Valentines Day

With love being in the air. I wanted to give a little run down of some of my favourite indie love songs, and maybe a couple of break up anthems in here to. Whether celebrating with someone special, or if you are on your own this year. This is still a brilliant playlist.

Wolf Alice- Don't Delete the Kisses

A love song for the modern age, a tale that takes the listener through all of the stages of love.  'Don’t Delete the Kisses' feels like an anthem for the romantics who still dare to believe. The song captures the essence of modern romance, the hesitation, the self-doubt, and ultimately, the leap of faith it requires to let love into your life.

Its enduring appeal lies in its honesty. Wolf Alice don’t offer a neatly packaged love story with a perfect ending; instead, they present love as it really is, messy, uncertain, but ultimately worth the risk. The happy ending still arrives but the songs narrator is required to let it find her, and experiences all of the trials and tribulations that comes with getting there.

The song has gone on to become of the bands most well loved songs embracing everything that makes the band great. At the time the song was a huge leap forward from what the band had done previously, it's swirling melody, glittering guitars and cinematic feel turned Wolf Alice from indie kids, to vying for the crown to be Britain's best band. 

Peace- Lovesick

Released as the fourth single from their debut album In Love, "Lovesick" is an unapologetic anthem of reckless abandon and, of course, love. The song stands as one of the definitive indie love tracks, its lyrics refreshingly simple and direct, with no room for metaphors. Peace are in love, and they want the world to know.

"Lovesick" carries echoes of the past, notably with a refrain that mirrors The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love." But while that song explored love in its own way, Lovesick speaks to love in the digital age, the era of social media. While still celebrating those timeless, romantic gestures and the pure adoration one feels for the person they’re with.

It's one of the very best indie love songs ever written due to it's simplicity. The song says what it is on the tin, it shows an adoration for the one you are with. With one of the best choruses of the 2010s.  It's one of those songs designed for those communal, shared moments. Whether you're in an indie nightclub in Birmingham, lost in the crowd at a festival field in Leeds, or even sharing a quiet, romantic moment with a partner. The song’s energy and simplicity create an instant connection, transforming any setting into a celebration of love and carefree joy. It’s the kind of track that pulls people together, reminding them of the universal appeal of love no matter the circumstances.

An absolute shoe in for a list like this.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds- If I Had a Gun

Not the most romantic title, Mr Gallagher. Despite it's rather sinister title 'If I Had a Gun' see's the elder Gallagher and his best, and most heartfelt. The song showed a vulnerable side to Noel, that we hadn't seen for a long time. 

Released as part of his first self titled solo album. The song is one of raw emotion, with a  a wistful, almost regretful tone, with lyrics that paint a picture of unfulfilled love and deep yearning. Lines like “If I had a gun, I'd shoot a hole into the sun, and love would burn this city down for you” showcase Gallagher’s ability to craft grand, poetic imagery while maintaining a deeply personal touch.

The song has gone to become one of Noel's most popular solo songs, and for good reason. Fans felt that they could resonate with it's themes for love, and longing. It marked the start of a new chapter for Noel but also reinforced for many one he is one of the greatest song writers of his generation.

Queen- You're My Best Friend

The song is one of the bands most iconic songs, and one of the first major compassions that was written by John Deacon.  Deacon wrote it for his wife, Veronica Tetzlaff, as an expression of his deep love and appreciation for her. This personal touch adds an authenticity to the song that makes it stand out amidst Queen’s more bombastic hits.

Despite being on an album with 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'God Save the Queen' this song has gone to become one of the most enduring Queen songs.

Musically, 'You’re My Best Friend' is a departure from the harder rock sound that Queen was known for. The song’s bright and warm feel is largely due to the Wurlitzer electric piano, which Deacon played himself.

Upon its release, You’re My Best Friend quickly became a fan favorite and a chart success, reaching No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Over the decades, it has remained a staple in Queen’s discography, often featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials as a go-to song for celebrating friendship and love. The songs universal nature and the bands emotional honesty make this one of the very best love songs of the 1970s. 

Courteeners- That Kiss

Courteeners summed up those shameful, regretful moments of love and lust, that probably shouldn;t have had. The song showed a more intimate side to Courteeners at that time, and is still some of Liam Fray's best ever lyrics. 

A real emotional and heartfelt song about those moments. Fray simply doesn't dismiss them as drunken moments of regret. These settings and these moments are often moments when peoples true feelings come to fruition. His descriptions of these settings are so vivid. Painting a picture of the two people involved. 

Despite not always being the first song mentioned when discussing the band’s greatest hits, 'That Kiss' remains one of their most underrated gems. It continues to resonate with fans who have experienced the same mix of regret and longing, making it a standout in Courteeners' discography and a worthy addition to any indie love song playlist.

Bloc Party- This Modern Love 

'This Modern Love' is one of the most emotive songs on the bands debut album 'Silent Alarm'. Blending infectious guitar riffs, raw emotion and some poetic lyricism. Making the song one of the bands well loved songs, even two decades later.

From the opening chords, "This Modern Love" establishes an immediate sense of urgency. The delicate interplay of Russell Lissack’s shimmering guitar and Matt Tong’s intricate drumming creates a soundscape that builds in intensity, mirroring the emotional turbulence described in the lyrics. Kele Okereke’s distinctive vocals, alternating between vulnerability and intensity, elevate the song’s deep sense of yearning.

Okereke’s lyrics in "This Modern Love" walk a fine line between tender sincerity and quiet desperation. The song explores themes of unreciprocated affection, emotional distance, and the difficulty of truly understanding another person. Lines like, "You told me you wanted to eat up my sadness" capture a sense of deep, emotional dependence, while others, such as "Baby, you've got to be more discerning," suggest a disconnect between two people who struggle to meet in the middle.

What makes these lyrics so powerful is their relatability. Many listeners have experienced the emotional highs and lows of love in the modern age, the miscommunications, the longing, and the bittersweet moments of clarity. It's a masterpiece and is one of the most beautiful songs on one of the best albums of the 2000s.

Blur- To the End

The perfect blend of romance, melancholy and in the end resignation of fate. Featuring on the bands 1994 album 'Parklife' its much more orchestral and grandiose than anything else the band had done up until that point. 

From the moment the track begins, "To the End" envelops listeners in a lush arrangement of sweeping strings and atmospheric instrumentation. The orchestration, arranged by composer Stephen Hague, lends the song a vintage, almost filmic quality, reminiscent of classic chanson music. Damon Albarn’s plaintive vocals, tinged with nostalgia and sadness, complement the grandeur of the composition, delivering a performance filled with longing and resignation.

The lyrics of "To the End" paint a picture of a relationship slowly unraveling. The opening lines "All those dirty words, they make us look so dumb" suggest arguments and regrets, while the chorus "Well, you and I collapsed in love" captures the weight of emotional exhaustion. The song doesn’t depict a dramatic breakup but rather the slow, inevitable decline of a once passionate relationship.

What makes "To the End" particularly moving is its resigned tone. Rather than anger or desperation, the song conveys an acceptance of love slipping away, a theme that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the slow dissolution of a relationship.

As with all of the great Blur songs, there is a sense of despair but Albarn provides the listeners with some small hope to. It's a song that many can relate to. Capturing how fragile but beautiful a relationship can be.

Mystery Jets featuring Laura Marling- Young Love 

Some songs have the power to transport us back in time, evoking memories of youthful naivety, heartbreak, and fleeting romances. 'Young Love' by Mystery Jets, featuring singer-songwriter Laura Marling, is one such track. Released in 2008 as part of their album Twenty One, this song remains an enduring indie favorite, encapsulating the bittersweet beauty of young love.

From the very first notes, Young Love exudes an irresistible charm. The song tells the story of a brief but memorable romantic encounter, where two strangers share a moment that lingers in their minds long after parting. The lyrics, sung in a call-and-response style between Mystery Jets’ Blaine Harrison and Laura Marling, capture the essence of a missed connection: a love story that could have been but never fully materialized.

The opening lines “If I only knew your name, I’d go from door to door” , immediately set the stage for an innocent yet intense longing, one that many listeners can relate to. The storytelling in 'Young Love' feels both personal and universal, a hallmark of great songwriting. Over a decade later, Young Love still resonates with listeners. It’s a song that feels like a snapshot of a time when love was simple yet complicated, fleeting yet unforgettable. Its themes of chance encounters and what-ifs remain relevant, making it a nostalgic trip for those who first heard it in their teenage years and a fresh discovery for new indie fans.

It's one of the catchiest songs on this list, and it really has an almost child like quality to it. The song doesn't take itself seriously, it's the perfect indie disco staple and one of the best love songs released in recent memory.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Maps

Few songs in the early 2000s indie rock scene have had the emotional impact of 'Maps' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Released in 2003 as part of their debut album 'Fever to Tell', the song stands as a testament to raw emotion, heartbreak, and the power of simplicity in songwriting. With its hauntingly beautiful melody and deeply personal lyrics, Maps remains one of the band's most beloved and enduring tracks.

At its core, 'Maps' is a love song, but not in the traditional sense. The lyrics, written by frontwoman Karen O, are said to be about her then-boyfriend, Angus Andrew of Liars. The title, which stands for "My Angus Please Stay," hints at the song’s desperate plea for love and devotion.

Karen O’s vocal delivery is what makes 'Maps' so powerful her voice trembles with vulnerability, making every word feel raw and sincere. The repeated refrain, "They don't love you like I love you," echoes like a mantra of heartbreak and longing, resonating with anyone who has experienced love slipping through their fingers.

Musically, 'Maps' is a departure from the chaotic energy the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were known for in their early days. The song’s structure is simple but deeply effective. Nick Zinner’s shimmering, reverb-drenched guitar riffs set a melancholic tone, while Brian Chase’s steady, deliberate drumming adds a sense of urgency. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing the emotion in Karen O’s voice to take center stage.

This stripped-down approach made Maps stand out in an era dominated by garage rock revival bands. The song showcased a softer, more vulnerable side of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, proving they were more than just raw energy and punk attitude. It has gone on to become one of the most popular songs by the band and propelled the Yeah Yeah Yeahs from New York Indie Kids, to rock stars.

Joy Division- Love Will Tear Us Apart

A love song marred by a tragedy. This was the last song recorded by Joy Division before the death of Ian Curtis. The song has become both an anthem of heartache and a haunting reflection on the fragility of relationships.

With its infectious yet melancholic melody, Love Will Tear Us Apart blends a sense of longing with the inevitability of dissolution. Curtis’s deep, emotive voice drips with a sadness that feels both personal and universal, as he sings about the disintegration of a love that once seemed promising. The lyrics are stark in their honesty, exploring the emotional distance between two people who, despite their feelings, are ultimately caught in an unrelenting cycle of misunderstanding. “When routine bites hard, and ambitions are low” the lines capture the essence of a relationship eroded by time and circumstance.

The song’s instrumentation is equally captivating. The pulsating bass, driving drum beat, and shimmering, icy synths create a sense of emotional tension, underscoring the lyrical despair. It was recorded by a band at their peak, all four members of Joy Division were experts in their craft by this point, and it really shows with this song. It truly is a timeless affair. 

Despite its bleak subject matter, Love Will Tear Us Apart has become one of Joy Division’s most beloved songs, widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern music. Its exploration of love’s complexities joy, pain, longing, and loss. It resonates with listeners across generations. The track remains a defining moment in the history of post-punk, offering a beautiful, melancholy reminder that love, in all its forms, is never as simple as it seems.

Stereophonics- I Wanna Get Lost With You

Released in 2015 as part of their 'Keep the Village Alive' album, 'I Wanna Get Lost With You' captures the heart of a romance that is intense, spontaneous, and free from the constraints of everyday life.

From the opening guitar riff to the soaring chorus, I Wanna Get Lost with You is built for both the wild, carefree moments of love and the quiet, intimate ones. Kelly Jones’s gravelly voice adds a raw edge to the track, his delivery filled with desire and the longing for a deeper connection. The lyrics indicate the protagonists love for the other character in the song, it's all consuming feeling. 

"I wanna get lost with you, It's the only thing I wanna do"

The song is one of the bands most romantic tracks and describes perfectly the longing phase. Wanting nothing more than to be with someone, and doing whatever you can in order to make that happen. 

It's a truly beautiful song. 

The 1975- Somebody Else

The 1975 have made a career out of capturing the highs and lows of modern love, but 'Somebody Else' might be their most heartbreaking song yet. Taken from their 2016 album 'I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it' this track is drenched in melancholy, heartbreak, and longing.

With its slow, synth-heavy production, Somebody Else feels like a song for late-night drives and quiet moments of reflection. Lyrically, it delves into the pain of seeing someone move on while still being consumed by feelings for them. Matty Healy’s vocals are hauntingly vulnerable, perfectly capturing the torment of pretending to be fine when, deep down, you’re anything but.

The song’s universal theme of unrequited love and jealousy has resonated with listeners across the world, particularly in its raw depiction of the inevitable disconnect that happens when one person is no longer emotionally invested in the relationship. Healy sings about feeling like an outsider in a relationship that’s already over, even though the emotions haven’t caught up yet.

"No, I don't want your body. But I'm picturing your body with somebody else"

It has become the anthem for those navigating their way through the end of a relationship, and all of the trials and tribulations that come with it. Addressing the themes of jealously and heartbreak in one perfectly crafted synth pop banger. 

Arctic Monkeys- Mardy Bum

Alex Turner perfectly examined young love and it's frustrations on this song. Featuring on the bands debut album,it captures the unique blend of sweet and bitter that are the cornerstones of a developing relationship. 

Turner provided a perfect snapshot into the early days of a relationship, when the two individuals are still working each other out. Everything is a bit intense, raw and messy. His Northern wit within his vocals perfectly highlights the playful frustration of dealing with someone you care about, even when they’re in a “mardy” mood.

The song’s title, 'Mardy Bum', is a playful expression from the Sheffield dialect, referring to someone who’s in a bad mood or sulking, and it perfectly encapsulates the tone of the song lighthearted, but still emotionally charged.

Lyrically the song juxtaposes the good with the bad perfectly, with some of Turner's best lyrics. 

"Well, now then, mardy bum
Oh, I'm in trouble again, aren't I?
I thought as much'
Cause you turned over there
Pulling that silent disappointment face
The one that I can't bare"

"So laugh and joke around?
Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah
To get things off the ground
And it was up, up and away
Oh, but it's right hard to remember that
On a day like today
When you're all argumentative
And you've got the face on"

Particularly in Britain the song has gone on to become one of the bands most well loved songs. A song that is brutally honest, and definitely quintessentially British. A love song with a rather different message.

Buzzcocks- Ever Fallen In Love With Someone 

Buzzcocks' 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)' is a timeless punk anthem that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic, exhilarating, and often painful experience of falling for the wrong person. Released in 1978 as part of their 'Love Bites album', the song blends the raw energy of punk rock with a vulnerability that was rare for the genre at the time.

With its fast-paced, energetic beat and infectious guitar riffs, Ever Fallen in Love is an upbeat track, but its lyrics reveal a deeper, more conflicted emotional core. The song is about the turmoil of falling for someone who isn’t right for you someone who causes more heartache than happiness, but whom you’re still irresistibly drawn to. The song’s hook, “Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t’ve?” is instantly recognizable, it's one of the most iconic lines of any love song ever.

Pete Shelley’s vocals are filled with a mix of longing and frustration, perfectly conveying the complex emotions of loving someone who might not feel the same or who isn’t good for you. The upbeat tempo belies the song’s bittersweet message

What makes 'Ever Fallen in Love' so enduring is its universal theme of misguided love. The tension between the infectious, energetic melody and the vulnerable, almost self-destructive lyrics creates a compelling contrast that gives the song its emotional depth. It’s a song about the confusion and complexity of relationships, and the irrationality of love itself.

The track has become a classic in the punk rock canon, not just for its catchy tune, but for its insight into the emotional side of relationships something that was often overlooked in the genre’s early years. Despite its punk roots, 'Ever Fallen in Love' is ultimately a song about human connection, desire, and the heartache that comes from falling for someone who might not be right for you. It’s a song that resonates across generations, and its infectious chorus remains a sing-along favorite in indie and punk circles alike.

Blossoms- Oh No I Think I'm in Love 

Sometimes it is the simple songs that do things the best. Blossoms' "Oh No I Think I'm in Love" is a perfect example of this. This self-proclamation of love plays on the idea that sometimes falling for someone is both bold and inevitable. The song became a defining moment for the band, marking a shift in their sound as they embraced a more pop-oriented style, with infectious disco grooves and ABBA-like choruses.

This song changed Blossoms' career forever, fully cementing their move into a more mainstream, but still authentic, pop territory. With the band declaring that they are very much in love, "Oh No I Think I'm in Love" is a stellar indie pop song, one of the very best in the band’s discography. At the time, it seemed like a bold move to embrace this new sound, but looking back five years later, it’s one of the best things the band ever did.

It’s the sound of a band confident in who they are, where they’re going, and exactly how they’re feeling. The song’s energy and charm only elevate further when heard live. Since its release in 2020, "Oh No I Think I'm in Love" has become a mainstay in the band’s setlist, and hearing it in person truly amplifies the joy and emotion packed into every note. The band wears their heart on their sleeves, pulling on the strings of their listeners with this love-filled indie gem.

That brings me to the end of a few of my favourite 'love' songs.

Happy Valentines Day. I have attached a playlist featuring all of these songs, and a few more indie classics.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jHqP4r6ghDbZEGJuMRCss?si=iyBWHGO4SKSLmOokXj9bYQ&pi=2IIVhX2OSziyz

What's your favourite indie love song? 

Thank you for reading.

Jack x