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In the editor’s rotation: Songs for those going through it on Valentine’s Day

Culture Editor Chloe Southard has some songs that are the antithesis of Valentine's Day
Culture Editor Chloe Southard has some songs that are the antithesis of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday.

No, I don’t care about your opinions on it. I don’t want to hear that it was invented by corporations to sell cards and candy, yada yada yada. And don’t give me the “I don’t need one day for love when I can love every day” crap, either. I know a majority of y’all aren’t actually spending every day loving. 

That aside, maybe you have valid reasoning for disliking the holiday. Maybe you’re going through a breakup; maybe you’re spending it alone.

Don’t worry — I see you. For this week, I’d like to give you some songs that are the antithesis of Valentine’s Day. Consider it a little gift from me to you.

May these songs bring you some catharsis.

‘THE GREATEST’ — Billie Eilish

The first time I heard this song, I felt physical pain. This is, in my opinion, Eilish’s greatest (no pun intended) work. The songwriting is phenomenal, the vocals are giving — it’s just perfect.

For the full effect, scream along to the bridge — it will heal something in you.

‘Oh Well’ and ‘Shadowboxer’ — Fiona Apple

Apple is one of the best songwriters of all time, and plenty of her songs could work on this list, but “Oh Well” and “Shadowboxer” are some of my favorites and some of the most hard-hitting. If you’re feeling extra angsty, these tracks are perfect.

‘You Oughta Know’ — Alanis Morissette

No one writes female rage like Morissette. This is one of the most iconic breakup songs of all time, and for good reason. If you’re feeling particularly angry on Valentine’s Day, maybe treat yourself to a rage room and this song.

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‘Two Slow Dancers’ — Mitski

This one is perfect for wallowing in your pain. It’s OK – let those ugly sobs out, scream into your pillow and maybe cry until you throw up. At least your misery will look somewhat cinematic with this song playing in the background.

‘Knew You Well’ — Art Lown

I’m not going to lie, when I first heard this song, I thought it was recorded in the ’60s or ’70s. Imagine my shock when I learned that it came out in 2021. That aside, this is a sweet but melancholic song about reminiscing — very fitting, yes?

‘Vampire Empire’ — Big Thief

This one went platinum on TikTok. The lyrics just hit so hard, and the way in which lead singer Adrianne Lenker sings them makes the song even more impactful. The demo version of this track is also just as excellent.

‘Coffee’ — Chappell Roan

“Coffee” is perhaps one of the most underrated tracks on Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” A moodier, more toned down song, the lyrics are confessional and real. Too many people are sleeping on this one or unjustly hating it.

‘Cinnamon Girl’ and ‘Pretty When You Cry’ — Lana Del Rey

So many of Del Rey’s songs could work on this playlist, but these ones were the first that came to my mind. “Cinnamon Girl,” for obvious reasons, but “Pretty When You Cry” because it serves as a reminder that it’s OK to feel sad, angry and lost, because you’re still pretty when you cry.

‘Fade Into You’ — Mazzy Star

Too many people have wrongfully mistaken this song as a love song. Have you not read the lyrics? Have you no reading comprehension skills?

This is not a love song. This song is painful yearning, this song is unrequited love. There’s a big difference.

For those who play this song at their wedding or make TikToks of your partner to it, allow me to quote Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”: Big mistake. Big. Huge.

‘Storms’ — Fleetwood Mac

I know, “Silver Springs” is the breakup song that automatically comes to mind when you think of Fleetwood Mac. But this one is underrated and meaningful. It’s soft and quiet but emotional — simply perfect.

‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ — ABBA

In my last playlist, I mentioned that everyone is missing out on how ABBA writes about breakups. I stand by that, and I’m going to continue to push the ABBA heartbreak agenda.

‘China’ — Tori Amos

This ballad nearly brings me to my knees every time I hear it. Amos’s vocals are beautiful and painful; you can hear the hurt in her voice. Not enough people talk about Amos when discussing other prominent, alternative female artists from the ’90s like Morissette, Apple, PJ Harvey and more.

‘Underdressed at the Symphony’ — Faye Webster

If you’re feeling contemplative or the urge to sulk, this song is the one for you. Honestly, the entire record in which this track appears on (and is titled after) fits the vibe of this playlist.

‘Waiting Room’ and ‘Moon Song’ — Phoebe Bridgers

I know, both of these songs are TikTok classics, especially “Moon Song,” but they are simply gut-wrenching, and I couldn’t leave them out.

‘cellophane’ — FKA twigs

I’m sorry.

@_chloebowie_

southacr@miamioh.edu

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