterparts like Taylor Swift, Ingrid Michealson, Colbie Caillat and Carrie Underwood. Soft rock like Styx and Journey are being eaten up by popular artists like Bruno Mars. Even though each artist has a love song to their repertoire, are the love songs from my ‘90s childhood gone? Here is a list of my five favorite Valentine’s Day songs. Each category has a male and female song choice.
5. Female: “My Humps,” by the Black Eyed Peas.
Male: “Sexy and I Know It,” by LMFAO.
“My Humps” and “Sexy and I Know It” are power songs that make you believe in yourself, no matter who you are. If I was about to hit the town as a single person, ready to make the big catch on Feb. 14, these songs would get me in the zone for victory. If only Tom Brady had listened to “Sexy and I Know It,” maybe he would have taken the field with more authority and not gotten beat by the underdogs. Even the honorable mentions “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira, and “Bringing Sexy Back,” by Justin Timberlake, get you in Valentine’s spirit. From the club to the Superbowl, these songs get you in a loving mood.
4. Female: “Love Story,” by Taylor Swift.
Male: “Oh, It is Love,” by HelloGoodbye.
For hopeless romantics like myself, the DJ spins these songs to set the mood for a sweet smooch under the glow of candles and moonlight. Both songs focus on the story of two people falling in love. One is a forbidden love, the other is over a first look, but they’re both sweet and genuine. There are few songs that are sweetly simple yet drive home the feeling of fluttering and warmth of new love. “Oh, It is Love” does just that with great lyrics and the lead singer’s dreamy voice sailing the song straight to the heart.
Even though every T-Swift song could make the list, “Love Song” is the classic that started it off and has driven girls everywhere to find a secret love. These songs set the right mood for any Valentine’s get-together.
3. Female: “Someone Like You,” by Adele.
Male: “Haven’t Met You Yet,” by Micheal Buble.
For those that begin every day worshipping a homemade sanctuary to a past boyfriend or girlfriend, whether it be a picture on a cell phone or a delicately crafted sculpture like in “Hey Arnold!” these songs are made to get you out of the house and out of that funk. Girls, find a man who is identical to the guy you thought was the one, just better. Guys, she wasn’t the one, so find that woman who makes your heart pump.
The two perspectives are as different as females are to males. There aren’t many male songs that say, “You were exactly what I was looking for, but you dumped me, so I want another girl just like you.” In any chick flick where the guy finds love after the breakup, the other girl is completely different. When it comes to girls, the guy is exactly like the other guy, but more attractive, sweeter or funnier.
2. Female: “I Do,” by Colbie Caillat
Male: “Wouldn’t Be A Man,” by Josh Turner.
These songs are for those ones who are deeply in love, the happily-ever-afters or the together-forevers. If you love someone, marry them. But my advice, albeit as an unmarried man, wait until you know it’s real. Josh Turner has a voice that would make even the most crotchety women melt. He has a presence in his music, and the song is about being manly and loving a woman. “I Do” is one of the most lovable songs I have heard in a long time. The poppy beat with the great vocals make anyone want to say those words. Perfect for the endgame, these songs are for those who are engaged and feel what these truly words mean.
1. Female: “Single Ladies,” by Beyonce
Male: “Paradise by The Dashboard Light,” by Meat Loaf.
Because everyone has heard “Single Ladies,” I’m going to focus more on the Meat Loaf song. This song is one of those forgotten jewels. It’s one of those great story ballads emerging from the ‘80s that is not only great to listen to, but is hilarious as well. Give it a listen, and you’ll realize guys are focused on the intimate while girls are focused on the ring.
– alexander.h.van_oene@aggiemail.usu.edu