Madonna’s fizzy 1989 smash sounds playful, but its lyrics about dropping one’s guard and being ready for a real love are anything but. Key lyric: “I want to stop/Silly little games you and me play/And I am feeling right on/If you feel the same way, baby” If you’re tired of games and just want to fully open your heart to someone: Madonna, “Cherish” This stretched-out soul jam from D’Angelo’s 2000 album Voodoo has a powerhouse vocal from the soul master and a slow-burning groove that will heat up any room. Key lyric: “I didn’t want to pressure you, baby/But all I ever wanted to do/I wanna be your lover” If you’re ready to finally make a move: D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” Prince’s 1979 hit channels his pent-up frustration through jittery funk guitars, which only heighten the urgency of his plea. Key lyric: “I’m sick of love/I’m in the thick of it/This kind of love/I’m so sick of it” If you’re trying to send signals to a person you’re into: Prince, “I Wanna Be Your Lover”
This track from Bob Dylan’s acclaimed 1997 album Time Out of Mind flips the idea of being “lovesick” into a brooding, jittery meditation on being constantly reminded of the heart’s wounds.
Key lyric: “Boss up and change your life/You can have it all, no sacrifice/I know he did you wrong, we can make it right/So go and let it all hang out tonight” If you’re over the whole thing and can’t wait for February 15 and half-price candy to arrive: Bob Dylan, “Love Sick” Lizzo’s mission to uplift her listeners from any and all doldrums is clear on this 2016 single–turned–2019 hit, which is part motivational speech, part gospel-pop anthem. Key lyric: “Nothing’s perfect but it’s worth it/After fighting through my tears and finally you put me first” If you’re dusting yourself off after a breakup: Lizzo, “Good as Hell” If you want to celebrate your partner agreeing to settle down after a long period of “maybe”-ing: Beyonce, “Love on Top”īeyoncé threw back to the era of New Edition and Whitney Houston with this joyful song, which uses key changes to heighten its ecstatic feel. Whether you’re basking in light of a new crush, celebrating the anniversary of a first date, or wallowing in heartbreak, Rolling Stone has the playlist for you this Valentine’s Day. “Making a playlist is a delicate art,” as High Fidelity‘s Rob ( Zoe Kravitz) would say.