Rock the romance!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we are about to be bombarded with cheesy romantic balloons, bouquets, and cards and lovey-dovey music. Music is often used during the love month to stir up love in the air and induce emotions of happiness and giddiness when you’re with your special someone. To combat corniness and actually seem more cook on Valentines’ Day, go the rock route and blast some of the best classic rock tunes to set the mood. People forget that most classic rock songs are actually about heartfelt love, so this is the perfect time to remind them. Besides, it only happens once a year. Check out the Top 10 Classic Rock songs you can play on Valentines Day and let the love begin!
“I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
This 1984 number one hit from Foreigner is always a favorite during Valentines Day. The soft rock ballad strikes a chord with fans and lovers around the world. Written by guitarist Mich Jones from a bout if insomnia, the lyrics and music invokes feelings of inspiration and strengthening the relationship between two people, with one willing to learn love from the other. It’s arguable the song the band is best known for. The song escalates into an epic gospel choir background as well, featuring the New Jersey Mass Choir, Jennifer Holiday, and the Thompson Twins.
“Baby I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton
Let’s take things back to the 70s when lyrics of classic rock ballads bring a sense of nostalgia to those tight-fit bell bottom jeans and bright-colored polyester tops. Peter Frampton’s 1975 hit “Baby I Love Your Way” surely brings back those memories. It’s a perfect tune for a romantic night with your special someone (or even just by yourself, shout out to the single folks!). Or even more perfect to take things to a higher level by professing your love to the person that you want to be with…night and day.
“Love Will Keep Us Alive” by Eagles
Who wouldn’t feel the butterflies from Eagles’ soft rock classic “Love Will Keep Us Alive?” While this song isn’t really the greatest or most popular Eagles song (in fact it was never even released as a proper single in the US), it’s still a must-have on your Valentine’s Day playlist. It’s a warm, intimate, vow of devoted love that will sure bring out all the giddy feelings that come with Valentine’s Day. This song dominated many charts as it has dominated many hearts over the years. Now light those scented candles and open your box of chocolates and play this classic softly as you slow dance the night away.
“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
Written for his wife Patty Boyd (from which he dramatically “snatched” from his good ol’ friend and one of the four Beatles Geroge Harrison, but that’s a different story), Eric Clapton has written one of the most endearing rock love ballads of all time. The guitar legend wrote the song in 1977 and sang it on stage to Miss Boyd just one day after they got married on March 18, 1979. The hit single took 14 years to get released after it was written.
This heartfelt ballad is only one of many songs about Patty Boyd written by Clapton and only one of the many Valentines Day – appropriate songs he has on his extensive discography. The soulful music and his always impeccable musicality hits the core even of those who have given up on love. This song is a staple on classic rock radio not just on Valentine’s Day. It’s also widely used in weddings during the bride and groom’s first dance. Take a listen again and get ready for the flood of emotions to come after.
“Bed Of Roses” by Bon Jovi
Bed of roses. Can any other three-word title describe Valentine’s Day the best? Okay so maybe at some point in the song Bon Jovi was singing about a mistress, but that’s not the point. The point is that when you play this song, you’d want to go out to the nearest flowers shop and buy out all the roses they have to form a bed, light some candles, set the mood. Of course, that’s not always possible, but Bon Jovi’s heartfelt singing already makes it possible in our fantasies. This power ballad is worldwide hit anyways and has inspired many a lover to step the Valentine game, so get ready to dream of being laid down on a bed of roses while being serenaded to on Valentine’s Day.
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
No other love song gives out a message of “you-and-me-against-the-world” than Jefferson Airplane’s third incarnation Starship’s 1987 hit, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”. The upbeat song exudes all positivity and hope for a loving relationship overcoming whatever comes their way. This song was recorded as the theme song for the movie, Mannequin, and ended up scoring a #1 hit in the process. The song was the biggest hit for any version of the group be it Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. This song was actually based on song writer Albert Hammond’s experience marrying his longtime girlfriend after a messy divorce from his first wife. Well let’s just hope “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” inspires to strengthen relationships and not destroy them.
“You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago
Where else can you get more inspired than with this hit soft rock love song Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration”. This song was originally written by Peter Cetera and David Foster for Kenny Rogers, but it ended up instead on Chicago’s 17th studio album, Chicago 17. It was also Cetera’s last recording with the band. It also helps that the music video for the song had another inspiration: a cameo appearance by actor Matt Dillon. If you want to win the heart of that special someone of yours and find the meaning in your life at the same time, this tune is definitely up your alley.
“One Way or Another” – Blondie
Okay so this one may come off a little bit creepy, but if you’re determined to get love and you’re careful not to be stalker-y, it might just be perfect for Valentine’s Day. This is the soundtrack to anything that has got to do undeterred determination to get what you want the most. Stalker and creeper tendencies aside, this is a good song to dance and laugh to with its catchy and fun tune during the most cheesy lovey corny day of the year.
“Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
This love song is definitely one of the finest love songs of the century. That is according to English poet and musicologist Brian Hinton, and who wouldn’t agree with that. Originally performed by Van Morrison but was made popular by Rod Stewart, “Have I Told You Lately?”. Hinton added ‘ I remember devastated me when I first heard it, as it seemed both something never quite said before, and yet a song I felt I had known forever. Earthly love transmutes into that for God, just like in Dante, ‘there’s a love that’s divine and it’s yours and it’s mine.’ And it is divine! If your lover sings you this timeless song on Valentine’s Day or any day for that matter, they you are up for a treat of blushing joy.
“Angel” by Aerosmith
Valentine’s Day is all about cupid and cute cherubs, so what other song would be better for this day than Aerosmith’s “Angel”? While it’s not “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing”, Steven Tyler croons this ballad like a pro and made this song a hit, and became was one of the band’s highest charting singles. Steven Tyler collaborated with songwriter Desmond Child on this ballad, and while the song is a sexy romantic one that talks about love in desperation, the song about a guy who is still hung up on his ex. No matter what it’s really about, once “Angel” is on your playlist, you’re sure to have a tender moment with Steven Tyler serenading throughout Valentine’s Day.