The big day is here—whether you’re cuffed, single or in a situationship, here are the best albums to underscore your V-Day.
Original Artwork via Cactus City.
Sade – Love Deluxe
English band Sade—named after the titular lead singer, Sade Adu—are one of the few bands that can say they’ve been around for more than four decades. Mixing jazz, quiet storm, trip-hop, soul and pop together, the band forged their own unique style in the music biz. Released in Autumn 1992, their fourth studio album, Love Deluxe, is often hailed as a fan favourite. Featuring hit singles “Kiss of Life”, “No Ordinary Love”, and “Cherish the Day”, this album is often called the soundtrack to romance. If you’re looking for a classic this V-Day, look no further than Love Deluxe.
Father John Misty –I Love You, Honeybear
Beloved multi-instrumentalist Father John Misty has had quite a career. From dominating the indie rock charts to performing on stages across the globe, Misty is one of one. The 40-year-old’s sophomore album, I Love You, Honeybear, might be the record for you if you’re looking for something on the alternative side things.
Adele – 21
Adele’s second studio album will go down in history—alongside the likes of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and MJ’s Thriller—as one of the biggest albums of all time. When 21 hit CD stores back in 2011, Adele’s captivating tale of love and heartbreak was sequenced throughout 21’s 11 tracks. With belters like “Someone Like You” and power-pop anthems like “Set Fire to the Rain”, this album will probably hit home today of all days.
Bryson Tiller – TrapSoul
Rapper-turned-crooner Bryson Tiller has been a household name for the best part of a decade now, and TrapSoul is largely the reason why. Fusing the trap-bound 808-production with pop-friendly melodies, TrapSoul was pivotal in redefining R&B in the 2010s. Its legacy is echoed through the music of The Weeknd, Jhené Aiko and Brent Faiyaz, to name a few. Look no further than earworms like “Don’t”, “Exchange” and “Rambo (Last Blood)".
James Morrison – Undiscovered
Singer-songwriter James Morrison’s brand of blue-eyed soul, folk and pop-rock hit like a euphoric wave of nostalgia back in 2006. His debut LP, Undiscovered, resonated with many: and it's easy to see why. Tracks like “You Give Me Something” hit like a raw, emotive sonnet, whereas heartbreak anthems like “The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore” create a bittersweet ambience. This album will likely evoke a feeling or two.
Whitney Houston – I'm Your Baby Tonight
Released at the genesis of the 1990s, I'm Your Baby Tonight, is an often overlooked record in the late Whitney Houston’s discography. Centred firmly on love, relationships and heartbreak communicated through the burgeoning new jack swing sound, post-80s pop and contemporary R&B. Clocking in at just under an hour in length, there’s no Whitney album more befitting of V-Day.
What did we miss? Let us know what you’re listening to today!