Not all love songs are light and cheery like Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy.” Some are morose and heavy like Antonio Carlos Jobim’s and Sting’s “How Insensitive,” where the men don’t regret mistreating their love’s until they’re gone (of course).
I’ve compiled a list of songs that are bound to send someone, besides me, zigzagging through the emotionally drenched road that is love.
“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over”
Jeff Buckley
“Grace” (1994)
Writer(s): J. Buckley
Jeff’s vibrato is wrenching on this track as he mourns the loss of his true love.
“My body churns and yearns for a sleep that won’t ever come/ but it’s never over/ a kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder.”
“Underneath It All”
No Doubt
“Rock Steady” (2001)
Writer(s): G. Stefani and D. Stewart
“But you see the colors in me/ like no one else/ and behind your dark glasses/ you’re something else.” There’s nothing better than a lover with x-ray vision.
“Queen of Sanity”
Bilal
“1st Born Second” (2001)
Writer(s): B. Oliver
Bilal faintly lulls: “If I could block the moon and rob the sun from the sky/ my love for you would still shine through me somehow.”
“I Think It’s Better”
Jill Scott
“Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1” (2000)
Writer(s): J. Scott and A. Harris
“He’s so sweet and good, good, I can’t let him go.” While it takes most songs at least three minutes to get to the point, Jill states her aim in one minute and 42 seconds. Gone! Jill.
“Nothing Even Matters”
Lauryn Hill
“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998)
Writer(s): L. Hill
Soul crooner D’Angelo sings with Lauryn on this track - a match made in music heaven.
“You’re part of my identity/ I sometimes have the tendency/ to look at you religiously/ cause nothing even matters to me.”
“Send Some Love” Doyle Bramhall II
“Welcome” (2001)
Writer(s): D. Bramhall II
“You walked away so easily/ you washed your hands of it all/ you didn’t even notice baby/ that I followed you in vain/ I’m writhing here in pain.” Doyle opens up on this bluesy track and shows his vulnerable side.
“Love & Pride”
Alana Davis
“Blame It On Me” (1997)
Writer(s): A. Davis and E. Tuton
Alana defends her right to love the man of her choice even though her father doesn’t agree as she sings: “Here’s a man full of beauty and free of greed/ and I’ll stand by him cause he’s all that I need.”
“The Sweetest Thing”
Lauryn Hill
“Love Jones, The Music” (1997)
Writer(s): L. Hill
This pouty verse relates how playful love can be. Lauryn sings: “I get mad when you walk away/ so I tell you leave when I mean stay/ warm as the sun dipped in black/ fingertips on the small of my back.”
“Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This”
Rachelle Ferrell
“Rachelle Ferrell” (1992)
Writer(s): R. Ferrell
“Oh Lord/ what did I do to deserve him/ heaven knows/ I’m not like you/ I’m not perfect.” Not only is her soaring falsetto inspiring, but so is this duet with jazzman Will Downing. It is a classic combination of two of the greatest voices in contemporary jazz.
“Yellow”
Coldplay
“Parachutes” (2001)
Writer(s): G. Berryman, J. Buckland, W. Champion and C. Martin
Chris desperately reassures his love “for you I’d bleed myself trying.”
“Pining”
Rebekah
“Remember To Breathe” (1996)
Writer(s): Rebekah
“My lips are fixed to taste the bitterness in your sweet tongue/ but busy bee you circle me/ till I’m dizzy/ and I wake and find I’m stung.” Ouch!
