Features
The new s*x playlist: With yourself, or with others, we don’t judge
By Maura Colley ’19
February 9, 2017
Tags features
Latest and greatest tunes for the happy couples, the single and the ready to mingle.
Good job, Hamilton. Made it back to mid-winter in Clinton once again. Don’t worry, it’ll be over soon (maybe) (hopefully) (please). For now, though, the Bean boots are on, the geese are in from Canada, and with Winter Break over, everyone’s favorite holiday to spend on campus has rolled back around. Valentine’s Day is here—and we here at the Spec know you’ve got a lot going on, and that everyone needs a good V-day playlist.
Whether you’re ~setting the mood~, curling up with Netflix or celebrating GALentine’s Day (am I right ladies????), we’ve got your music needs covered. Here are some suggestions for whatever vibe you’re going for.
First and foremost, no hang with bae is complete on Valentine’s Day unless you throw a little Marvin Gaye in there. If you’re playing “Let’s Get It On,” you know what mood you’re going for. My work here is done.
Another classic here: The must-listen is Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” No matter who your companion is, playing this makes them feel good and makes you look good too. Alone? Just think of this as Frank’s own ballad, just for you.
If you let these guys set the tone for you, Valentine’s should be a wonderful holiday. But if you need a few more songs to follow them up, here are some essentials for setting the mood:
- “Adorn” by Miguel
- “On & On” by Erykah Badu
- “That’s the Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson
- “ Babydoll ” by Mariah Carey
- “ Red Light Special” by TLC
- “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)” by Alicia Keys
- “Til the Cops Come Knocking” by Maxwell
Okay, now all my single ladies and gents, these ones go out to you.
808s & Heartbreaks just gets it. Recently get out of a relationship? Kanye’s been there. Angry? Maybe heartbroken? So was ’Ye. Top picks include but are not limited to: “Heartless,” “Love Lockdown” and “Welcome to Heartbreak.”
Still kind of pissed? Give this one a try. Future’s “Beast Mode” gets your anger, and if you’re feeling a little petty, “Just Like Bruddas” is a great one.
If you need something a little more chill or a little more ~alternative~, try The xx’s album, xx. All good stuff here, though our favorites from the ensemble are “Shelter,” “Night Time,” “Teardrops” and “Infinity.”
No one can deny that these guys are the most indie of all indie bands, probably ever. If you’re feeling moody or a little dramatic, go for The Smiths. An oldie but goodie is “There is a Light That Never Goes Out.”
Last but not least, no matter what your relationship status, the two kings of the feels will get you through.
Drake has always got you. He’s sensitive, but he knows his worth. We all have our favorite Drake songs, but my go-to Valentine’s Day picks come all the way back from Take Care to Views: “Marvin’s Room,” “Trust Issues” and of course “Fire & Desire.” Also, poor Drake. Valentine’s Day might be hard for some, but imagine if you could’ve spent it with Rihanna. Then she dumped you. Tough.
Of course, then there’s The Weeknd. You know we’re going to be playing everything from “The Hills” up to “Attention” (if it makes you feel better, Bella Hadid probably will be, too). Some solid choices for Feb. 14 include: “What You Need,” “Often” and “Earned It.