Love is in the air: 20 essential love tracks to soundtrack your Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! It’s Valentine’s Day, folks, so it’s time we showered our loved ones with the affection they deserve, wine and dine them, and then enjoy the perfect Valentine's playlist together. Since we all share a love of music, it only makes sense to kick off the celebrations with loved-up bangers. 

If cupid’s got you in a chokehold, you’re in the right place. From sexy songs to romantic records, here are some tunes you can enjoy together this Valentine’s Day. 

 

Never Too Much - Luther Vandross 

A timeless classic. He really smashed it with this one! The lyrics are sweet and romantic but not so sweet you’re left with a toothache, the slap bass is tasty, the vocals are smooth - the whole vibe is immaculate. 

 

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Wickedest - Tamera 

A more sultry one, Wickedest is stripped-back, intimate, and just an all-around tune. 

 

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Love On Top - Beyoncé

Queen Bey is no stranger to penning love tunes. So if you don’t fancy a bit of Love On Top, you’ve got plenty of others to choose from - Crazy In Love, Halo, or if you’re looking for spicier tunes, Drunk In Love, Naughty Girl, and Baby Boy. But Love On Top is a banger. We love a good key change.

 

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Brown Sugar - D’Angelo 

Sure, it’s not actually about having love for a person, but it still works, and it’s a tune.

 

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D.M.B - ASAP Rocky

If you're a hip-hop fan, this is the one. Penned for his girlfriend Rihanna, ASAP Rocky’s D.M.B features lyrics such as, “My angel and my Goddess, when my head get clouded / You're my soulmate, my Goddess.”

 

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If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys 

Back to more traditional love songs, this banger by Alicia Keys is a must on your Valentine’s Day playlist. This is a song you can slow dance to, drunkenly serenade your significant other with when it plays in a bar, or snuggle up and appreciate together. 

 

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My Girl - The Temptations 

A classic. Enough said. 

 

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R U Mine? - Arctic Monkeys 

Taken from one of the sexiest albums to date, R U Mine? is a top song choice this Valentine’s Day. A song about craving, lust, and the desire for all the “deeper” parts of a relationship, it nails every vibe we need. 

 

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In Love - Chase & Status ft. Jenna G 

Not everyone likes pop, indie, R&B, soul, and tunes that were released before they were born. We see you, ravers. For you, we’ve got this drum and bass banger by Chase & Status. Enjoy. 

 

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At Last - Etta James

If you’re looking for super iconic, timeless love songs, look no further than this stunning piece of music. “At last, my love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song.”

 

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Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley 

Oldie but a goldie. Would it be a Valentine’s Day playlist without this song? Maybe, but probably not a very good one. 

 

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Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood

Warm, cute, and with a cracking hook, Sweater Weather has the perfect vibes for staying in and cuddling up on the sofa.

 

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Kiss Me More - Doja Cat ft. SZA

In true Doja Cat style, Kiss Me More is uber flirty and playful. It’s full of catchy melodies, cutesy guitar lines, and, of course, there’s a SZA verse on there. Perfect. 

 

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Our Day Will Come - Amy Winehouse 

We all love a bit of Amy, don’t we? Bringing the reggae vibes fused with pop and a dash of ‘50s doo-wop, Our Day Will Come possesses an “it’s our world and everyone else is living in it” feel with lyrics like, “Our dreams have magic / Because we'll always stay in love this way.” 

 

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Mary Jane (All Night Long) - Mary J Blige 

“Just relax and I'll take care of youuuuu.” Funky as hell. 

 

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Get You - Daniel Caesar ft. Kali Uchis

A love song to rival all others, Get You is perfect. Not just as a love song, it's perfect in general. “Kingdoms have fallen, angels be callin' / None of that could ever make me leave.” Pure poetry, sexy, and tender all in one, we’ll have this on repeat all day. 

 

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Baby, I’m Yours - Barbara Lewis 

Taking it back a bit to a time when love songs were a bit sappier (although Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for sappy, really), this is an absolute classic. If you’re a fan of indie music, you can check out the cover Arctic Monkeys did. 

 

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Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 

“Oh, home, let me come home / Home is whenever I'm with you.” Cute, right? If you want a cheesy tune, this is the musical equivalent of gorgonzola. 

 

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When I'm in Your Arms - Cleo Sol 

Nothing says romance like a soft slow jam with a smooth bass line up front and centre. Lyrically, this one’s super sensual with flickers of romance. Cleo’s voice is soft, angelic, and clearly meant for these sultry tunes. 

 

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Dilemma - Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

Throwback time! Is there anyone who doesn’t love this song? Possibly, but we don’t need that kind of negativity in our lives. This banger of a tune has stood the test of time and is one of the best examples of hip-hop/pop fusion. Ever. On a separate note, you’ve got to love Kelly getting angry at her man for not responding to the text she "sent" him over Excel in the music video. Iconic. 

 

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Need inspiration for this Valentine’s Day? Click or tap here to find Valentine’s events near you. Or search Skiddle now.  

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

 

 

  

 

 

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