(Chau Ahn Nguyen/Staff Illustrator)
Roses are red; violets are blue. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here are a few albums to listen to. On a day as contentious as this, one must be prepared. Will chocolates, flowers and a lover’s warm embrace fill the day? Or will angst, reruns of reality TV and a social media hiatus fill it instead? Love may be in the air, but it does not have to be in the music. Here are five albums for every Valentine’s Day mood.
‘Rumours (Deluxe Edition)’ by Fleetwood Mac (1977)
The success of “Rumours” made Fleetwood Mac a cultural phenomenon. As one of the bestselling albums of all time, “Rumours” is an everyday listen and is especially pertinent on Valentine’s Day. The album reflects the beautiful highs and terrible lows of relationships. “You Make Loving Fun” is an energetic track that celebrates the magic of an all-encompassing love. It is lively, lighthearted and the perfect karaoke song for couples. On the other hand, “Songbird” is a more emotionally poignant ballad that relishes in the intensity of endless devotion.
Nevertheless, “Rumours” is not only for the lovers. Instead, the album houses one of the strongest love songs ever released, “Silver Springs.” The soulful ballad reflects the anger and desperation that follow a surprising split. The lyrics and the emotion of Stevie Nicks’ powerful voice speak for themselves. “You’ll never get away from the sound / Of the woman that loved you,” Nicks sings. If you find a lover haunting you down or enjoying the embrace of another, press play on “Rumours” — you will not regret it.
‘The Divine Feminine’ by Mac Miller (2016)
“The Divine Feminine” by Mac Miller is more than an album — it is a confessional, a plea and a declaration of love. Even after passing away in 2018, Miller retains his devoted fanbase and a recognizable influence on hip-hop music. “The Divine Feminine” explores the sensuality of romantic relationships and worships the female form. The album emphasizes intimacy as a critical component of a vibrant relationship. Miller’s desires have no shame.
On “Congratulations (feat. Bilal),” piano and violin accompany Miller’s smooth rapping, fusing to form a soulful composition that highlights his calm demeanor and lyrical ability. Above all, Miller values connection throughout “The Divine Feminine.” In the pop duet “My Favorite Part,” his ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande sings, “I got enough on my mind / But I can make some time for somethin’ so divine.” Every student has more than enough on their minds, but on Feb. 14, you should make time for this album.
‘Melodrama’ by Lorde (2017)
A sweaty forehead plastered against the cold car window, the muted beat of the music from behind a locked bathroom door, spontaneous jaunts down city sidewalks at night: This is how “Melodrama” by Lorde feels. The album begins with a synth-pop track that masks gut-wrenching lyrics with a dance-inducing beat. “Green Light” references the symbol of unrequited love in “The Great Gatsby” (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Just as Jay Gatsby battles with the unattainability of his ex-lover Daisy Buchanan, Lorde struggles with letting go of an old fling.
“Melodrama” is pop perfection. The album contemplates the value of unpredictable romances, acknowledges deep-rooted insecurities and celebrates the beauty of platonic relationships. In “Melodrama,” Lorde asserts the power of personal responsibility and the understanding of one’s role in the degradation of once fun or healthy relationships. In “Supercut,” Lorde writes, “in my head, I do everything right,” expressing her desire but ultimate inability to be an effective lover. If you are ready to dance, cry and maybe even do some reflecting this Valentine’s Day, “Melodrama” is the album for you.
‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ by Taylor Swift (2021)
To be heartbroken on Feb. 14, mourning the now-canceled dinner or scanning your bed for the never-purchased teddy bear is frankly the worst. In the face of such despair, Taylor Swift has the remedy: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault).” The soft melody carries the listener through a journey of infatuation, sorrow, angst and empowerment, encapsulating the risks of romance. While this track garnered unprecedented attention from listeners, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” houses many overlooked tracks. For the lucky lovers, “State Of Grace (Taylor’s Version)” and “Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version)” reflect the excitement of newfound love and laughs at inconsequential arguments through humorous anecdotes. For the not so lucky, the ballads “I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version)” and “The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version)” pack an emotional punch — especially for those who feel taken for granted. Whatever your Valentine’s Day state of mind, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” will strike the perfect chord.
“Five Seconds Flat” by Lizzy McAlpine (2022)
NBC News defines a situationship as “a romantic relationship that is, and remains, undefined.” Situationships are confusing, toxic, frustrating, intoxicating and so much more. Lizzy McAlpine’s “Five Seconds Flat” reflects this disorienting roller coaster of emotions that spurs from an undefined or even illusory romance. On “ceilings,” McAlpine portrays the latter, building a complex narrative of sexual and emotional intimacy, only to reveal in the bridge that it is all a fantasy — the relationship, the memories, the heartbreak do not even exist.
“Five Seconds Flat” pairs candid lyricism with indie-pop production, ensuring an overall pleasing listening experience. Nevertheless, McAlpine does not shy away from experimentation. For example, “firearm” reflects on a toxic relationship and utilizes the production to energize the story. By gradually increasing the volume of the backing instruments and straining to sing-scream with her otherwise light voice, McAlpine expresses the sadness, anger and embarrassment that result from unhealthy and unsuccessful romantic endeavors. If you are waiting by the phone or blocking their number this Valentine’s Day, “Five Seconds Flat” might help you through a rough day.
Catherine Goodman is from Savannah, GA. She is majoring in English and Art History. Outside of the wheel, Goodman is the President of Women’s Club Basketball and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She loves listening to music, attending concerts, reformer pilates and reality TV!
