Valentine’s Day Mixtape – 11 love songs
Something You Said - Valentine Mixtape by Kirstie Newman on Mixcloud
Somethingyousaid.com contributor Kirstie Newman tells us what’s on her perfect Valentine’s Day mixtape:
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the radio is going to be bursting with sentimental love songs and their equally soppy dedications. Not only is the radio full of this lovey-dovey stuff, the shops are taken over with pink and red hearts, giant teddy bears and multiple compilation CDs full of cheesy love songs.
What happened to the personal touch of a mixtape? To be perfectly honest, not that I have many, or any, secret admirers, but if I received a Love CD purchased from a store by someone, I’d be slightly offended. So if any of those non-existent secret admirers are reading this, I have a handy list of the top 11 (because 10 just isn’t enough) songs I would love on a mix tape.
I’d Rather Be With You – Joshua Radin, Some of Radin’s music has been described as being perfect for the romantic moments that occur throughout a person’s life. After performing this, his debut single, on the Ellen DeGeneres show she personally asked him to perform at her wedding. So if it’s good enough for Ellen then it’s good enough for me.
Safe With Me – Sam Smith. This was the opening track from his debut EP, Nirvana, released in early October 2013. Receiving the Critics’ Choice Award at the Brits last month and releasing his debut album later this year, 2014 is set to be big for him. The lyrics make you feel content and Sam’s soulful tones sit perfectly over the smooth hip-hop sound. This was my favourite song of 2013 so it is a must have on my mixtape.
400 lux – Lorde. 400 Lux is not only my favourite Lorde song but it’s also one of my favourites on this list. Lorde is 17 so I can relate to her lyrics more than other love songs. This track portrays teenage love well; a teenager in love and how she enjoys wasting time with a guy just driving. As a 20-year-old wishing she was still a teenager and not wanting to grow up, that feeling of teen love is familiar.
XO – Beyoncé. This Beyoncé single is this year’s pop firework that is going to be the soundtrack to many romantic situations. The Queen of pop is expected to make an appearance on most music lists this year so I couldn’t leave her out of my Valentines Mixtape.
If It’s Love – Train. Lead singer Pat Monahan sings about the worries of love and commitment which is something you don’t hear in tracks like Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing”. Call me odd but I’d rather be told someone was afraid to love me than implying they watch me in my sleep.
Without You – Busted. I can never resist a boy band so at the age of 20 I am not ashamed to admit Busted will always have a place in my heart. Therefore, they would have to feature on my mixtape. Does anyone else feel like Charlie Simpson was singing the lyrics solely towards you?
Further Than Feelings – Joel Baker. Joel sounds a lot like a cross between early John Mayer and recent Maverick Sabre. Listening to his songs you wouldn’t assume his main influences include Drake and Kanye West. Taking from them the realness and honesty they put into a song, he describes his style as ‘Soulish Folk’. ‘Further Than Feelings’ is an upbeat track; the lyrics are about taking the next step in a relationship and his longing for something real with someone. A desire most 20 somethings, including myself have.
I Love You More Than You Think – Rizzle Kicks. Known for the cheeky pop songs like ‘Down With The Trumpets’ and ‘Mamma Do The Hump’, these aren’t a double act you’d expect to see on a loving mixtape. Jamie Cullum’s vocals are added into the mix on this track and they blend well with the quirky nature that Rizzle Kicks portray. A lot of love songs are full of cheesy lines but this track doesn’t sugar-coat love hence why it makes my Top 11.
You And Me – Lifehouse. This song is from their third album where they decided to take a slightly different approach. The lyrics are simple, easy to follow and compliment the acoustic guitar and strings. This track is included in this list because when I was young and foolish, it was one of of those songs I imagined slow dancing to at my wedding.
Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys. With lyrics like “Baby, I’m yours and I’ll be yours until the sun no longer shines,” this Barbra Lewis cover makes the list. After all, I needed at least one song with cheesy lyrics.
Toothpaste Kisses – The Maccabees. Whenever I hear this I picture ‘Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging’; I am back watching the loved up teens skip down the promenade. It is the perfect scene to end any love story that believes it’s heading towards their happily ever after and so I think it’s the perfect way to end my personal mixtape.
Despite this guide to my perfect mix tape, I probably won’t be receiving my own personal compilation CD, so my Valentines’ playlist will consist of ‘Lonely’ by Akon on repeat.
Happy Valentine’s Day x
Words and mixtape by Kirstie Newman
