The ABC's of Music

Love ‘em, hate ‘em, songs about love are approximately 43% of the music playing on the radio right now.  It would be a higher percentage, except writing music under the influence of love can have dastardly, annoying results.  Anyway, here it is, the ABCs of songs about love, part 1!

A: At Last - Etta James

At Last.  It’s a song that will played at at least ten of the weddings you will go to over the course of your life.  It’s the type of song that couples start dancing to in the middle of completely inappropriate situations, like shopping for real estate or waiting at the dentist’s office.  Because goddamn, this song is romance, and romance is love.

B: Baby You Can Drive My Car - The Beatles

This song is just flippin’ adorable.  The Beatles have arguably written some of the greatest classic love songs of the past 50 years, but they can also write completely happy-go-lucky adorkable songs about a guy letting his girl drive his car.  Cause, baby, he loves you.

C: Crazy For This Girl - Evan & Jaron

Do you remember the 90’s? I hope you do, because this song was the definition of what it felt like to love someone when they were popping around in the time of Nirvana and brightly colored leggings.  It was this one hit wonder that played during my first date (and I’m sure many others’).  

D: Dreaming with a Broken Heart - John Mayer

The sadder side of love.  The break-up.  Still in love, but perhaps not reciprocated?  Ah well, John Mayer (who, granted, is a giant douche bag) knows how to write songs about broken hearts.  And this just may be the greatest one.  

E: The Engine Driver - The Decemberists

I’m biased, because I think the Decemberists are FUCKING PHENOMENAL, but beyond that, I think this song is splendid in it’s own right.  Its haunting and heartbreaking and doesn’t necessarily make perfect sense but a repeating chorus of “And if you don’t love me/Let me go” sends a resounding message.

F: Faithfully - Originally: Journey, Cover: Matt the Electrician

“And being apart ain’t easy on this love affair/Two strangers learning to fall in love again”.  I can’t even.  Long distance love.  The pain.  And yet the strength.  The original version by Journey is downright brilliant, but I wanted to share the version by Matt the Electrician, because it really is stunning and completely precious.