Illustration by Jade Sheng.
1. Lovebug – “A Little Bit Longer” (2008)
The Jonas Brothers
Starting off strong with this absolute banger. It has a plucky little beat that slowly picks up until you’re driving with the windows down scream-singing and thinking about the one you love.
2. She Will Be Loved – “Song About Jane” (2002)
Maroon 5
I can imagine you and your partner sexy slow dancing in your living room to this song. When the chorus comes around, you just can’t help but sing.
3. You and I – “Be Ok” (2008)
Ingrid Michaelson
Even though this one is maybe a little less known than the others, it holds sentimental value to me. My first serious boyfriend and I chose this as “Our Song.” As 15-year-olds in rural Indiana, we thought we were so cool for picking such a quirky indie song instead of a country song. To be fair though, he originally did want it to be a song by Shane Dawson. Yikes.
4. Yellow – Parachute (2000)
Coldplay
I was hesitant to put this one on the list because, personally, I listened to this album in eighth grade when I was feeling sad. Technically it is a love song, but why does it sound so sad? Maybe it’s for you and your sad lover.
5. 1,2,3,4 – “Big Bad World” (2008)
Plain White T’s
Y’all this one’s just a classic. Men who can count to four AND say “I love you”?? Say less!
6. Kiss Me Through the Phone – “iSouljaBoyTellem” (2008)
Soulja Boy
The old folks tell me that this song is about vintage sexting. I wonder what that was like. I bet Soulja Boy loved the woman he was kissing through the phone.
7. Our Song – “Fearless” (2008)
Taylor Swift
My rural roots are showing here, but are you really surprised T-Swiftie made it onto this playlist?
8. Home – “Up From Below” (2009)
Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros
This is an iconic love song for the ages. We get a little window into Jade and Alexander’s quirky relationship when two have a conversational interlude. I know this issue is all about love but I would be remiss if I didn’t inform you that the two broke up and Alexander kicked Jade out of the band a week before their tour started 🙁 They’re relationship may not have stood the test of time, but this song sure did.
9. Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z) – “Good Girl Gone Bad” (2007)
Rihanna
RiRi had all our hearts with this song until Mr. Schuester Gleeked all over it. Whatever, no one can take away our umbrella-ella-ella-aye-aye-aye.
10. Halo – “I Am … Sasha Fierce” (2008)
Beyoncé
Beyonce’s songs age like fine wine, and I will slurp that shit right up. Whether or not I have someone special in my life, this song is one I will sing at the top of my lungs.
