15 Unlikely Valentine's Day Songs

Ahead of this Friday — otherwise known as Valentine's Day — couples are planning their romantic getaways, singles are attempting to woo that stranger on the subway, and couples and singles alike are preparing to tolerate Hallmark's worst holiday. Now, I'm a Valentine's Day apologist who is all about the chalk-tasting candy hearts and the boxes of Russell Stover chocolates. I understand I'm often alone feeling excited for Feb. 14. But get excited, V-Day haters! Candy! Valentines! Love! No? Still not working? Well, the best cure for being in a Valentine’s Day funk, or any sort of mood for that matter, is music. So I’ve compiled a playlist that consists of a unlikely Valentine's Day tunes for those of you who love the Hallmark love surrounding you on Valentine's Day, or those who love to hate everything about it.

1. "Closer," Tegan & Sara

Sometimes the best feelings actually occur before a relationship, as this dynamic duo expresses in their song. “All I intended was to write something sweet that reminded the listener of a time before sex, complicated relationships, drama and heartbreak,” Tegan Quin told Rolling Stone. “It was the anticipation of something maybe happening that was truly exciting and satisfying.” Thinking about finally reaching out to this special someone now?

2. "Single," Natasha Bedingfield

What we’re really thinking is, “Where the hell did Natasha Bedingfield go?” But then we think about how she was such a kickass artist. Who needs to be with someone on Valentine’s Day? This is my declaration of independence. Single right now, that’s how I want to be.

3. "No Scrubs," TLC

You don't want no scrubs, or no Valentine's Day, but you do want "No Scrubs."

4. "Can’t Help Falling In Love," Elvis

C'mon... I couldn't help having one obvious choice in here. Plus, for any of you who had your pre-pubescent years during the early 2000s, I know you remember A-Teens’ version of this song and you probably loved it.

5. "Quelqu’un M’a Dit," Carla Bruni

If you can’t speak French, that’s okay, because I do and you can just take my word for it.

6. "Pull Me Down," Mikky Ekko

This is for that person who you’ll always stand by even in times of trouble, even when that means the trouble is the person you’re with.

7. "Bless The Broken Road," Rascal Flatts

You can tell me that you “like all music but country,” and I’ll come over there and palm you in the face, because country offers up some of the best love songs and songs of heartbreak. I don’t care what you say. Listen to this Rascal Flatts song if you haven’t already, and just see what I’m talking about.

8. "Love Today," Mika

Are you trying to find love on Valentine’s Day or in general (because that would be less superficial)? Mika knows how you feel.

9. "Talking Dreams," Echosmith

This carefree song by a young band made up of three brothers and a sister who does lead vocals should definitely put you in a good mood.

10. "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Simon & Garfunkel

For those of you who have just gotten through a breakup, listen to this song and remind yourself that your friends are always there for you in your times of need. And Clay Aiken.

11. "Just The Way You Are," Billy Joel

Okay, so two obvious songs. I already told you I was a sappy romantic.

12. "Ladies Night," Atomic Kitten

This British girls group, also known as Spice Girls lite, is pretty great. Plus, if kittens don't cheer you up this V-Day, what will?

13. "You And I," Ingrid Michaelson

Money, material goods, and the like don’t matter as long as you have that person you love by your side.

13. "Unchained Melody," Righteous Brothers

Okay, three. But have you seen Ghost?!

14. "La Vie En Rose," Edith Piaf

One of the most iconic love ballads in history. Hit up the Louis Armstrong version of this song if you’re not feeling the French vibes I’m throwing at you.

15. "A Drop In The Ocean," Ron Pope

Can’t get the attention of the person you want the most? Ron Pope’s song will probably hurl you into a deeper state of sadness, but at least you can feel better by the fact that someone else has or does know exactly how you’re feeling right now

So how are you feeling right now? Stoked about Valentine's Day? No? Well, I tried.

Image: Getty Images