For some individuals, February 14th is a chance to purchase chocolate and teddy bears, put on pink, and plaster their social media with mildly irritating collages of their important different. However some individuals is perhaps feeling down about their single standing or a latest breakup, irritated by the rampant commercialism of a day supposedly devoted to like, or simply in a cynical temper. If any of the above sound such as you, you could admire this compilation of “anti-Valentine” songs, finest loved on February fifteenth whereas consuming all of the leftover half-price sweet.
“Heaven Is aware of I am Depressing Now” – The Smiths
The band that virtually invented melancholy is the right strategy to begin off this record. Johnny Marr’s intricate guitar wraps round Morrissey’s wealthy, mournful voice as he dramatically laments each little factor unsuitable along with his life, together with two lovers simply residing their life in his neighborhood. (We have all been there.) If you really feel like sinking into the blues and indulging in a contact of superiority since you do not like Valentine’s Day and that makes you particular, “Heaven Is aware of I am Depressing Now” is there for you.
“Crush Tradition” – Conan Grey
Heartfelt indie-pop artist Conan Grey expresses his frustration with the fashionable courting scene by way of tongue-in-cheek lyrics and infectious cotton-candy instrumentals. “All this love is suffocating/Simply let me be unhappy and lonely” he begs earlier than launching into the refrain. Within the music video, Grey viciously ruins the dates of comfortable {couples} as he kicks and jumps by the hallways of a highschool. “Crush Tradition” is a cute but cathartic scrutiny of latest romance for anybody who’s sick and uninterested in hearts and roses, already.
“Heartless” – The Weeknd
Kicking off with a hypnotizing beat, this music is an anti-Valentine anthem from the title alone. The Weeknd raps about fame and indulgence with a bravado that bears an fringe of despondence, declaring that “all this cash and this ache acquired me heartless” as if he is making an attempt to persuade himself greater than anybody else. The facade briefly breaks within the bridge as he admits “I don’t do properly when alone,” earlier than returning to his assured assertions. “Heartless” embodies the complexity of emotion that may come together with Valentine’s Day in a uncooked and private expression.
“Ur Mum” – Moist Leg
Moist Leg are refreshingly biting and humorous on this condemnation of a former lover, with vocalist Rhian Teasdale saying between choruses that she’s been “working towards her longest and loudest scream” earlier than demonstrating over chugging guitar and lightweight backup vocals. The monitor candidly denies any want or want for an ex in a playful, empowering method that makes it a pleasure to hearken to, even when Valentine’s Day has put you in a bitter temper.
“That is What You Get” – Paramore
Pop-punk icons Paramore pound out a defiant aspersion of romance led by Hayley Williams’ fierce, arresting voice in “That is What You Get“. Electrical guitar and drums explode as Williams belts, “Why can we like to harm a lot?” and concludes that following your coronary heart can solely finish in ache. By no means has such a pessimistic view had such a enjoyable sound.
“Maneater” – Corridor & Oates
In the event you’re sick of all of the real love and dedication that Valentine’s Day signifies, you possibly can take pleasure in a music in regards to the precise reverse with “Maneater“, a cool trumpet-filled tune a few lady who manipulates males to get what she desires; “Cash’s the matter/In the event you’re in it for love, you ain’t gonna get too far,” croons Daryl Corridor. The irresistible bass line and expressive sax in live performance with Corridor’s easy, stirring vocals paint an image of energy, greed, and seduction.
“Higher By Myself” – Hey Violet
A sinuous bass line snakes by the opening of this liberated post-breakup tune, accented by energetic drum beats, earlier than Hey Violet frontwoman Rena Lovelis begins enumerating each downside together with her ex and celebrating the liberty of singleness. “Higher By Myself” is catchy and stuffed with a palpable euphoria and aid that you would be able to’t assist however take in.
“Tainted Love” – Gentle Cell
This eighties basic by British new wave duo Gentle Cell is a synthy dance hit, however upon nearer listening, it is rather a lot an anti-love music as properly. Like the unique R&B model by Gloria Jones, “Tainted Love” focuses on a poisonous and complex relationship from which the speaker is making an attempt desperately to flee. The sharp drumbeats and metallic double clap all through the music embody the ache of the story being informed, whereas the mellifluous synths and catchy keyboard make it powerful to get out of your head.
“Anyone That I Used To Know” – Gotye
Gotye and Kimbra’s 2011 collaboration is beguiling and heart-wrenching, with tender however decided vocals in every verse constructing to passionate laments about the way in which a former associate has erased their reminiscences collectively. The straightforward however distinctive association of the instrumental, together with xylophone and bongos, and Gotye’s earnest background vocals create an extremely emotional piece in regards to the less-discussed aftermath of a breakup.
“Why’d You Come In Right here Lookin’ Like That” – Dolly Parton
By far probably the most upbeat anti-Valentine music on this record, nation goddess Parton delivers a foot-stomping grievance about lacking an ex-boyfriend who’s making it very exhausting for her to recover from him. “Right here comes my child, draggin’ my coronary heart behind/He’s drivin’ me loopy, who says love is blind?” She warbles over energetic banjo and fiddle, making it inconceivable to not establish together with her humorous, trustworthy fashion and lyrics.
So if February 14th rolls round and you do not really feel like becoming a member of the plenty in doing foolish issues like happening dates and shopping for flowers which are simply going to wilt anyhow, you possibly can spend a peaceable day in your sofa doing much better and cooler actions, comparable to trying out these songs.
