Ah, February. Not only is it a month to celebrate and remember Black History, as well as all that Black Culture has provided in shaping society and pop culture as we know it, but also a time to enjoy love in all forms. With Valentine’s Day practically right around the corner, many are gearing up for a weekend of romance, exploration, or reflection (depending on your situation.) And, outside of sharing and learning about each other’s love languages, what better way to express all of these feelings held inside than through music?
Music always has a way of saying what needs to be said at exactly the right moment and having the right playlist can greatly enhance one’s V-Day experience. Whether you’re single, crushing, coupled up, broken up, or complicated, there’s a perfect song out there to complement the mood.
In fact, here are a few selections that should definitely make an appearance on your Valentine’s Day soundtrack:
If you’re single and enjoying life:
Just Fine – Mary J. Blige
This upbeat jam is full of positive self-loving energy for anyone riding solo this Valentine’s day. Singing of freedom and keeping higher spirits, one of our favorite aunties delivers a track that’s sure to have you dancing around the room and celebrating the beauty of life itself. Ain’t no sadness around here when you’re living to the best of your ability and embracing what the world has yet to offer.
You might also want to add:
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Video – India. Arie
Feeling Myself – Nicki Minaj
Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
So Fresh, So Clean – Outkast
If you’re single and looking, dating, or getting back into things:
Losin Control – Russ
Falling in love for the first time, or falling in love again for some, can be a very nerve-wracking process. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with someone and exposing parts of your heart can hurt when or if things go south. And though you may want to close yourself off to that possibility, there’s always a chance that the next one might be the right one. Nothing captures this experience more than this beautifully crafted tune from Russ, detailing a woman’s journey into new love after leaving a disastrous relationship. You can’t help but want to fall in love a little yourself.
You might also want to add:
Ungodly Hour – Chloe x Halle
Kissing Strangers – DNCE featuring. Nicki Minaj
Heat – Chris Brown featuring. Gunna
How Many Drinks? – Miguel
U Know What’s Up – Donell Jones featuring. Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez
If you’re Crushing, flirting, or falling for someone:
Why Don’t We Fall in Love – Amerie
The beginning stages of any new connection will seem easygoing at first, but eventually, feelings may start to develop and that’s where things get a little more interesting. Should you take the chance and reveal these new thoughts to the object of your affection, or keep them to yourself and suffer in silence knowing that you want more? Amerie delivers an all too familiar story in this love letter styled song, in which she confesses her true feelings to her person of interest. Whether this confession is well received – like speaking to your own crush – there is only hope.
You might also want to add:
I’m Sprung – T-Pain
Boo’d Up – Ella Mai
Be Your Girl – Teedra Moses
Love Language – Kehlani
All the Things – Joe
If you’re Coupled Up and in love:
Comfortable – H.E.R
Love can be an amazing and all-encompassing feeling. Similar to our earlier entry with Russ’ ‘Losin Control,’ sharing a genuine connection with someone enough to be completely vulnerable allows for a certain level of intimacy that most only dream of reaching. With a guitar-heavy melody, H.E.R provides a ballad of deep closeness that feels richly warm and safe. Two people who are never lonely when they know they have each other sounds like the epitome of a peaceful relationship.
You might also want to add:
Sure Thing – Miguel
Bless Me – 6lack
Dangerously in Love – Beyonce
LUV – Janet Jackson
I Want You Around – Snoh Aalegra
If you’re Coupled Up and in the mood:
Under – Pleasure P
Despite his separation from Pretty Ricky, Pleasure P still makes music that sets the tone for a “fun night in” with your significant other. This sensual song is coded in metaphors about the “motions in the oceans,” with an upbeat tempo that’s sure to make things exciting in more intimate spaces. Might want to light some candles, grab some wine, and rent a good movie, you probably won’t be going anywhere for a while.
You might also want to add:
Jupiter Love – Trey Songz
When We – Tank
Dance 4 You – Beyonce
Say It – NeYo
I Think of You – Jeremih
If things are a bit Complicated:
You Know Wassup – Kehlani
Not every relationship is gonna be picture perfect. When two people come together, they’re bringing along every piece of baggage they may have been carrying outside of the connection. All of that extra emotion can be a bit harrowing to put up with, but as long as the love is strong between them, things might be worth fighting through. This track from R&B songstress Kehlani details the complicated feelings of two people trying their best to stay together while facing their flaws, controversies, and shortcomings. Love takes work, and this is definitely a reminder.
You might also want to add:
Could’ve Been – H.E.R featuring. Bryson Tiller
Hit Different – SZA
Playing Games – Summer Walker
Sparks Will Fly – J. Cole featuring. Jhene Aiko
Don’t Judge Me – Chris Brown
If you just recently faced a Break Up:
Somethin Tells Me – Bryson Tiller
Unfortunately, some relationships aren’t meant to last long. Whether they end on good or bad terms, people can often feel when separation may be drawing near. No one can relate more to this than artist Bryson Tiller on this sorrowful tune, as he recounts noticing changes in his partner’s behavior and fearing the worst for the two of them. Breakups may hurt, but sometimes it’s for the best.
You might also want to add:
I Don’t F**k With You – Big Sean
U Don’t Have to Call – Usher
Needed Me – Rihanna
Marvin’s Room – Drake
Do 4 Love – Tupac
