10 Great Love Songs

Yes it's that time of year once again. Valentine's Day. Whether you're on board with it's themes of romance or think it should be abolished for it's greedy commercialization of one of man's purest emotions, there is no avoiding it. And while I won't be spending it with anyone in particular, i'm sure there are those out there who may need a hand finding a soundtrack for your special night. Jonny's got you covered. 10 Great Love Songs.

1. Joseph Arthur - "Honey & The Moon"

Kick it off with a sweet acoustic ditty. This one sounds like Arthur just had a realization one day, picked up his guitar and let it flow through him. It's got some great lyrics like "If you weren't real I'd make you up...now" and "You're the honey and the moon that lights up my night" Solid.

2. Nick Drake - "Northern Sky"

I feel I haven't really talked about Nick Drake that much on this blog. He's been very influential and meaningful to me, and to be honest...i fear my words wouldn't do his impact on this music world during his short time on this earth justice. "Northern Sky" is a great example of his brilliance. Though most of his songs were a darker reflection of his mental state in 2005 NME called "Northern Sky" the greatest English love song of modern times.

3. Alicia Keys - "No One"

I always dreamt that some day some beautiful woman would write a song like this about me. I have a soft spot for female musicians that sing and play the piano, not quite sure why that is. This song is a great testament to having that one person no matter how many factors or adversaries try to stand between you. Trust. Faith. Love.

4. Dave Matthews Band - "Crush"

Another one of my favourites that hasn't gotten much attention on Void Drops. I hate the stigma that the Dave Matthews Band has gotten of being only for college kids and stoners. I think most people are intimidated by their diverse instruments and length of their songs. "Crush" comes in at 8 minutes and 8 seconds, and Dave admits that he wrote it with his wife on his mind. Crash seems to get most of the attention as DMB's greatest album, but I think Before These Crowded Streets edges it out slightly with masterfully crafted songs such as "Crush".

5. U2 - "All I Want Is You"

The eighties were known for it's over the top, highly produced ballads proclaiming everlasting love. Artists like Peter Cetera, Chris DeBurgh and Kenny Loggins made good careers out of the theme. U2 went the opposite way with this gem. Flying so low under the radar it usually gets forgotten when talking about the great U2 singles. "All I Want Is You" has a certain stillness...reminiscent of the chills and short,quick breaths one takes when seeing that one person that you burn so painfully for. It's desire...I pity anyone who has never felt that. Hopelessness and excitement going to war on the fringes of your brain as your body is powerless to react. Amazing.

6. Damien Rice - "Cannonball"

This was once my song. It will always remind me of someone. In fact i'm not sure theres much I could write about this song...the lyrics kind of speak for themselves. Damien Rice has many great songs to pick from for a list like this "Delicate", "The Blower's Daughter", "Cheers Darlin'" but this one is my favourite...for the memories that flood my mind upon hearing the opening guitar riffs.

7. Peter Gabriel - "In Your Eyes"

This one is almost an automatic add. Especially with it's involvement in a pivotal scene in the romantic 80's movie "Say Anything". I will say that people's eyes tell you almost anything you need to know about somebody. At the end of the day, sometimes you don't need words. Just look in their eyes.

8. Bruno Mars - "Marry You"

I know. Odd right? I first heard this one in Iceland and brushed it off as another 'Bruno Mars' song. It got stuck in my head though...a silly little love song, which sometimes, are just as important and meaningful as those about love everlasting. It comes in all styles.

9.  Method Man - "You're All I Need To Get By" feat. Mary J. Blige

Love doesn't care what kind of music you play or what your reputation is. It will find you. Method Man was known as one of the masterminds behind the gangsta rap group Wu-Tang Clan. This song was featured on his solo 1995 album Tical, and it showed his soft side and his lyrical genius. Mary J. Blige added a "thug-love" vibe with her perfect delivery of the chorus.

10. Ryan Adams - "Desire"

One of the better singer/songwriters active right now is Ryan Adams...no not Bryan Adams. Ryan is from North Carolina. "Desire" is a straight forward song about loving one single person. It's short and sweet and you'll know it complete. A great way to finish off the list and kick off Valentine's Day.

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JZ