This is usually how I feel about Valentine’s Day.
That’s why I wisely married someone who feels the same way. However, much to my students’ surprise, I do have a heart, or so I’ve been told by medical professionals. It’s just gray and withered from lack of use. But today I will dig deep into the haunted recesses of my brain and the dark pit of my soul and offer something about love. These are five of my favorite songs about romance that have largely been lost among the younger generations. And no obvious choices. No Elvis or Al Green, Celine or Whitney. No iconic voices here.
I’ve mixed some old with some new, and in no particular order, but mostly I selected them because they don’t sound at all like One Direction or Taylor Swift, and they break from the overwhelming influence of country music on today’s love songs that are played so relentlessly they have devolved into clichéd and cringe-worthy schmaltz (I’m looking at you, Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts). And if you invite me to your wedding and play John Legend’s “All of Me” I will kick your cake right to the floor, scoop it up into little cake snowballs and fire them at the groom’s forehead. With that being said, enjoy these sentiments of kindness and affection.
“Never My Love” by The Association (1967)
The epitome of a classic love song from a generation that melted whispery vocals with solid melodies like no other. This is probably the most recognizable song on this short list, but it’s a great memory for the older folks and offers a palatable taste of the past for the youthful crowd as well. Guys, set yourself apart from today’s obvious and overstated pop music and impress that young lady with your embrace of an innocent and heartfelt song by a band with a supercool name.
“The Air I Breathe” by The Hollies (1969)
There isn’t much to this song, as its three chorus refrains overpower its two simple verses, but that’s why pop songs are pop songs. Its lyrics feel trite at first, but Phil Everly’s soaring voice, great guitar licks, powerful drums, and an awesome crescendo take this song from sappy love song to forerunning power ballad. If you blend Starsailor and Coldplay’s “Yellow” with The Beatles and The Mamas and the Papas, you get The Hollies—and a great love song.
“The Story” by Brandi Carlile (2006)
For those about to quit reading because the previous songs are decades old, here’s a newer one. I first heard this song on the Conan O’Brien show and thought this was just another folksy, acoustic song by the latest version of Jewel/Sheryl Crow/Liz Phair. And then she hit the second verse. It’s about painful journeys and irreplaceable connections, and it will jolt you to life. With just four chords in 4/4 time, this song is as simple, but as powerful, as it gets. Cue the hairs raising and eyes welling.
“The Luckiest” by Ben Folds (2001)
I almost didn’t put this song on the list because it hovers dangerously near twee. However, because of how its delicate lyrics meander across time and structure in a story about a couple that is destined to be together, I couldn’t resist. Ben Folds was huge when I was in college, leading a charge of turn-of-the-millennium indie types who wanted to prove their sensitivity more than their edge. This song is sugary sweet and just too pretty to ignore.
“I’ll Be Your Lover Too” by Van Morrison (1970)
Without a doubt my vote for the most romantic song ever, and by a guy who is more known for poppy songs that tend to appear in bad movies. With great guitar runs and a delicate hi-hat, this bluesy tune has the heart and twang of someone from Memphis, not northern Ireland. Morrison’s voice bends naturally between gentle murmurs and anguished cries, sounding at once desperately passionate and also confidently secure. Put this on in the background and count the seconds until your date asks you when the two of you will be seeing each other again.
If you have one that can beat my top five, let me know!
That’s why I wisely married someone who feels the same way. However, much to my students’ surprise, I do have a heart, or so I’ve been told by medical professionals. It’s just gray and withered from lack of use. But today I will dig deep into the haunted recesses of my brain and the dark pit of my soul and offer something about love. These are five of my favorite songs about romance that have largely been lost among the younger generations. And no obvious choices. No Elvis or Al Green, Celine or Whitney. No iconic voices here.
I’ve mixed some old with some new, and in no particular order, but mostly I selected them because they don’t sound at all like One Direction or Taylor Swift, and they break from the overwhelming influence of country music on today’s love songs that are played so relentlessly they have devolved into clichéd and cringe-worthy schmaltz (I’m looking at you, Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts). And if you invite me to your wedding and play John Legend’s “All of Me” I will kick your cake right to the floor, scoop it up into little cake snowballs and fire them at the groom’s forehead. With that being said, enjoy these sentiments of kindness and affection.
“Never My Love” by The Association (1967)
The epitome of a classic love song from a generation that melted whispery vocals with solid melodies like no other. This is probably the most recognizable song on this short list, but it’s a great memory for the older folks and offers a palatable taste of the past for the youthful crowd as well. Guys, set yourself apart from today’s obvious and overstated pop music and impress that young lady with your embrace of an innocent and heartfelt song by a band with a supercool name.
“The Air I Breathe” by The Hollies (1969)
There isn’t much to this song, as its three chorus refrains overpower its two simple verses, but that’s why pop songs are pop songs. Its lyrics feel trite at first, but Phil Everly’s soaring voice, great guitar licks, powerful drums, and an awesome crescendo take this song from sappy love song to forerunning power ballad. If you blend Starsailor and Coldplay’s “Yellow” with The Beatles and The Mamas and the Papas, you get The Hollies—and a great love song.
“The Story” by Brandi Carlile (2006)
For those about to quit reading because the previous songs are decades old, here’s a newer one. I first heard this song on the Conan O’Brien show and thought this was just another folksy, acoustic song by the latest version of Jewel/Sheryl Crow/Liz Phair. And then she hit the second verse. It’s about painful journeys and irreplaceable connections, and it will jolt you to life. With just four chords in 4/4 time, this song is as simple, but as powerful, as it gets. Cue the hairs raising and eyes welling.
“The Luckiest” by Ben Folds (2001)
I almost didn’t put this song on the list because it hovers dangerously near twee. However, because of how its delicate lyrics meander across time and structure in a story about a couple that is destined to be together, I couldn’t resist. Ben Folds was huge when I was in college, leading a charge of turn-of-the-millennium indie types who wanted to prove their sensitivity more than their edge. This song is sugary sweet and just too pretty to ignore.
“I’ll Be Your Lover Too” by Van Morrison (1970)
Without a doubt my vote for the most romantic song ever, and by a guy who is more known for poppy songs that tend to appear in bad movies. With great guitar runs and a delicate hi-hat, this bluesy tune has the heart and twang of someone from Memphis, not northern Ireland. Morrison’s voice bends naturally between gentle murmurs and anguished cries, sounding at once desperately passionate and also confidently secure. Put this on in the background and count the seconds until your date asks you when the two of you will be seeing each other again.
If you have one that can beat my top five, let me know!