Katherine Kiss Me – Franz Ferdinand

This uncharacteristically gentle Franz Ferdinand tune captures the quintessential indie love story. With reference to leather jackets, cigarettes, blackberry cider and washing machines, this sweet little ditty depicts quirky romance in the most charming way. Wake up to this tune, and you’ll be reenacting scenes from “500 Days of Summer” without even realizing it.

I’ll Be Your Lover Too – Van Morrison

Van Morrison’s dreamy voice layered over deconstructed guitar chords and a solely brushed drum beat perfectly captures both the unattainability of love and the content that surrounds a person in love. Van Morrison’s understanding of love shines through in this piece, and might even inform yours.

Hot Dreams – Timber Timbre

A yearning, doo wop-inspired tune, “Hot Dreams” delves right to the very heart of desire. It is slow as honey, and equally as sensual. The layered sax solo at the end is sure to captivate and insight daydreams about slow dancing on worn wood floors wearing nothing but an oversized sweater and wool socks.

You Always Hurt the One You Love – The Mills Brothers

Yes, Valentine’s Day is all roses and candy and love. But with love must come a recognition of its capability to hurt. This song, however, acts as a reminder that sometimes hurt is inevitable, and forgivable. And if sudden images of Ryan Gosling pop into your head, its because he sings a ukulele backed cover of this heartwrenching tune in “Blue Valentine.”

You and Me – Penny & the Quarters

Yes, this song is also on the “Blue Valentine” soundtrack. But it had to be done. While love may be complicated as all get out, this tune captures the simplicity that can come about when love is mutual and steadfast. Recorded in the 1970s, “You and Me” is just as effortlessly charming as the straightforward love is portrays.

The Song is You – Joe Pass

Nothing says romance like the gentle guitar riffs of jazz great Joe Pass. His meandering rendition of the jazz standard “The Song is You” is basically a Valentine’s Day essential.

Un Beso de Desayuno – Calle 13

“Un Beso de Desayuno” translates to “A Breakfast Kiss.” This Puerto Rican band’s eclectic style goes sensual in this tune, and is chock full of beautiful and poignant metaphors that perfectly capture the warmth of waking up next to someone you love. Google translate this baby.

Glory Box – Portishead

Eerie and sexy, Porthishead’s “Glory Box” is sexual tension in musical form. It’s best described in terms of a James Bond film and his interaction with a beautiful Bond girl.

Primetime (ft. Miguel) – Janelle Monáe

The intermingled voices of Janelle Monáe and Miguel make for a passionate and totally lip-syncable love ballad.

Every Body – Thao & the Get Down Stay Down

“Yes we get naked but not naked enough.” This is one of the recurring lyrics in ‘Every Body,’ and it seems to question our society’s willingness to get physically naked, while resisting emotional nakedness or vulnerability. This Valentine’s Day, get naked is all senses of the word.

Hoochie Coochie Man – Muddy Waters

Who says blues have to be sad? Muddy Waters “Hoochie Coochie Man” is really just about the singer’s desire to make women “jump and shout.” And while the lyrics may be extremely out of date, and definitely not in keeping with modern feminism, this tune is fun and soulful. And Muddy Waters is just plain lovable.

I Just Want to Make Love to You – Etta James

What day could be better for love making? Modern love is increasingly characterized by apps like Tinder, Grinder and OkCupid. But this tune communicates good old fashioned love making, when “love” was still in the equation.

Fever – Beyoncé

Something about this tune is extremely sexy. Oh wait. Everything about it is sexy. First, because “Fever” instills the very things it is named after, and while the Peggy Lee version can’t be rivaled, 2014 seems to be the year of ‘Yonce. Her breathy “come to mama” tone will make even non-romantics weak in the knees.

Together – Disclosure, Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s soulful vocals over a mellow and stripped down dub accompaniment make for a relaxed and groovable listen. With “Kiss my lips and taste the Sauvignon” as the opening line, “Together” captures what most would agree Valentine’s Day is.