WAMH Radio x The Student: 14 Love Songs

1. “This Modern Love” by Bloc Party

Starting us off strong is a lovelorn song by British rock band Bloc Party off their 2005 debut album, “Silent Alarm.” Kele Okereke’s lyrics — “What are you holding out for? What’s always in the way? … Do you wanna come over and kill some time?”— capture the sometimes frustrating dance of “modern love.”

2. “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder

A sensationally soulful track by the legend himself. It builds and builds until it reaches its groovy climax, with Wonder declaring, “Come on, let’s fall in love!” The romance that Wonder sings about here is unconditional, joyful, and long awaited. It’s the perfect outro to a perfect record (“Talking Book”).

3. “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The sleeper smash hit by New York alt-rock titans Yeah Yeah Yeahs is an ode to a lost love, featuring iconic frontwoman Karen O’s vocals backed by a thumping drumbeat and noisy guitar. You’ve probably heard its viral hook somewhere (“Wait — they don’t love you like I love you”), but that alone doesn’t do it justice.

4. “A House In Nebraska” by Ethel Cain

This extraordinary ballad still floors me every time I hear it. Though there are many  incredible songs on Ethel Cain’s Southern Gothic concept album “Preacher’s Daughter,” this one is the highlight. Listening to it is like watching a doomed romance unfold before your eyes, as Cain’s gorgeous voice swells with regret and longing. Also, that guitar solo …

5. “Godspeed” by Frank Ocean

A stunning slow burn from the acclaimed album “Blonde,” this song features minimal instrumentation, letting Frank Ocean’s emotional voice soar. Sometimes the simplest words are the most moving: “I will always love you, how I do … I will always be there for you, how I do.”

6. “Suck It and See” by Arctic Monkeys

“Your love is like a studded leather headlock / Your kiss, it could put creases in the rain / You’re rarer than a can of dandelion and burdock / And those other girls are just postmix lemonade.” In my opinion, this is some of Alex Turner’s finest (and most British) lyricism (“dandelion and burdock” refers to a type of rare British soda). In these lines, and throughout the song, Turner reflects on how love can become obsessive, singing: “Be cruel to me, cause I’m a fool for you.”

7. “Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space” by Spiritualized

Go listen to this song. Right now. I’m serious, pull it up and listen right now. Are you listening? Good, so am I. OK, I love this song because … wait, why am I crying?

8. “Love in the Time of Socialism” by Yellow House

This beautiful song from South African artist Emile Van Dango’s project, Yellow House, features a wistful guitar part and tells the story of a young man who yearns to experience the world. But all his dreams, from being “an artist’s muse in London” to becoming one of the “revolutionaries in Cuba,” mean nothing without his love there to share them.

9. “Ode To My Family” by The Cranberries

Valentine’s Day may be thought of mainly as a celebration of romantic love, but other forms of love are just as, if not more, important! This song by the Cranberries is a nostalgic and melancholic remembrance of childhood, as singer Dolores O’Riordan (may she rest in peace) reflects on the sweet innocence and love of family. “‘Cause we were raised / To see life as fun and take it if we can.”

10. “Instant Crush” by Daft Punk ft. Julian Casablancas

A dream collaboration between two of my favorite artists of all time, marrying the best of Daft Punk’s electronic wizardry with the finest lyricism of The Strokes. It’s a bit slower and more contemplative than typical Daft Punk fare, but still an eminently danceable and delicious track. Julian’s falsetto sings the sad (and relatable) story of crushing on someone who doesn’t want you back, never knowing if you can be friends or something more.

11. “Bodys” by Car Seat Headrest

This high-tempo indie track tells a heartfelt tale of queer love and lust, along with the fear of that love falling apart. Interestingly, there are actually two distinct versions of this song (and its album “Twin Fantasy”). One was originally recorded (and released!) solo by Will Toledo in 2011, lending it a more lo-fi feel, while the other was re-recorded in 2018 with a full band in a professional studio. Both are excellent, so give ’em a listen!

12. “Foldin Clothes” by J. Cole

This Valentine’s Day season, listen to J. Cole’s sage advice and remember that the small things in love (and life) go a long way. Over a bumping baseline, J. Cole expresses his devotion to his pregnant wife, Melissa: “I wanna fold clothes for you! I wanna make you feel good!”

13. “Sea of Love” by Cat Power

Cat Power’s song on “The Covers Record” (originally recorded by Phil Phillips) is slow, acoustic, and lovely. It’s well known for its appearance in the soundtrack of “Juno,” a wonderfully sweet movie about young love.

14. “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem

Simply one of the greatest songs ever written, an eight-minute anthem about missing friends, failed loves, and all the mistakes and moments that make us human. The frantic piano line pairs perfectly with James Murphy’s poetic delivery. When Murphy repeats the desperate refrain, “If I could see all my friends tonight!” at the end, he implores us to reach out and cherish our time with each other while we still can.