15 Most Romantic Songs for Anyone

It's Valentine's Day, lovers!  Well, at least it was like an hour ago...

Anyway, I don't have a Valentine...

Let's face it - 90% of the songs we hear today are about love (if not love, then sex).  It can become quite annoying to hear especially if you're listening to a pop radio station.  However, there are some songs out there that I have to admit are well written.  Not only are the lyrics good, but the actual music doesn't make you want to rip your eardrums out (don't think about how that could be physically possible).  Here's a list I tossed together (emphasis on "tossed") featuring some of the best romantic songs to listen to, even if you're not a hopeless romantic.

My apologies for not including links or embedding YouTube clips.  I am a lazy bastard tonight.


"Sweater Weather" by The Neighborhood
This song is fairly new, and that is part of the reason why it is at the top of this list.  Regardless, it is still a very catchy and cool song.  I love the hook and the tempo change near the end.  When I hear this song, I just think about two people who are happy just to stand next to each other with their hands in each others' sweaters...or something like that.
Favorite lyric: "She know knows what I think about; And what I think about; One love, two mouths; One love, one house; No shirt, no blouse; Just us, you find out; Nothing that I wouldn't wanna tell you about no."

"I Will Wait" by Mumford and Sons
This song is pretty popular.  Mumford and Sons album, Babel just won a Grammy, and this song is on that album.  It's not that complicated of a song, it's about waiting for the one you love.
Favorite lyric: "So I'll be bold as well as strong; And use my head alongside my heart."

"My Heart Will Go On" and "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
It's the freaking song from Titanic, one of the most classic love stories of all time!
Favorite lyric: "Youuuuur heeeeeeerrreeee; There's NOTHING I feeeaaar; And I know that my heart will go ooooooon."

"My Girl" by The Temptations
I just finished watching the movie My Girl, and after wiping the tears out of my eyes said to myself, "Yes.  This song is gold."  It's about admiring that special girl who makes you feel great even during the worst times.  It's a really sweet song, and I dare anyone to disapprove of it.
Favorite lyric: "I guess you say; 'What can make me feel this way?'; My girl (my girl, my girl!)."

Most songs by The Beatles
The Beatles are so known for writing love songs that they have an entire Cirque du Soleil show based on their songs and titled, Love.  There are too many songs by them to list, but I will say that some of my absolute favorites are "I Want You (She's So Heavy)", "Something", "Please Please Me", and "Don't Let Me Down".  That last one is a song that could literally make me cry because I think the lyrics are so simple, yet honest.

"Mario Kart Love Song" by Sam Hart
This guy on YouTube made a love song based on the concept of Mario Kart...and it's pretty awesome that he did that.  I love him for it.
Favorite lyric: "Walawalawalawalwalugi...."

"Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
This song is also pretty popular, also because of the band's recent Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. It's a simple and short song, but it is one of those honest songs about two people belonging together.  Despite the fact that I consider this a "mainstream hipster" song (I'll explain later, I promise), I do find this song interesting.
Favorite lyric: "Ho Hey" (obvious enough)

"Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon
You probably don't realize it because this song has been used in many sports promos, but this is a love song.
Okay, it's not really actually a love song, but it could be interpreted that way.  He could be singing about how he could use a great person to improve his life, or how he hopes this great person will notice him.  Hey, it's not much of a stretch!
Favorite lyric: "'Go and let it out."

"Starlight" and "Madness" by Muse
I couldn't just pick one song by Muse, so I'm mentioning them both.  "Starlight" is a very cool song that's simply about loving someone.  "Madness" is also about love, but a crazy type of love in which two individuals appear to go through some crazy sh*t, but all their madness is worth it.  This song reminded me of a current situation with one of my friends and their partner, so I had to add it.
Favorite "Starlight" lyric: "Our hopes and expectations; Black holes and revelations."
Favorite "Madness" lyric: "And I have finally realized; I NEED TO LOOOOOOOOVEEEE."
Absolute love for the vocals in both these songs, also.

"El Scorcho" by Weezer
This is one of those funny-cute songs by Weezer, and I wouldn't expect anything less.  It resonates with me because it seems like a song about an awkward crush.  The guy is kind of afraid of talking to this girl, even though he knows she'll probably like him anyway because they are both alike.
Favorite lyric: "I asked you to go to the Green Day concert; You said you never heard of them; How cool is that?!"

"Thank You" by Dido
I like this song because after singing about having a craptastic day, Dido sings about getting a phone call from her lover, and all her problems instantly disappear.  Why can't I find a guy who has that effect on me?!
Favorite lyric: "Just to be with you is having the best day of my life."

"Closer" by Tegan and Sara
This song is also new (I listen to the radio a lot).  Even though Tegan and Sara have been around for a while, they still managed to release a fresh new album, and their sound is fantastic.  It's poppy, but not too sugary or electro-heavy.  It still has that alternative vibe, which I like.  This song is about having a physical attraction toward a person, but recognizing that there's more in the relationship than just the naughty bits.
Favorite lyric: "I won't treat you like you're oh so typical."

"Echoes" by Pink Floyd
If it weren't for my weird/awkward/what-the-hell-was-that relationship with my ex-boyfriend, I would have never started listening to Pink Floyd on my own.  I ended up coming across this song one day, and I found that I liked the sound of it.  However, since it is a 25 minute song, it could only hold my attention for so long.  So I usually only listen to the first 6 minutes...
Favorite lyric: "Strangers passing in the street by chance two separate glances meet; And I am you and what I see is me."
This song apparently has the same chord progression as Andrew Llyod Webber's "Phantom of the Opera", so that's a nice plus...I guess.

"Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane
This one would also be on the list of songs that make me cry on command.  There are these few piano chords that are in the middle and very end of the song that strike the "eject tears" button on my heart.  It's a well performed and well written song about relying on that special someone and going to a place (either physical or metaphorical) that only you and your significant other understand and know of.
Favorite lyric: "Oh simple thing where have you gone?; I'm getting old and I need something to rely on."

"Everlong" by Foo Fighters
The acoustic version of this song will play during the first dance of my groom and I at our wedding.  This is a non-negotiable order.  I truly love this song and I really don't think I will ever stop loving it.

Genres, Basically: All Other Music

I'm not sure if a ton of people actually read my first Genres, Basically mini-article-list-thing-trash, but I had a lot of fun writing these...  So I'm writing more!  Ha!


Pop



This genre technically includes anything on the charts that is very popular (popular = 'pop'.  Get it?  Wow!), however it's been roughly defined by people who love to hate everything as "that mind-numbing stuff featuring no-talent artists that all sound the same."  I would normally agree with these people, except for the fact that The Beatles were once considered "pop".  Because they were popular.  Also, some really good indie rock groups have been making their way up the popularity ladder, so I'm not complaining about pop music anytime soon.  Good and well produced pop music, that is.


Hip-Hop



Much like "pop", this genre has evolved.  It is a music, dance, and sometimes life-style.  Highly influenced by Black culture, this genre features rhythmic beats and sometimes rapping.  Notable modern hip-hop artists include Kanye West, Jay-Z, Eminem, etc.  Currently Lil' Wayne and his army of "rappers" called Young Money are monopolizing the hip-hop scene.  Many are distraught because they're slipping into this genre:


House



This style used to be heard only in nightclubs that were open until 5 AM.  Now, you can hear this music as early as 7 AM on your way to work (Like seriously, no one wants to hear "Starships" while stuck in morning rush-hour).  I blame this on David Guetta.  And Cascada...  This genre usually is played by various DJs who feature popular artists in their songs.  Other people who were once hip-hop artists have found themselves in this genre, too (we're looking at you Minaj...  FloRida...  MINAJ!)


R&B



Not heard as much today as it was in the '90s, but this genre, standing for 'rhythm and blues' is still quite popular among those who love listening to smooth, romantic music.  Usher is included in this category, even though he also belongs in the 'house music' category.  If you want really good R&B, hit up Robin Thicke.  I'm also not mad at him for looking so good.


Country



If you included Taylor Swift in this category, you're doing it wrong.


Gospel



Nobody except for people at church and your Aunt Gladys listen to this.  Remember that song, "Stomp"?  I think that's the closest gospel music has come to being mainstream.


Christian



This genre plays on that one radio station your mom turns to on the way to church.  It's just music with a dose of Jesus.  I don't even know why it gets it's own category.  If you didn't understand English, these songs would sound just like any other song by The Fray or The Goo Goo Dolls.


Reggae



You're probably thinking about Bob Marley.  That's okay, because so am I.  Also, you should really check out Matisyahu.


Dubstep



Features 'wub wub wubs', and bass-drops.  Now this is a genre of music of which most songs sound all the same.  Apparently came out of Europe.  Skrillex is the most popular dubstep DJ in the states, so far.  This dancer almost makes it worth listening to.  Warning: You either love it or you hate it, and if you hate it, we're tired of hearing you talk about how much it sucks.


Christmas Music



If you are caught listening to this before Thanksgiving has passed, you're dead.


Acoustic



This style includes all those people who like to play their instruments by themselves and acoustically.  Technically, anyone can go acoustic.  Remember that whole "Unplugged" thing Nirvana did?  That was awesome...


Classical



Whether it be opera or gold old piano music, some people love chilling out to Mozart, Beethoven, or another notable composer's work.  If they're really adventurous, they'll listen to some Stravinsky.  Now that guy was nuts!


Soundtracks



They sell albums featuring music from certain movies and video games for a reason.  One being because the composer worked really hard on it and wants all the money he/she can get.  The other being that people love a good soundtrack.  For instance the Inception soundtrack may just be the only movie soundtrack that I can listen to from start to finish.  In short, Hans Zimmer is a genius.


Indie



This is the genre that includes artists people love to listen to when they get sick of listening to "mind-numbing pop".  However, fun. and Gotye are sometimes considered indie, but are also on the pop charts...  Now we don't even know what we're talking about anymore.

Procrastination Station 2: Violence is Fun.

I'm currently reading an article about how music is used in social movements.  This article focuses on the White Power Movement...  So CLEARLY, I get the song "We are Young" by Fun. stuck in my head!
(Disclaimer: I am absolutely NOT comparing Fun. with the WPM)

I was just thinking about these lyrics from the intro of the song:
"My lover she is waiting for me just across the bar.
My seat's been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar and...
I know I gave it to you months ago.
I know you're trying to forget..."

(source)

Ya know, he always looked like a wife-beater to me.

So what I gathered from this little itsy-bitsy piece of lyric is that this guy injured his lover (or caused her injury somehow), but the two are still somewhat together....  Hm...

(source)

I'm not sayin', but I'm just sayin'...

It's even more interesting that the "setting" of this song seems to take place in a bar, and the whole foundation of this relationship seems to be based on some kind of alcoholic/drunken hot-mess scene.  This guy appears to have recently had a violent episode with his partner, but it's okay.  When she's drunk at the end of the night, he'll carry her home...  Because they are young...  Thus, they must set the world on fire.

Now, I'm not criticizing this song in any way, but I just find it funny how songs become ten times more interesting once you actually take the time to sit and listen to the lyrics.  Not only is this song now a national anthem to young folks everywhere, but it is also the national "gettin' wasted" theme- or that's how I see it.  Just control yourselves, and try not to physically abuse your loved ones.




PS.  This is one of my FAVORITE songs.  Long live Indie music on the Top Charts!

Genres, Basically: Rock Music

With all these different sub-genres of rock music floating around, it is quite easy to get confused.  Allow me to help you clarify the meaning of some of these genres.

Rockabilly

Elvis, and all those other cool cats in the 1950s that your great grandparents probably hated.


Blues Rock

Take Muddy Waters.  Add Jagger.  John Mayer also creeps in.  The Black Keys make it delicious.


Hard Rock

A loosely defined group of music.  Makes you nod your head and go "Ungh!  Yeauh!"


Soft Rock

Opposite of Hard Rock, supposedly.  Also known as "Easy Listening".  Basically Fleetwood Mac.


Classic Rock

Anything before the 90s.  What your parents probably listen to.


Alternative Rock

Any rock music made after 1989.  Slowly being killed by Chicago radio.


Industrial Rock

Guitars, bass, and drums featuring the construction workers of America.  Sometimes band members reach their mid 40s and compose award-winning film scores.


Christian Rock

Guitars plus Jesus.  Handled with care, it can actually pass.


Folk Rock

I'm telling you a story...with guitars.  Fact:  Everybody, and I mean everybody loves at least one folk song.


Psychedelic Rock

alexross.com

It's exactly what you think it is.  Just watch Yellow Submarine...




Grunge

The 90s.  Garage bands.  Nirvana.  Flannel shirts.  Daria.


Glam Rock

I...I really don't think it's about the sound of the music.  The 'Lady Gaga's' of their day.


Rap Rock

kobun04.deviantart.com

Rock music with rappers.  Don't give me that look.  It's more frequent than you think it is.  I'm looking at you Linkin Park...Beastie Boys...Rage Against the Machine...Red Hot Chili Peppers...  The list goes on.

Heavy Metal

Loud.  Distorted.  Impressive screaming vocals.  Extra-long guitar solos.  Cool fast drumming-thingy.  Aggressive.  Whiplash.  Overcompensated masculinity.


Nu Metal

Love child of grunge and metal.  Hip hop sometimes visits on the weekends.  Here's looking at you, Korn.


Punk Rock

Anti-establishment influenced rock conceived in the 1970s.  Short songs, and simple riffs.  Went from The Clash to Green Day to Blink 182.  Keeps claiming that it is not dead.  Possibly may be in a state of denial.  Evidence shows that the Irish may still have it.


Ska Punk

thematicsradio.com

Combination of ska and punk rock elements.  Usually contains a brass section.  I'm thinking of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, but you're probably thinking of Sublime.  I'm okay with that.


Pop Rock

Mainstream, commercial, often unauthentic, but catchy.  Actually gets played on the radio.  Even the white kids can sing along.


Party Rock

Spoilers:  It's not really rock music.


I'd like to take this time to thank Wikipedia.com for all their scholarly help.  You truly are a student's dream.

Take a Look: Smashing Pumpkin Dances

I haven't made a dance-related update in a while, so I thought I might share a couple of cool dance videos I found.

Smashing Pumpkins is one of my favorite rock bands of all time.  Their songs just sound so right to me.  It's something that's hard to explain some times.  So, while just "trololololoing" through YouTube, I decided to see if I could dig up any dances people had done to their songs.  I could only find dances done to "Landslide" (which is also a Fleetwood Mac cover).  I here's a few that I found particularly striking:

Apparently, this dance was done by a contestant from So You Think You Can Dance: Canada.  It's very pretty.  The movements are just my taste.  I love it.

I really enjoy this one, too.  The dancer is young, but she has so much talent.  I don't even mind the instructor talking through the whole thing.  His words are encouraging and supportive, and he's not just shouting out commands.

Songs Made Better Through Dance: "Rock That Body" by The Black Eyed Peas

I have noticed something:  If I take a song that I either really dislike or never cared for, and combine it with certain circumstances, there is a chance that I will begin to enjoy that song because of the event that I associate it with.  This happens to a lot of people with songs that are featured in movies, TV shows, or video games.  With me, it happens through dance also.

Many of the songs on my MP3 player are songs I never would have been interested it if it hadn't been for a certain dance routine or combination.  One of them just so happens to be "Rock That Body" by The Black Eyed Peas.  Now, I won't rant too much about this group's music.  Just know, that they tend to have hits and misses (mostly misses, in my opinion).  "Rock That Body" is not a song that I would immediately find appealing.  It's not all that bad, but it's also not all that good.  I am not a big fan of synthesizers and that all around "computer-generated" sound that this decade loves so much.  I'd rather listen to real musicians rather than Fergie's "chipmunk voice".  If you don't know what I'm talking about, just listen to it yourself:

To be honest, I actually kind of dug the hook in the beginning ("I wanna rock right now" repeated 10x times). It make me think a little of B-boys in the 80s doing their thing on the streets.  So basically, whenever this came on the radio, I would listen to the first 30 seconds, then turn away.  This song was not clicking with me.

Then this happened:

These lovely gentlemen call themselves S**t Kingz, however their dancing looks nothing like "shit".  They dance so smoothly that all you can say while you watch them is, "Shiiiiiit!".  Watch them.  They are the amazing sauce on top of perfection!  The way they move is not even close to human.  Also, if you look closely, you will see how they transition through formations like ninjas.  So.  Unbelievably.  Smooth.  This is hip-hop dancing.  This is brilliance.

Every time I think of this song, I think of these men and their powerful movements.

Alas!  This is the reason why I can tolerate "Rock That Body" for a few more minutes.