Valentine’s Day Music to Set the Mood

The goal of this article is to provide song recommendations across various genres and eras to help you craft the perfect Valentine’s Day playlist. We’ll suggest upbeat songs for dancing cheek to cheek, classic love ballads to sway along to, throwback jams to reminisce over, and more. Follow along for ideas to set just the right mood whether you’re staying in for a cozy night or going out to paint the town red. With this personalized playlist, you can’t go wrong in creating lasting memories this Valentine’s Day.

Mood Setting Songs

Setting the right mood is essential for a romantic Valentine’s Day playlist. You want songs that are slow, sensual, and intimate without being overly sexual. Here are some recommendations for mood-setting Valentine’s songs:

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer is a lovely light ballad with poetic lyrics like “Kiss me beneath the milky twilight” that evokes romance. The tender vocals and soft guitar beautifully set an affectionate tone.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” covered by Haley Reinhart is a gorgeous, jazzy rendition of an Elvis classic. Reinhart’s smooth, sultry voice gives the song a dreamy, intimate vibe perfect for cuddling by candlelight.

“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green is one of the sexiest soul love songs of all time. With a smooth, silky delivery, Green pleads and croons to his lover in a way that is seductive but still genuinely romantic.

“At Last” covered by Etta James is a bluesy ballad with yearning lyrics about finding true love after waiting for so long. James’ powerful vocals fill the song with a passion that is intense but unhurried.

D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” oozes sensuality with its ultra-slow tempo, bedroom vocals, and intensely suggestive lyrics. It’s the quintessential baby-making jam.

Upbeat Love Songs

When it comes to love, sometimes you just can’t contain your excitement about your new relationship energy and get lost in the butterflies. Upbeat love songs are perfect for capturing that giddy, new crush feeling. Here are some fun, energetic love songs to add to your Valentine’s Day playlist:

• “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé – This fast-tempo song is all about the euphoria of new love. Beyoncé’s vocals are filled with passion and excitement as she sings about her intense feelings for her partner. The energetic horn sections punctuate lyrics about love turning one “crazy.”
• “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick – Released in the 1970s, this rock song has stood the test of time as an endearingly cute song about having a crush. With its catchy guitar riff and lighthearted lyrics, it’s impossible not to smile and reminisce about the excitement of wanting someone’s affection.
• “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz – With its upbeat ukulele and cheery melody, this is one of the most joyful love songs out there. Mraz sings optimistically about giving himself fully to the relationship and the possibilities of love. It’s sure to inspire some sweet dancing and smiling.
• “Lucky” by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – Mraz teams up with Colbie Caillat for this bubbly duet celebrating new love. Their playful back-and-forth lyrics praise the one who “took a chance and made a stand” to win over their heart. It captures the giddiness of feeling like the luckiest person to have found your person.
• “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon – Nothing gets people up and moving like this energetic song imploring you to stop overthinking and just have fun dancing with your crush. It’s all about seizing the moment when chemistry strikes on the dance floor.

With their fast beats, cheerful melodies, and lyrics brimming with butterflies, these songs create a feel-good vibe perfect for new love. The excitement is contagious!

Love Ballads

Romantic throwback ballads are a must for any Valentine’s Day playlist. These emotional power ballads speak to the passion and intimacy of love. While newer pop songs are great for dancing, there’s something special about these classic love songs.

Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic will transport you right back to the film’s emotional ending. Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” builds beautifully and will have you belting out those iconic notes. Or go even further back in time with Journey’s “Faithfully,” a passionate promise to stay true and connected despite distance.

For many, nothing captures the dramatic feeling of love like big 80s and 90s ballads. REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and Peter Cetera’s “Glory of Love” are epic love songs perfect for holding each other close. Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” is a sweeping testament to the selfless lengths we’ll go for love. And you can’t forget “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith, which feels like a love that could last forever.

If you’re looking for a modern power ballad, Adele’s “Someone Like You” brings the heartache and longing of lost love. Or for new love, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” captures an infatuation so powerful it feels everlasting. These emotional love ballads will set the mood for romance and intimacy this Valentine’s Day.

Throwback Love Songs

The oldies are sure to bring back special memories and get you feeling romantic. Transport yourselves back to your earliest days together or your own youth with classic love songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley (1961) – This iconic ballad first popularized by the King of Rock n’ Roll will make your partner swoon. Its timeless melody and romantic lyrics are unforgettable.

“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton (1974) – Before Whitney Houston made this song famous, Dolly Parton wrote and recorded this emotional ballad in the 70s. Its message of undying devotion stands the test of time.

“(They Long to Be) Close to You” by The Carpenters (1970) – The Carpenters’ smooth harmonies on this 70s hit are like vocal velvet. Perfect for slow dancing cheek to cheek with your loved one.

“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie (1981) – This Academy Award nominated duet between two music legends peaked at #1 on the charts. Ideal for celebrating timeless, endless love.

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra (1964) – Ol’ Blue Eyes crooning this romantic standard from the Great American Songbook is sure to melt hearts. A classic for the old romantics.

Duets

What’s better than listening to love songs with your Valentine? Singing along together! Duet love songs allow you to serenade your partner and harmonize together this Valentine’s Day.

Some of the most iconic love songs are performed as duets, with two voices intertwining to express love. Duets capture the collaborative spirit of a romantic relationship. Singing together strengthens your bond and lifts your mood.

For a lively, upbeat duet, try “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee. This classic 70s jam will get you dancing and singing together with its catchy piano melody. Or opt for a more modern hit like “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, with its breezy island vibe and infectious chorus.

If you want something slower, Adele’s emotional power ballad “Hello” featuring a chorus by Lionel Richie is perfect for holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes. Or dial it back a few decades with the timeless “Endless Love” duet originally performed by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Its sweeping orchestral arrangement builds to a dramatic, goosebump-inducing crescendo.

Duets allow you to trade off lines, echo each other’s words, and join voices in unison. The intimacy of singing together will bring you closer this Valentine’s Day. So cue up these romantic duets, grab a mic, take your partner’s hand, and let your heart sing.

Covers

While original love songs are great, sometimes a fresh take on a classic tune is just what you need to set the mood. New artists covering old favorites can give a sense of nostalgia while also breathing new life into well-known love songs.

Some covers to consider for your Valentine’s Day playlist include:

• Haley Reinhart’s jazz-infused rendition of Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Reinhart’s smooth, sultry vocals give this song a modern update.
• John Legend’s cover of “All of Me” by John Schmidt. While Schmidt’s original is beautiful, Legend’s version adds soulful vocals and piano to up the romance factor.
• James Arthur’s acoustic cover of “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. Slowing down the original song adds poignancy and makes it perfect for swaying along to.
• Kelly Clarkson’s powerhouse cover of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” made famous by Aretha Franklin. Clarkson’s jaw-dropping vocals make this an ideal choice for belting out your love.
• Michael Bublé’s cover of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.” Bublé’s crooning delivery transforms this song into a heartfelt love confession.

So pick your favorite cover songs and give them a spin for a nostalgic trip down love’s memory lane this Valentine’s Day. The right covers can make for an unforgettable romantic evening.

Love Songs from Movies

No romantic moment is complete without a soundtrack. Some of the most iconic love songs originated in famous movie scenes that tug at our heartstrings. When you hear the first few notes of “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic or “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, you instantly remember the on-screen chemistry between the main characters. These beautiful ballads perfectly captured the mood of each dramatic moment.

Other classic movie love songs include “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman, “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing” from the movie of the same name, and “Unchained Melody” from Ghost. Contemporary romantic comedies also produced several top love songs, like “Kiss Me” from She’s All That and “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” from Armageddon. Even animated films have emotional love themes, such as “A Whole New World” from Aladdin and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King.

When making a romantic playlist, include a few of these nostalgic hits from famous movie love scenes. They are sure to stir up memories and emotions for you and your Valentine’s date. The soaring melodies and poetic lyrics of these ballads represent some of the most iconic declarations of love in cinematic history.

Extra Touches

Adding some extra touches to your Valentine’s Day playlist can really help set the mood. Consider putting on some background instrumental music at a low volume to play under your playlist. Instrumentals like piano or acoustic guitar can add a romantic ambiance without overpowering the music.

You may also want to consider incorporating some audio clips of love quotes or poetry readings between songs. Hearing beautiful words about love spoken aloud can be very moving. Try finding some classic quotes from literature, movies, or love songs to mix in. Recordings of Shakespeare’s sonnets, Rumi poems, or lines from The Notebook or Casablanca are always good options. Just keep these short, about 30 seconds to a minute each, so they don’t break up the flow of the music.

Sprinkling in these subtle extras transforms your playlist from ordinary to extraordinary. With beautiful instrumentals and recited words of love, you’ll be sure to touch your partner’s heart this Valentine’s Day. The music and quotes will get them in the romantic mindset and remind them of their deep love for you.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect Valentine’s Day playlist takes some thought and effort, but it’s well worth it. The right songs can help relax, inspire romance, and make lasting memories.

In this article, we covered ideal mood-setting songs, upbeat love songs, famous ballads, throwback favorites, romantic duets, and more. While classics are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and pick lesser-known romantic gems as well. The most meaningful playlists include a mix of old and new songs that resonate on a personal level.

Consider your partner’s musical tastes along with your own. Choose tracks that complement each other to build the vibe you want. Sprinkle in inside jokes, wedding songs, or other nostalgic tunes that hold significance. Don’t just pick one genre – variety keeps things interesting.

In the end, the “perfect” Valentine’s Day playlist looks different for every couple. Curation is key. Take the time to thoughtfully handpick each track and arrange them to help narrate the love story you share. The end result will be a customized musical journey that provides the ideal soundtrack for your romantic holiday.