So many love songs

By Marina Csomor

Created:
02/06/12 8:47pm

Last updated:
02/06/12 8:50pm

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Some songs are about a night of excitement out on the town. Others are about longing to get lost in a foreign land. Others still detail a rough life in the city or address life’s existential questions.

But most songs are about love. Whether it be the celebration or the condemnation of this sweeping feeling, love is at the center of much of the world’s music.

It’s because love is a feeling that’s universal. Everyone has felt those butterflies or fallen for a friend or experienced heartbreak; everyone has had a sweetheart or a crush or an ex. Artists know these are songs to which listeners can relate.

And because February contains that day of romance — brought to you by St. Valentine and his right-hand man, Mr. Cupid — this is the month to celebrate those love songs.

With so much music available on the matter, it’s so hard to narrow it down. But here are a few of my favorite songs about love that will be on repeat these next few weeks.

These are songs to appreciate whether you have a someone to call your valentine or you plan to spend the holiday in solitude because of the hopes, dreams and butterflies they inspire. Listening to songs about love reminds you that there always is the possibility of having a bit of romance of your own, on Valentine’s Day or any day.

“You and I,” by Ingrid Michaelson

Ingrid Michaelson writes some of the sweetest love songs, and “You and I” is no exception. This duet, which features Jason Mraz, is set to the strums of a ukulele and a few hand claps. Its lyrics are darling, with Michaelson and Mraz singing of a picture-perfect romance and its possibilities for the future: “Maybe I think you’re cute and funny/Maybe I want to do what bunnies do with you if you know what I mean.”

“Elenore,” by The Turtles

This song is a wonderful bubblegum tune from the late 1960s. With lyrics such as “Elenore, gee I think you’re swell” and “I really think you’re groovy/Let’s go out to a movie,” it’s obvious it’s for those experiencing puppy love, but it’s fun in its simplicity.

“I Saw You Blink,” by Stornoway

This is a soundtrack for daydreaming — wondering what a crush is thinking or if falling for someone is right. The members of this British folk group charm with their accents: “I saw you blink and I missed your eyes, your blue eyes.” This song is just right for a sunny day.

“Radar Detector,” by Darwin Deez

With his bouncy hair and gangly limbs, Darwin Deez certainly is a lovable character, and listening to this song, it’s hard not to be smitten. Deez details the ease of early romance in this upbeat indie pop tune: “It’s only been a week/But I know that you are mine to keep.”

“Just a Boy,” by Angus & Julia Stone

Sung by brother and sister act Angus & Julia Stone, this song is about the feelings a new love incites. This track has so many perfect lines, such as “I bit my tongue in the arch of conversation” and “One kiss from you and I’m drunk up on your potion.” It features the unfaltering strums of a guitar, buzzing harmonica and Angus’s mellow voice.

“Crash Into Me,” by Dave Matthews Band

Set to the simple, steady sounds of a guitar, some drums and the occasional brush of the cymbal and chimes, this song describes falling hard for someone else. Dave Matthews sings slow and almost seems to slur his words: “Hike up your skirt a little more and show your world to me.” This song is subtle sex. And that’s what makes it so perfect.

“Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” by Cake

Each time I hear this song I am reminded how much I love it. It’s easily one of my favorites. Detailing one version of that infamous list so many of us keep of the traits our significant other must posses, this is a rock song for those who are still on the lookout. Cake wants a girl who gets up early and stays up late, who has a mind like a diamond and who wears a short skirt and a long jacket. Who doesn’t?

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Staff reporter Marina Csomor shares her varied musical interest.

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