KEEPING YOU COMPANY: A PLAYLIST

BY NADIA ROMPAS

VALENTINE’S DAY. IT is traditionally an occasion for lovers to express their affection for one another through flowers, chocolates, and greeting cards. With all traditions, some dread it, others embrace it, and many feel indifferent about it. But at its core, the holiday is a reminder that love is a common feeling that humans look for to spark up their lives, whether it is received from family, friends, or a romantic partner. But romantic love, in particular, is harder to attain and more emotionally messy to let go of.

So, I still wanted to make a playlist covering a few types and associations of a romantic relationship. While some songs capture the overflowing raw, tender moments of being in love, other songs focus on polyamory, lust, and heartache. The tracks are categorized by relationship status. I know, not the most original idea, but it gets the point across; to cater to your current situation and keep your full, content, or broken heart in sonic company.

In Love: “Downtown”

By Majical Cloudz

I sent this song to my best friend when she started falling in love. “I’m on the floor and crying with this playing on repeat,” she said, adding a bunch of crying emojis. Composed of Matthew Otto’s minimalistic, soft-sounding synths paired with Devon Walsh’s heartfelt lyrics, the authoritative vocals add emotional depth to the simple lyrics. Thus, creating a melting feeling as Walsh sings, “Nothing you say will ever be wrong ‘cause it just feels good being in your arms.”

In a Polyamorous Relationship: “Multi-Love”

By Unknown Mortal Orchestra

While the song title is self-explanatory, lead singer -guitarist Ruben Nielson makes it crystal clear in the chorus, saying, “Multi-Love has got me on my knee. We were one, then become three.” Sharing his personal experience with his wife and another lover, Nielson’s interviews in addition to the track challenge the taboo subject of polyamory and represent an alternative manifestation of love.

In a State of Heartache or Emptiness:

“Hellhole Ratrace”

By Girls

Get your wine ready. Christopher Owen’s shameless confession about finding companionship will satisfy and comfort your tears. Initially accompanied by a piercing acoustic guitar, the epic tune later intensifies with a vast soundscape including electric guitars and soaring high-pitched melodies.

In a Hunt for Eye-candy:

“Aqua Profunda!”

By Courtney Barnett

In this short, two-minute number, Barnett describes her crush on a stranger at a public swimming pool. And let’s face it, daydreaming about being with a stranger we find attractive and subtly trying to impress them is fun. This playfulness comes across in the song through the uplifting beat, lively guitar riffs, and comically relatable lyrics.

In a Stable Relationship: “Still Together”

By Mac Demarco

Think you’ve found “The One”? Well, aren’t you lucky? Reflect on your happy relationship with Mac DeMarco and his slacker-style acoustic guitar playing. Find your loved one, wrap your arms around them, and dissonantly serenade them because “it’s easy love, fits like a glove.”