If you’re anything like me… you enjoy a good love song, but when it comes to a Valentine’s night in, there is a fine balance between queasy cheesy and creating an ‘on-theme’ soundtrack for the evening. So I’ve been trawling through the so called ‘Best Love Songs of All Time’ lists to pick out the perfect tunes that you are gonna love.

The Perfect Valentine’s Playlist

likewise, I’m sure no one would dispute that ‘I Will Always Love You’ is a mind-blowing ballad…. and I will bet that at some point in your life you have attempted to belt it out at the top of your voice just to see how hard it is to do (am I right?).

However it has not made our playlist this time… there’s a time and a place for all songs and this one definitely belongs on the Bodyguard or the times when Whitney sang it live (if you were lucky enough to see that then WOW!) 

We certainly don’t want tear jerkers sneaking in there either, dampening the mood just before you tuck into the chocolate fondue. Some of us (not me particularly) like a good weepy film with those heart tugging tunes to stir the emotions… but do you really want ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ starting in the middle of your champagne toast or when you're trying to have a giggle with your loved one?… probably not. 

How to Have the Perfect Valentine's Day

However, this is a genuinely thought out list of what I think will create a little amoré in the air, create a lasting memory and differentiate your Valentine’s night from your usual evening in by putting aside your usual choice of music  whatever that may be.

With these recommendations the only cheese will be on the crackers after your 3 course meal and the only tears will be due to that extra strong onion that you had to peel when preparing it! This is a nice collection of well known songs from a variety of of genres and decades, so there is something for everyone however you are spending Valentine’s night…

Order this list to personalise it for your night. You could stream these songs on Apple or Spotify or why not make your loved one a retro gift and record your own cassette mix tape?? Yes remember those?!! They’ll love it! These songs will perfectly fit onto a C60 cassette.

 

Pretty woman - Roy Orbison (3 mins)

Who doesn’t like this song? It was written by Roy and his song partner Bill Dee and of course it is the famous sound track to the great 1990 rom-com movie Pretty Woman which was also named after the song!

 

Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye (5 mins)

Possibly one of the sexiest songs ever and I always think of it as slightly comedic and a little cheeky… something to lark around to. I remember a friend wanting it as the first dance at her wedding. This song has been used on so many movies too!! 

 

Perfect - Ed Sheeran (4 mins 30)

This song reached number 1 in the US, Australia and the UK. According to ‘ThisDayInMusic.com’ Ed Sheeran has sold more than 26 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide so he’s doing something that everyone loves!!! This track is one of those ideal wedding first dance songs and definitely a super addition to a Valentine’s playlist for a little bit of smoochy romance. I mean, who doesn’t want to be told that are ‘perfect’ by their loved one?

 

Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra (2 min 30)

This is such a classic song… It has been covered countless times by various artists, so if you prefer a bit of Bublé then this is your chance to include some. It’s a great song to have a twirl to in the kitchen while you await your first course! 

Did you know that Frank Sinatra’s recording of this was played on the Apollo 10 mission and Apollo 11 before it landed on the moon!!

 

Let’s Stay Together - Al Green (4 mins)

This soulful number is one for the lyrics as well as the tune. Perfect for either a new relationship, young in love or for those that have been together, well, forever!! Words of hope about the future and sang by the beautiful voice of Al. It’s the nearest I will get to cheesy on this playlist… but this one is allowed.

 

Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley (4 mins)

While there is a bit of ongoing debate about what the lyrics to this song are about… it’s certainly about love so it’s included here and it’s the reggae offering… This funky beat will always gets you moving and is bound to make you happy!

 

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen (4 mins)

Can you have a playlist without Queen?? I don’t think so… Perhaps a good one to have a little jig around the lounge to after a Prosecco or two?? Apparently Freddie Mercury wrote this song in the bath… well they do say water provides inspiration.

 

Loving You - Minnie Riperton (4 mins)

Minnie Riperton sang this song beautifully and it is one to cuddle up to in front of the fire, maybe with a Bailey’s hot chocolate.  The original single contained only Riperton’s vocals accompanied by electric piano and acoustic guitar. Stevie Wonder produced this track for her and I believe he played the piano!!

 

Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder (3 mins 30) 

And one of Stevie’s own… A little fact I found out researching this song was that Stevie wrote this song to celebrate the birth of his daughter and in the original full length version, you can hear her splashing in the bath and Stevie talking to her towards the end of the track. Have a listen. 

Whoever this song is about… on Valentine’s night, it’s about you!!!

 

All Of You - John Legend (5 mins)

Another popular love song, perfect for your playlist, romantic but easy listening background music and not too fromage!!

 

Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley (3 mins)

Why wouldn’t this be on the list?! Enough said!!

 

I’m Yours - Jason Mraz (4 mins)

According to ‘Songs Meaning & Facts’ this song is about  making the most of the moment and was written when Jason was in a really good mood - and can’t you tell!! So surround yourself with those happy vibes when love is in the air on Valentine’s night!

 

Barry White - Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Baby (4 min 30)

You just gotta have a bit of that deep, sexy, baritone voice on Valentine’s night.. Plus it’s great fun when your man tries to replicate those unmistakeable tones in their own karaoke style (and if this song plays, you can guarantee they will…!)

 

At Last - Etta James (3 mins)

It’s about time I chose a love song for the boys to even things out a bit… This song is full of soul and sung beautifully and will be a perfect addition to your romantic night in.

 

I hope you enjoy these recommendations and have a truly romantic Valentine’s Day!