Valentine's Day isn’t the same now as it was in elementary school. Back then the holiday was considered a second Halloween, with its abundance of heart-shaped chocolate, lollipops and other candy.
However, things have changed. For some, Feb. 14 is filled with lust, love, and the promise of a new relationship. But, for others, the Hallmark holiday is filled with loneliness, self-loathing or just plain boredom. No matter what kind of Valentine’s Day you will have this year, The Eagle has you covered with a few albums to enjoy.
Love-Themed Albums
“Acid Rap” by Chance the Rapper (2013)
A happy-go-lucky album featuring unapologetically affectionate hip-hop songs that tease the listeners every step of the way, with tracks such as “Cocoa Butter Kisses,” “Interlude (That's Love)” and more.
“Radio City” by Big Star (1973)
A sublime but loving album featuring sweet classic rock tunes. Heavily influenced by British rock, this album features cheerful early romanticisms of teenage love.
“Good Times!” by The Monkees (2015)
An album that flew under the radar last year, “Good Times!” is a late but amazing comeback album for the pop TV musical group of the 1960s. The album will take you back in time to the baby-booming bubble gum pop era of love and soft rock.
“4” by Beyonce (2011)
This fun-infused hip-hop and funk soul album celebrates the hardship and strides of loving relationships.
“Juno Soundtrack” (2007)
Not a fan of Juno? That’s fine. However, there is no way to get around the fun-loving up and down soundtrack of Juno. The soundtrack features the Kinks, Velvet Underground and much more.
Indifferent/Anti-Love Albums
“Blood on the Tracks” by Bob Dylan (1975)
Hailed as one of the greatest breakup albums of all time, Dylan wrote this folk-rock masterpiece after his divorce.
“Exile In Guyville” by Liz Phair (1993)
While being a critically acclaimed album of the early 90’s, this is a post-punk inspired, feminist anthem. Phair’s first big success is a mixture of young adult angst and independent production value.
“808s & Heartbreak” by Kanye West (2008)
Admired as an underappreciated synth pop album, West wrote this sublime masterpiece after his mother’s death in 2007. “808s & Heartbreak” also followed the breaking of West’s engagement to his longtime fiancée Alexis Phifer.
“Too” by FIDLAR (2015)
One of the most honest and self-loathing albums of 2015, “Too” reminisces about relationships turning sour in the contemporary punk rock world. The album channels influence from lead singer Zac Carper’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend, who died from a heroin overdose prior to the album’s release.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel (1970)
Although the album is filled with upbeat and happy guitar riffs, the folk duo’s fifth and final studio album features tracks about heartbreak and exiting a relationship.
