Love is everlasting joy and never-ending pain and everything in between. Love is kindness and cruelty, jealousy and faith. Love has raised and ruined civilizations (citation needed, probably). It’s no wonder they dedicated a holiday to it.
Specially curated by the Independent, this playlist will be your partner if you don’t have one and your third wheel if you do. Here are the songs you should listen to this Valentine’s Day.
Taylor Swift, ‘Wildest Dreams’
A forever classic; not much else needs to be said. The perfect song to play while pining after that one night stand or that right-person-at-the-wrong-time.
Danny L. Harle, ‘Take My Heart Away’
An electro-pop banger that’s deserving of more attention. If you can think of a person who makes going to your 9am worth it, this song encapsulates that giddy feeling that not even your scheduling woes can dampen.
Caroline Polachek, ‘So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings’
Is there someone who makes your stomach implode? Someone who’s so perfect it’s borderline offensive? This one’s for them.
Iyaz, ‘Replay’
Though the iPod has long gone out of fashion, this track has not. This song goes out to all of you who’ve found true love (but stop being so annoying about it. Please.)
Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, ‘The Way’
There’s nothing that can quite describe the bliss of young love. Except for maybe this throwback.
King Von, ‘Ride’
This track is for your ride or die. If they’re not willing to hide your guns during a police raid, or stay faithful while you serve your sentence, are they really the one?
Miley Cyrus, ‘Wrecking Ball’
You were probably too distracted by the music video to realize what a great love song this is. Criminally underrated.
Charli XCX, 100 gecs, Kero Kero Bonito, Rico Nasty, ‘ringtone (Remix)’
This one is for all the cool kids who aren’t scared of a little 100 gecs in their lives. I love you all, so you’re guaranteed not to be alone come Valentine’s Day.
Kanye West, ‘Runaway’
A toast to the douchebags. If you’ve ever cheated or been cheated on, played or been played, you know what song to queue up.
Rae Sremmurd, ‘This Could Be Us’
For anyone who wants to upgrade their on-again off-again to a full-time deal. Just remember that “money makes your girl go down,” so get to working on those internship applications.
Dorian Electra, ‘Your Kinda Guy’
Sometimes you just know you’re perfect for someone who doesn’t know yet. Listen to this while wiping your tears away.
Carly Rae Jepsen, ‘I Didn’t Just Come Here to Dance’
If you’ve ever had your eyes set on that one Sig Chi brother, just know Carly Rae Jepsen has gone through the same thing—kind of.
Justin Bieber, Big Sean, ‘As Long As You Love Me’
Have you ever met someone who you wouldn’t mind being homeless and broke with? Apparently Justin has. Here’s to hoping you meet that someone.
Charli XCX, Lizzo, ‘Blame It on Your Love’
Some representation for all the toxic ones out there. I’m not condoning it, but whatever floats your boat, floats your boat.
Justin Bieber, ‘Baby’
Just because you’re not in middle school anymore doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this classic once in a while. Maybe try hitting up your 7th grade crush. Or don’t, it’s a free country.
Matt Sakiyama ’25 (msakiyama@college.harvard.edu) is free on February 14th.