If you've been following my socials this week, you'd have seen me share a song from my Love Songs Playlist. Each day, around midday, a serenade with one love song at a time. Now, if you missed my singing, you missed a treat (clears throat); you'll have to tune in again this week to see what happens.
Stemmed from my love of music and sharing a good tune or two, and with it being the month of February, a month widely referred to as the 'Month of Love', I was gifted the theme. To Valentine's Day One Love Song At A Time.
But who remembers, actually, who's old enough to remember the sacred ritual of mixtapes? You know, the painstakingly curated, cassette-winding, button-smashing labour of love toiled to make one or to receive one. Filled with bangers, you thought they'd like (but let's be real, half of those were just your favourites). A mixtape that was supposed to symbolise the depth of your relationship but, in reality, had at least one completely random song because you just needed to fill the last 30 seconds of Side B?
Yeah… me too. Because I still have no idea why "Eye of the Tiger" was on that Valentine's Day mixtape.
Anyway, here is Week One of the mixtape I've created for you. I promise you it is a seriously thought-out, emotionally curated masterpiece. I cried tears, broke through smiles and tripped down memory lane for you with this list. There are zero filler tracks (except for that one song I added at 2 AM that I now regret but refuse to remove out of principle).
Love songs so soppy, so tender, so true,
Perfect for lovebirds. Or, just loving you.
Single, taken, in a 'situationship' bout
Or fully committed, that is, to your couch.
I know. Sometimes I have a little rhythm and rhyme too, just don't ask how long it took me to come up with this.
But let's not digress… here's to the songs that took us through the happy moments, breakups, makeups and, too, the breakups to makeup.
Part 1
Day One
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (1992)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: 'And I hope life treats you kind,
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.
And I wish to you joy and happiness,
But above all this, I wish you love.'
This part is pure selfless love—wishing the best for someone even if they're no longer with you.
'So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you every step of the way.'
Oof. Right in the feels. It's the kind of line that makes you a blubbering fool.
'I will always love you.'
Simple. Timeless. Tugs at the heartstrings every single time. Who's that one person you'd dedicate this song to?
Day Two
Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie (1981)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: 'Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one / Our lives have just begun'
This love song also firmly belongs on Wedding Day Central Playlist. And the next wedding your at and this song plays, observe the couple closely.
Day Three
Shining Star by The Manhattans (1980)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: Do you know my favourite part of this song is in the first two words? 'Honey, you...'
That iconic and most romantic of opening of lines is full of emotion and devotion.
'Girl, don't you realise how you hypnotise.' Makes for a great chat up line.
Though since writing. 'What Happens On A Cruise, Stays On The Cruise', I now relate it to a somewhat frustrated Mr Joshua Hart with Lemara. Yes, my novel's characters have lives all their own.
Love Songs for Valentine's Day Playlist - Day Four, I shared
Something by The Beatles (1969)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: 'You're asking me will my love grow / I don't know, I don't know.'
Lyrics so simple, yet so very profound.
Day Five
Your Song by Elton John (1970)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: 'My gift is my song and this one's for you / Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen.'
Well I think we can all agree Elton John was not looking into my big brown eyes when he wrote those lyrics. But joking aside we can however agree, this Love Song is honest and too, heartfelt. A song that has often commanded my attention in a way that causes me to sit still and listen.
Day Six
Just The Way You Are by Barry White (1978)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: 'I could not love you any better / I took the good times, I'll take the bad times / I love you just the way you are.'
Barry White’s voice just hugged my soul and broke me at the same time. Okay, someone pass me the tissues… and a life vest.
Day Seven
L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole (1964)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics: 'Love is all that I can give to you.'
But what else does one need? Okay, maybe graceful arms. Ah yes, a sparkly red gown to glide along the ballroom floor with your special person to this light, jazzy, naturally swinging tempo. Yes?
The Valentine's Day Playlist from The Lunchtime Serenades
Here's the playlist so far!
Part 2
Love Songs for Valentine's Day - Eight
If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys (2003)
Those Impactful Lyrics: If I ain't got you, baby, everything means nothing / I don't want nothing at all if it ain't you, baby'
Ms. Keys' repetition of "nothing" powerfully underscores her sentiment. Money? Fame? Diamonds? Nah… If I ain’t got you, baby, everything means nothing. Who is that person for you?
Love Songs for Valentine's Day - Nine
So Into You by Tamia (1998)
Those Impactful Lyrics: 'I really like what you've done to me / I can't really explain it / I'm so into you.'
By the way, which version do you prefer? Tamia's or Ashanti's?
Love Songs for Valentine's Day - Ten
Adorn by Miguel (2012)
Those Impactful Lyrics: Let my love adorn you
Haha! Whose been serenading you and not themselves with this one?
Love Songs for Valentine's Day - Eleven
Back at One by Brian Mcknight (1999)
Those Impactful Lyrics: 'You came and breathed life into this lonely heart of mine, you threw out the lifeline that I was clinging to.'
The track for spinning around the kitchen to. Just you grooving solo or sharing the moment with your favourite person. It deserves a spot on the wedding playlist too, don't you think?
Love Songs for Valentine's Day - Twelve
Beyond by Leon Bridges (2018)
Those Impactful Lyrics: 'I'm scared to death that she might be it That the love is real, that the shoe might fit She might just be my everything and beyond.'
Imagine finding that someone who resonates so deeply with you that they become more than just the perfect partner; they seamlessly weave themselves into the very fabric of your life. You connect so profoundly that it leaves you exhilarated and a little frightened all at the same time.
Love Songs for Valentine's Day - Thirteen
Let's Stay Together by Al Green (1972)
Those Impactful Lyrics: 'Let me say. Since, since we've been together. Uh, loving you forever is all I need.'
Warm and romantic. Some songs just get love and this classic from Al Green is one for capturing all those tender moments. Who is the person special enough to dedicate this to? Let them know.
The Valentine's Day Special x Two
This Woman’s Work - Maxwell's cover (1997)
Those heartfelt lyrics: 'Oh, darling, make it go away. Just make it go away now.'
Do you know that I don't know the lyrics to this song? But does anyone need to? Because the minute this song starts... Oooph, Instant trip to teardrop lake. It’s not just romantic; it’s heartbreakingly beautiful. The love, vulnerability and devotion all wrapped up in Maxwell's soulful perfection. And that piano piece in the middle just tinkers with your heartstrings.
I let you in on a little secret. I still have Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite CD. Not so much a secret, I love this artist enough to write one of his songs into a short. You would have crossed paths with him here. https://www.girlwelltravelled.net/whispers-among-the-starred-sky
All My Life by K-Ci and JoJo (1998)
Those Heartfelt Lyrics:
We have K-Ci and JoJo getting right into the feels. They don't write songs like these anymore. Instant tearjerkers.. I mean... they... I... have... have to...
Like Endless Love, this song has made its way onto a lot of wedding playlists, meaning many of us have had a dance to it at some point.
But have a listen to week two of the playlist. Would you trust me with another mixtape? What would you have added? What melted your soul?
And Bonus
Ed Sheeran's Perfect (2017)
Because, well its perfect!
The Love Song Countdown To Valentine's Day!
Now tell me, which is the one love song that no Love Song Playlist is complete without. What is the one love song that without it, would make this Valentine's Day Playlist incomplete?
Just as important, would you trust me with another mixtape? What would you have added? What melted your soul?
Drop it in the comments below.
