Written by Sierra Walsh
Listen, I’m a hopeless romantic with the hope that some of you are the same way. I’ve blared “Bad Things” so many times my neighbors know the lyrics better than I do, so, I figured it’s time to annoy them with something else. Here are some songs that would be perfect snuggled up with the ‘80s love ballads!
Anywhere – Evanescence
As much as I adore “Check Yes Juliet”, this is the ultimate forbidden love, running away together song. “Anywhere” is nothing short of a gorgeous song that carries themes relating to escaping people or a society that rejects the love and running into endless possibilities that will offer chances to build a sanctuary.
Fall to Pieces – Avril Lavigne
Nostalgia is captured in the song—maybe it’s due to how it was played on repeat during adolescence, or, it perfectly encompasses the innocence of young love. “Fall to Pieces” is a cute, to the point love song that explores the difficulties of emotional vulnerability. Despite how scary opening up is, there’s an air of comfort in having that somebody that can bring you back to peace of mind.
Killing Loneliness – HIM
Most of HIM’s songs center around love and relationships, but this one stands out the most. It’s more than a simple “I love you.” “Killing Loneliness” shows how a person’s love can completely change someone’s heart after being accustomed to solitude. It’s a breath of relief after feeling completely isolated and finally warming up to someone.
Yours to Hold – Skillet
In the live concert video, lead singer John L. Cooper says “Yours to Hold” was inspired by the 1980s power ballads. Much like “Fall to Pieces,” “Yours to Hold” is the song about being too shy to say how much someone means to you and admiring from afar. So, here’s to pretending it’s 1985 for a few minutes.
While You’re Lips Are Still Red – Nightwish
While it’s not an official Nightwish single, “While Your Lips Are Still Red” was written for the Finnish movie Lieska! In true Nightwish fashion, they weave a perfect love story about the ways fate intertwined people’s lives, yet carries the reminder that life is far to chaotic and short to not enjoy the first feelings of falling in love.
Rebel Love Song – Black Veil Brides
If wild black hair, the adrenaline inducing guitar solo and Andy telling you to take your hand in his doesn’t get you amped up to run away with the love of your life, then I don’t really know what to tell you. Also, I will personally shred your emo card if you don’t listen to this BANGER. (It has such a Motley Crue vibe and I am still living for it.)
Tear in My Heart – Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots are not strangers to expressing complex emotions in their music, so of course they have one of the best love songs of the 2010s. Most of their music focuses on coping with mental illness and becoming stronger through vulnerability, which makes “Tear in My Heart” such a sunny contrast. It’s a beautiful tribute to how relieving it is to fall in love with someone that not only understands you, but, doesn’t give a reason for keeping your guard up.
I Hope I Don’t F♥ck This Up – Dollar Signs
I’m going to be biased–this is the perfect love song. It’s the awkward introverted nerd anthem that inspires me to keep looking for my trashcan heart’s perfect opossum. Just trust me on this one and send Devon Keller some love because she’s the one that showed it to me in the first place.
You’re Mine – Disturbed
Count on the Disturbed to write a love song that could be played while riding into battle. The empowering aspect of being in a loving relationship is often overlooked. There is magic in the first kiss, slow dances, all that fluffy stuff, but the way a person encourages and supports their partner isn’t touched on enough. “You’re Mine” is as cute as it is badass and perfectly encompasses feeling invincible with the right person beside you. Taking over the world just got so much more romantic.
Last of the Real Ones – Fall Out Boy
Meeting your soul mate can feel like your entire being is exhaling, “Finally.” After every storm of a relationship and fighting with yourself about feeling lonely, there they are. You’re minding your own business when they suddenly breeze into your life and you’re whisked both away to the end of infinity. “Last of the Real Ones” captures the cosmic phenomenon of connecting with a soul mate perfectly. So, put it on your playlist. (please)
Under Your Scars – Godsmack
Godsmack perfectly translates how being with a person that is just as scarred and headstrong as the singer is plays out. Acknowledging a person’s past and incompatibilities are arguably the biggest parts of a relationship. There is an innate understanding of the other person and a deep appreciation for how much they brighten another life.
Dance Macabre – Ghost
My friend decided until after I made this playlist to tell me this song is really about dying from a plague. (The jazzercising plague doctors should have given it away, but here I am.) Even so, it’s still a bewitching track that would be great to dance in candlelight to.
How to Dance in Time – Blue October
No relationship is perfect. Everybody lashes out at points—it’s common knowledge. What makes the Ultimate Slow Song so special is the way he takes responsibility for mistakes. They’re used as learning experiences to become a better person. Understanding that there is always room for growth can lead to reflecting on the moments that made you fall in love in the first place.
Love Bites – Ice Nine Kills
A perfect blend of cute and creepy for the hopeless romantic horror fan. “Love Bites” pays tribute to An American Werewolf in London, which has a sweet love story weaved into the horror. Of course the song will have beauty and beast elements that perfectly describe a short but intense relationship as well as Doctor Sleep actress Chelsea Tallmadge performing the duet with Spencer.
I hope you find your opossum this year, or, be your own opossum! Feel free to leave some suggestions to add to this list. Happy Valentine’s Day!
