
Whether or not you celebrate, whether you find it sweet or mawkish, Valentine’s Day is good for one thing — grand, sweeping declarations of love.
Every year as Feb. 14 approaches, many significant others consistently try (to varying degrees) to turn their love lives into a scene from their favorite romantic comedies. Whether they’re channeling Heath Ledger from 10 Things I Hate About You to perform Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” with a full marching band, or evoking the spirit of Say Anything’s John Cusack for a simpler, boombox-assisted rendition of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” Valentine’s Day is the day to tell your partner — and everyone else in their general vicinity — just how much you fancy them.
Naturally, the catalyst for many a romcom romantic gesture is the music that accompanies it. Some love songs are just naturally thought of in moments like this — Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Beyoncé’s “Love on Top,” Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and John Legend’s “All of Me” come to mind as perfect soundtracks for Valentine’s Day romanticism.
But what about artists from the LGBTQ community? In the extensive history of romcoms, queer folks don’t usually get to have their voices represented when it comes to the saccharine storytelling genre — so why not show your support by tracklisting your Valentine’s Day with songs from a community that often finds itself left out of the proceedings?
Below, Billboard lists 20 loves songs performed by LGBTQ artist for you to jam out to this Valentine’s Day.
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VINCINT, “Marrow”
The pop vocalist said that this song is like telling someone “I love you despite your faults, despite everything else, and I feel you even when we’re not in the same room.” It’s a vocal powerhouse that deftly glides from smooth R&B to an almost gospel-like chorus. This song is guaranteed to give you that loving feeling.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Perfume Genius, "Alan"
This quiet, raw ballad from Mike Hadreas of Perfume Genius is an ode to the singer’s longtime boyfriend, Alan Wyffels. In not so many words, but in oh-so-many emotions, Hadreas conveys the sort of subtle, deep love that anyone who has ever been in a serious relationship understands.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Fletcher feat. Hayley Kiyoko, “Cherry”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Take two queer women at the top of their game, put them on a deliciously entertaining pop song together, and you’ll get “Cherry,” the sugar-sweet, lovestruck pop gem courtesy of Fletcher and Hayley Kiyoko. Narrating a tale of two women meeting, falling for each other and getting right down to business, “Cherry” will assuredly brighten up your V-Day celebrations with some much-needed fun.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Girl in Red, “We Fell In Love In October”
Perhaps Girl in Red’s most notorious track, “We Fell In Love In October” revels in its overt sweetness. Following the singer-songwriter as she settles into a love for her partner that finally feels easy, the song brims with romantic imagery and beautiful songwriting, making “We Fell In Love In October” an instant classic in Girl in Red’s musical pantheon.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Kehlani, "Honey"
The soulful artist’s hit song is a slow, sultry acoustic number sung to her lover. The song’s lyrics, detailing a cautious giving in to one’s own strong feelings of infatuation, are the cherry on top of this tender ode to loving someone new.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Serpentwithfeet, “Same Shoe Size”
Opposites might attract, but Serpentwithfeet proves that sometimes, similarity is just as comforting. “Same Shoe Size” serves as a dedication to the trust, understanding and affinity that comes with healthy relationships, where the singer lets his lover know that their friendship is what keeps them together.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Superfruit, “Worth It (Perfect)”
The dynamic pop duo of Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi sing about a love so good that they’re willing to go through just about anything to preserve it. With heavy synth complementing the shimmering vocals of the two Pentatonix members, this song is the perfect love letter to that special someone this Valentine’s Day.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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MUNA feat. Phoebe Bridgers, “Silk Chiffon”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Describing love through textural sensations may not be brand new, but it feels revolutionary when MUNA and Phoebe Bridgers do it. “Silk Chiffon,” their blissful ode to queer love, sees the indie-pop stars embracing the euphoria of finding someone who you never want to be without — or as they put it, is “soft like silk chiffon.”
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Cub Sport, "Look After Me"
In this alt pop slow jam, lead singer Tim Nelson croons about his lover who puts up with him even when he’s in his worst state. Want to thank your partner for being there for you even when you’re a mess? Go ahead and send them this song.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Parson James, “Only You”
While Parson James will tell you that this song is about a difficult breakup, listening to the lyrics makes you feel something much different. This emotional ballad explores complex feelings in a relationship where one partner simply needs the other to feel whole again. Plus, James’ music video for this song was a lovely tribute to love featuring a transgender model, so it certainly deserves your attention.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Mary Lambert, "Love Is Love"
The songstress featured her own mother, Mary Kay Lambert, on this understated love ballad about finding a deep, healing love in the face of adversity. “See how love binds our broken wings/ And lost hearts find a home,” she coos on this stunning song.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Darren Hayes, "Let's Try Being In Love"
Not all love songs need to be schmaltzy ballads espousing the beauty of romance — as Darren Hayes proves on “Let’s Try Being In Love,” they can also be club-thumping, dance-pop bangers. This sweltering, swaggering single refuses to take itself too seriously, as Hayes beckons the listener into his personal orbit, asking them to join him for a trip into the rocky waters of passionate affection.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Kelela, "Blue Light"
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo On an album (2017’s Take Me Apart) surrounded by songs about moving on from breakups, this steamy, sexy alternative R&B jam tells of a woman letting her guard down to allow herself to love her partner fully. Kelela’s vocals alone on this track will make you feel love again.
Listen to it one Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Troye Sivan, "My My My!
Troye Sivan’s exuberant “My My My!” finds the often melancholy singer headed to the dancefloor. This synth-pop bop is a true expression of new love and romantic freedom, guaranteed to make you swoon.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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PVRIS, “Anyone Else”
Singer Lynn Gunn pours her heart into the lyrics of this upbeat ode to a lover. The light guitar and heavy drums filling up the background make this a perfect song to dance around to with your significant other.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Morgxn, “xx”
An ethereal, funky song about the euphoric rush of romantic passion, this entry from pink-haired singer morgxn is an excellent assertion of being comfortable with your own sexuality.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Wrabel, “It’s You”
Wrabel’s melodic anthem of love explores how “you” make everything in life more colorful and beautiful. With a proven track-record making songs of support for the LGBTQ community, this song is a perfect fit on any queer Valentine’s Day playlist.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Lil Nas X, “That’s What I Want”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Global superstar Lil Nas X is tired of feeling lonely. On Montero standout “That’s What I Want,” the rapper offers up a list of qualities he’s looking for — a guy who’s down to cuddle, who’s ready for messy arguments, and who’s willing to calm him down when he gets too heated. At the end of the day, he’s after what so many others are: “I want someone to love/ That’s what I f–kin’ want!”
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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Beth Ditto, “Love In Real Life”
While many of the other songs on this list deal in hyperbole, singer-songwriter Beth Ditto’s “Love in Real Life” takes on a more realistic tone — love is hard and frustrating, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. This glittering song is about loving love, even when it isn’t perfect.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube
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LP, "Angels"
“When you’re around, it feels like angels over me.” With the opening line of her chorus, LP quickly establishes just how ecstatic the feeling of being with the right person is. The music of “Angels” only helps bolster her thesis, exalting the singer’s gorgeous voice to even greater heights.
Listen to it on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube