Whether you're planning on celebrating this Valentine's Day by bringing sexy back or just engaging in some hardcore hand-holding, it never hurts and can help in a lot of ways to have some mood-setting musical ambience as you spend some quality time with your significant other. Just whatever you do, resist the urge to emulate Justin Timberlake and his three-step plan for romantic gift giving. Cutting holes in boxes should be left to the professionals. Instead, here are some tunes to throw on the old LovePod and help turn your campus pad into a "Love Shack."
"All My Life" - K-CI and JoJo
Shades of middle school, anyone? Gentlemen, remember those awkward days of middle school dances, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with your date while simultaneously keeping your hands from sliding down from the small of her back while also leaving room for the Holy Spirit betwixt the two of you? This Valentine's Day, hearken back to that era of dance-ending slow songs. Of these, without a doubt, K-CI and JoJo's masterpiece remains the defining example of an era. Slow-dancing is optional.
"Crash" - Dave Matthews Band
This song was practically made for pulling off the old "yawn and stretch" routine. Just try to resist the urge to pull out a lighter and start singing along.
"Let's Get It On" - Marvin Gaye
Depending on your position in your relationship, this one is either for the somewhat less-than-serious or for the very serious. Either way, a little Marvin is great for at least a laugh or two, or perhaps something more, DuLac or no DuLac.
"Truly Madly Deeply" - Savage Garden
Again dipping back into the well of middle school-esque pop-culture, Savage Garden's intense use of adverbs and nature-themed lyrics ("I wanna stand with you on a mountain / I wanna bathe with you in the sea") go a long way towards planting the seed of passionate romance between you and your special person.
"My Girl" - The Temptations
This is a good one to use if you're going for the cute and sweet approach. Used in conjunction with a scenic stroll around the lakes and some liberal use of Flex Points at Starbucks, your would-be significant other won't know what hit them. They definitely will not be able to resist the "temptation."
"L.O.V.E." - Frank Sinatra
It just doesn't get much more classy than Mr. Sinatra, does it? Feel free to throw on this classic if you're taking your lady to a classy venue for a candlelit dinner, such as escorting your date arm in arm to Flank Steak night at North Dining Hall.
"You're Beautiful" - James Blunt
Seems crazy, doesn't it? Yet the proof of this straightforward track by the appropriately named Mr. Blunt lies in the pudding. Despite its somewhat stalkerish lyrics and JB's ridiculous falsetto, his results can't be denied - after recording this smash hit, Blunt went on to date the professionally hot Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Petra Nemcova. Please don't try to match him pitch-for-pitch, however, as that will only end badly for you.
"Melt With You" - Modern English
This '80s-sounding track is a great feel-good jam and the perfect song to pop in the old player as you and your lover defrost after braving campus hazards such as frozen tundra and broken gas mains. As Modern English sings, "the future's open wide" for you if you play this gem.
"You Look Wonderful Tonight" - Eric Clapton
In addition to just plain being something nice to say to your Valentine's Day date, this Clapton classic was made for intimate moments. You could say it with candy and superhero-themed valentines, but sometimes you just have to trust in Eric C's soothing melodies and soulful guitar strums.
"Unchained Melody" - The Righteous Brothers
You're probably thinking this one is the black sheep of the family here, but give it a try. This old-school doo-wop has survived the test of time and has allowed multiple generations of V-Day Casanovas to "get righteous" with their lucky ladies.
Contact Tae Andrews at tandrew1@nd.edu
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
