Records & Romance: 20 Albums Perfect For Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day – the one day a year when Cupid takes a break from sharpshooting to let musicians handle the love vibes. Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just looking for the perfect background beats for your candlelit dinner, these 20 acclaimed albums are the sonic Cupids you've been waiting for. So, break out the vinyl and dust off that turntable – it's time to swoon!

1/ 'Red Moon In Venus' by Kali Uchis (2023)

Kali Uchis' third album, 'Red Moon In Venus,' is a celestial odyssey fueled by the power of love. With guests like Don Toliver, Omar Apollo, and Summer Walker, the album is a stunning masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together R&B, soul, and Latin influences. Tracks like "I Wish You Roses" and "Moonlight" showcase a masterclass in songwriting and production, while Kali's sultry vocals, effortlessly navigating between English and Spanish, infuse each song with raw emotional intensity. 

2/ 'And Then Life Was Beautiful' by Nao (2021)

Nao's 'And Then Life Was Beautiful' is the auditory equivalent of a kaleidoscopic joyride. This album is the cool rebel in the R&B scene, a groove-filled therapy session for your soul full of infectious beats and Nao's otherworldly vocals. With hit tracks like the title track and "Antidote", it's an invitation to dance your way through all that love has to offer.

3/ 'Songs In The Key Of Life' by Stevie Wonder (1976)

Stevie Wonder's 'Songs In The Key Of Life' is the musical equivalent of a supernova – exploding with genre-defying brilliance. Released in '76, this record is the undisputed overlord of funk, soul, and R&B, leaving an indelible mark on music history. With hit tracks like "Sir Duke" and "Isn't She Lovely," Stevie proved that he's not just a musical genius; he's the intergalactic commander of swoon-worthy groove.

4/ 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me' by The Cure (1987)

The Cure's 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me' is the musical lovechild of cool angst and infectious romance. Released in '87, this album is a time machine back to the era when heavy eyeliner was a must, and dancing was a cure for everything. With hits like "Just Like Heaven" and "Why Can't I Be You?", The Cure painted a sonic masterpiece that's still the go-to soundtrack for anyone embracing their inner goth on a dance floor.

5/ 'Desire, I Want To Turn Into You' by Caroline Polachek (2023)

Famously released on Valentine's Day in 2023, Caroline Polachek's 'Desire, I Want To Turn Into You' is a hypnotic plunge into a sonic wonderland that redefines pop. With key hit tracks like "Sunset" and "Bunny Is a Rider," Polachek isn't just singing; she's casting spells of pop wizardry, making 'Desire' a cultural manifesto for those who feel every emotion right to their damn core. Released with the subtlety of a musical revolution, Caroline invites you to a whimsical journey where pop meets experimental, leaving you wondering why every desire can't be turned into her music. 

6/ 'Let's Stay Together' by Al Green (1972)

Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together' isn't just an album; it's a smooth potion for love with a side of cool. Released in '72, this record didn't just redefine soul; it made cupid jealous. With hit tracks like the iconic title song "Let's Stay Together" and the soulful "What Is This Feeling?" Al Green became the maestro of romantic grooves, ensuring that if love had a soundtrack, this would be it.

7/ 'At Last!' by Etta James (1960)

Etta James' 'At Last!' is a soulful love manifesto that gets you right in the heartstrings. Released in 1960, this record is the OG soundtrack for romantic rendezvous and candlelit dinners. With Etta's iconic voice belting out hits like the title track and "A Sunday Kind of Love," this album set the standard for every love song that followed.

8/ 'Emotions' by Mariah Carey (1991)

Mariah Carey's 'Emotions' isn't just an album; it's a vocal rollercoaster that takes you on a ride through the stratosphere of pop divadom. Released in '91, this record solidified Mariah as the reigning queen of whistle notes and high-octane love anthems. With hit tracks like the soulful title song "Emotions", Mariah didn't just hit the high notes; she redefined what it meant to be a vocal powerhouse in the '90s and beyond.

9/ 'Hounds of Love' by Kate Bush (1985)

Kate Bush's 'Hounds of Love' is a mystical journey through a sonic wonderland. Released in '85, it's like Kate invited you into her own Narnia, but with killer synths and exquisite vocals. With hit tracks like the atmospheric "Running Up That Hill" and the hauntingly beautiful "Cloudbusting," 'Hounds of Love' didn't just break ground; it planted a whole garden of unconventional and magical soundscapes. 

10/ 'X' by Ed Sheeran (2014)

Let's be real – every wedding you went to in 2014 had "Thinking Out Loud" on rotation. Ed Sheeran's 'X' nestled its way into the hearts of every lovestruck millennial, proving that sometimes Cupid doesn't come with a bow and arrow – they come with a simple acoustic guitar instead.

11/ 'The Diary Of Alicia Keys' by Alicia Keys (2003)

Alicia Keys' 'The Diary of Alicia Keys' is like the sonic equivalent of a soul-infused love letter that makes even Shakespeare rethink his poetry game. Released in 2003, this album is a R&B masterpiece with hit tracks like the karaoke classic "If I Ain't Got You" and the anthem "You Don't Know My Name" (anyone else know THAT monologue by heart?!), this diary didn't just spill the tea; it brewed a whole pot of love potion. Alicia Keys: because love sounds better with a touch of piano and a whole lot of attitude.

12/ 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers!' by Frank Sinatra (1956)

Frank Sinatra's 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers!' is the OG blueprint for turning any night into a suave affair. Released in '56, it's the musical equivalent of Sinatra winking at you from across a dimly lit jazz club. With hit tracks like "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "You Make Me Feel So Young," this album is the secret ingredient for turning a casual date into a black-tie event. 

13/ 'Bewitched' by Laufey (2023)

Laufey is more than a TikTok viral sensation To say that Laufey is more than a TikTok viral sensation is an understatement. She is a musical sorceress, who has charmed our hearts with her sophomore album, 'Bewitched.' Drawing inspiration from the jazz legends and classical maestros, Laufey has made herself the cool aunt of jazz, pop, and classical fro the next generation, who has enchanted by the laid-back bossa nova vibes of "From The Start" to the sultry string symphony of "Promise". Brace yourselves for a musical potion that's equal parts timeless and totally relatable.

14/ 'blue water road' by Kehlani (2022)

Kehlani's 'blue water road' is like the sonic sunshine breaking through after the storm of 2020's 'It Was Good Until It Wasn't.' The vibes are breezier, the beats are even tighter, and it's basically Kehlani's musical version of transforming from a caterpillar into a butterfly. With orchestral swirls adding layers of warmth and beauty in tracks like the romantic "everything", this album will have you leaving the past in the rearview mirror and driving towards a gorgeous sunset.

15/ 'Blush' by Maya Hawke (2020)

Maya Hawke's 'Blush' hit the indie-pop scene like a breath of fresh air. Released in 2020, this album is like getting access to the secret diary of your coolest friend, complete with catchy hooks and a nonchalant vibe. With tracks like the introspective "By Myself" and the yearning "Mirth," 'Blush' proves that Maya is not just a 'Stranger Things' star – she's a musical force to be reckoned with.

16/ 'Never Too Much' by Luther Vandross (1981)

Luther Vandross's 'Never Too Much' is the smooth R&B potion that has been making lovebirds groove since 1981. Released with the finesse only Luther could bring, this album is basically the blueprint for a romantic night in. With hit tracks like the title anthem "Never Too Much" and the soulful serenade "A House Is Not a Home," Luther Vandross didn't just sing about love; he turned it into a suave and timeless art form.

17/ 'Public Displays Of Affection: The Album' by Muni Long (2021)

Muni Long's 'Public Displays Of Affection: The Album' is like a musical PDA that's both cheeky and captivating. Released with a cool breeze of attitude, this album is the cultural disruptor for those who want to flaunt their feelings in style. With hit tracks like the bold "Hrs and Hrs", Muni Long set the vibe for a whole new era of unapologetic affection.

18/ 'I Love You, Honeybear' by Father John Misty (2015)

Father John Misty's 'I Love You, Honeybear' is the hipster's love letter, wrapped in folk-rock goodness and delivered with a smirk. Released with the charm only Misty can pull off as heard on hit tracks like the satirical ode "Bored in the USA" and the heart-on-sleeve ballad "Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)," he not only serenaded the indie scene but also made love sound as cool as your best thrift store find.

19/ 'Let's Get It On' by Marvin Gaye (1973)

Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On' is the ultimate soundtrack for setting the mood – released in 1973, it's the musical wingman that's been making love happen for decades. From the title track, which is practically a sonic aphrodisiac, to the silky "Come Get To This" Gaye's 'Let's Get It On' is a pro session in turning up the heat, making it the go-to record for all your late night adventures.

20/ 'I'm Your Man' by Leonard Cohen (1988)

Leonard Cohen's 'I'm Your Man' is class and sophistication all wrapped up in a record. From the synth-infused title track, where Cohen declares himself as your man with a smirk, to the hauntingly beautiful "Take This Waltz" 'I'm Your Man' is the sonic essence of timeless charm and poetic allure.

So there you have it, a journey through some of the greatest albums that will have you falling head over heels. From Marvin Gaye's love anthems to Leonard Cohen's poetic groove, these records aren't just albums; they're the VIP passes to a musical universe where even the notes wear sunglasses. So grab your vinyl, get out your mood lights, and let these records serenade your soul. 

 (Photo of Al Green by Roberta Parkin/Redferns)