Valentine's Day Playlist

I am well aware that Valentine's Day is defined by soppy clichés, overpriced merchandise, flowers and dinners and cheesy romcoms.  But this does not stop me from having fun with the day.  I love the cute cards, the heart-shaped sweet treats (especially the conversation heart candy) and the expensive dinners (though I draw the line at overpriced flowers). People get their panties in a knot in an attempt to establish their anti-Valentine's day stance.  We get it, you don't "do" Valentine's Day and that is your prerogative.  I, on the other hand, love finding new and entertaining ways to celebrate this blatantly commercialized day of love.

One of those ways is with a Valentine's playlist.  Here are my top 10 love songs (in no particular order):

  Your Song - Elton John

It's hard to believe that this song is 40 years old!  It originally featured on Elton John's second self-titled album.  It's a beautiful, smooth love song that has stood the test of time and has been covered by several artists including Ellie Goulding, Ewan McGregor (in Moulin Rouge) and Lady Gaga (for the tribute album Revamp: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin).

  Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You - Dolly Parton

Dolly's version of the song, written by Pebe Sebert and Hugh Moffatt, is actually a cover but other versions can't hold a candle to this one.  The song appears on her album Dolly, Dolly, Dolly.  Kesha also covered the song (interesting fact: Pebe Sebert is her father) with a little help from Dolly herself for her album Rainbow.

  Crazy For You - Madonna

I'm still crazy for this ballad from the 1985 film Vision Quest (in which Madonna has a small cameo).  This was her second number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the song was nominated for a Grammy (her first nomination) for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

  Islands In The Stream - Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton

This iconic duet was written by the Bee Gees.  Dolly and Kenny collaborated on several songs throughout their careers and their distinctive voices compliment each other perfectly, as they do on this classic.   It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the best country duets of all time.

  The Power Of Love - Jennifer Rush

One of the most 'powerful' ballads of all time.  It was co-written by Jennifer Rush and went to number one in several countries, later becoming a huge hit for Céline Dion.  It's a stunning song that showcases Jennifer's operatic training and impressive vocal range.

  Hungry Eyes - Eric Carmen

A hit song from the soundtrack to one of my favourite films of all time, Dirty Dancing.  In the film, the song is played for a montage of Johnny and Baby (with some help from Penny) secretly rehearsing for their big show.  The montage includes the famous tickle scene where Baby can't keep it together when Johnny runs his finger down her arm.

  The Air That I Breathe - k.d. Lang

k.d. Lang recorded a cover of this song, originally written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, for her smoking/addiction-themed album, Drag.  Her deep and smooth voice is perfectly suited for this ballad which is slower that previous versions and has just the right amount of country twang.

  You're Still The One - Shania Twain

Taken from her hugely successful album Come On Over, this is still one of Shania Twain's best ballads and one of her most popular crossover singles.  It earned her two Grammy awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1999.

  By Your Side - Sade

This is a mellow and heartfelt song from the band's fifth studio album, Lovers Rock, that explores the steadfast nature of love in the face of life's obstacles.  The single included two amazing remixes, namely the Neptunes Remix and a groovy reggae remix.

  The One - Kylie Minogue

The One may not be a ballad but I still regard it as a beautiful love song, which includes some of my favourite Kylie lyrics such as: "It's a feeling that I need to know / Close to touch like Michelangelo".  The song appears on the X album (X as in "10" not the letter, which any true Kylie fan should know) and was also remixed by the Freemasons.

Happy Valentine's Day!