A&E

Love You Like a Love Song

Note: This article is hosted here for archival purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the values of the Iron Warrior or Waterloo Engineering Society in the present day.

This week, instead of writing about one specific album, I decided to combine three things I really enjoy: music, lists, and cheesy romantic gestures. Since Valentine’s Day is approaching and my girlfriend suggested I write an article in honour of it, I thought it would be a good time to discuss the love song. The theme of love, in some form, is probably the most common theme in music now and forever. However, not all songs containing the theme of love can be considered love songs. There are songs that deal with the absence of love, searching for love, and falling out of love; but none of these songs are love songs in the purest sense. A true love song is one that is able to project a feeling of emotional attachment onto the listener; a sense of happiness that can only come from being fully in love. It’s a song that makes you feel giddy, and leaves a warm glow even after it’s finished. So without further preamble, I’ve chosen five songs, all released in the last 5 years, which I believe best capture that feeling.

Beyoncé – 1+1

In concert, Beyoncé performs this song alone on stage, in a sparkly blue jumpsuit. Halfway through the song, a cable lifts her off the ground and carries her to a separate stage, where she finishes the song lying on top of a grand piano. If the performance were to be described in one word, “grandiose” seems fitting. However, the performance pales in comparison to the actual song. Freshly married to Jay-Z and using that emotional milestone as a springboard, Beyoncé extolls the virtues of monogamy over flowing synths and keyboards. She may not know much about algebra, but she certainly knows how to craft a stunning love song.

Miguel – Adorn

“Adorn” is seduction under the guise of music. Miguel’s take on airy RnB is in its purest form in this song, which finds Miguel lovestruck and confident at the prospect of new love. Each line could double as a wedding vow, a statement of absolute trust: “Baby these fists/will always protect you/And this mind/will never neglect you.” The joy of “Adorn” is palpable and infectious, and will leave you smiling for a long time.

Disclosure ft. Sam Smith – Latch

“Latch” has to be a contender for hugest song ever, right? Sam Smith does a wonderful job alternating between crooned verses and absolutely massive, blow-off-the-rafters choruses while discussing the wild-eyed feeling of finding someone so perfect you never want to leave their side. Musically, Disclosure streamlines their modern house sound to craft a timeless pop song. Plus, “Latch” is a frontrunner for chorus you know you can’t sing but do anyway, which is icing on the cake of this perfect song.

Rhye – Open

Rhye is a duo made up of two men, one instrumentalist and one vocalist. But upon listening to “Open,” you’d be forgiven if you didn’t believe that was the case. “Open” is awash in lovely androgyny, with singer Milosh’s voice fluttering in a genderless alto region. But hidden behind the breezy vocals is true emotional heft. Milosh is concise with his lyrics, but each one reads like a riddle at which we can only guess at an answer: “I wanna make this play/Oh I know you’re faded/But stay, don’t close your hands.” “Open” is a gentle whisper in your ear from someone who you can’t bear to let go.

Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna – We Found Love

“We Found Love” is all about the feeling that results when a song is sung with such conviction that it doesn’t really matter what the lyrics say. Calvin Harris provides a backdrop of stabbing synths and swirling builds for Rihanna to just belt overtop of. And belt she does, using only a select few lyrics to convey maximum emotion. This is action-movie romance in song form, with the hero overcoming incredible odds and still managing to get the girl (or boy). It’s overwhelming, sure, but isn’t that what love’s supposed to feel like?

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