Are you coupled up? Single and ready to mingle? Don’t give a rat’s ass either way? Whatever you are, today’s the perfect day to trot out some lovey-dovey jams.
We rounded up some of our favorite love songs, just ’cause we love you. Give ’em a spin below!
Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire”
“Ring of Fire” was born out of my all-time favorite real life love story: the relationship between Johnny Cash and June Carter. She wrote the song when they were falling in love and both married to other people, a forbidden love she says was so intense it was like being in “a kind of hell.” She gave it to her sister Anita to record, and Cash, the song’s subject, covered it and made it a hit – with not only the (married!) Carter but also her MOTHER on backing vocals. Personally, I dream of the day I have a romance so passionate I have to get multiple female relatives involved in recounting it. – Emma Pacchiana, Editorial Intern
Koko Taylor and Willie Dixon, “Insane Asylum”
The premise of the song is that Willie stopped loving Koko, but then he changed his mind, and when he went back to find her, she was in the INSANE ASYLUM. Because without his love, there was no other place for her. A soul classic. Goth as hell. – Emily Rems, Managing Editor
Nick Cave, “Do You Love Me”
Nick Cave is one sexy mofo, and this ballad is the ultimate in tortured love songs. Let’s face it, everyone will say this at least a few times in their life… “do you love me, like I love you?” – Laurie Henzel, Art Director/Co-Publisher
My Morning Jacket, “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream (Part II)”
Phew! I had one of the hottest nights with this song in the background. Unforgettable. – Lauren Clemente, Senior Designer
Johnny Cash, “‘Cause I Love You”
More Johnny, because duh. This song nails just how sweet plain old generosity can be–and I don’t think there’s a purer expression of love than bringing some honey to your honey. MAKE NOTE, FUTURE BOYFRIENDS. – Maggie Carr, Events & Promotions Coordinator
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “I Put a Spell On You”
If they don’t love you, just put a spell on ’em! This is a brilliant song, and the best version, IMHO. – Laurie Henzel
Friends, “Friend Crush”
Your homies deserve love, too! Don’t be afraid to let those feelings out. – Maggie Carr
Said The Whale, “Loveless”
This isn’t the song for the we-just-met butterflies. It’s more along the lines of we’ve invested some time and we’ve discovered totally human traits about each other. It’s like: I know you have flaws and I fucking love you for them. It’s also the quintessential Canadian indie-pop sound. And it was during this song at one of their live shows that my bf told me he loved me for the first time. Boom! – Laura Haines, Editorial Intern
As Tall As Lions, “Love, Love, Love”
One day, I realized I was madly in love. I heard this song that same day and it forever reminds me of feeling lifted. – Lauren Clemente
Beyonce, “1+1”
The Queen Bey stings so hard. If you aren’t laying on the floor by the second verse, I have nothing to say to you. (Bonus points for the backstage, warm-up (!!!) version recorded on Jay-Z’s iPhone.) – Maggie Carr
The Beatles, “Something”
A total classic. Sing this to your lover…golden! – Lauren Clemente
Usher f/ Young Jeezy, “Love in This Club”
Q: What’s love got to do with it? A: Nada. Go forth and DFMO (Dance Floor Make-Out) to this eternal jam. – Maggie Carr
What’s on your playlist? Let us know in the comments!
Photo via hankfacer.com
