No need for a box of tissues this V-Day – just listen to these empowering tracks and give yourself the love you deserve instead!
We’ve reached that time of year again–Valentine’s Day. What started as the ancient Feast of Saint Valentine, a persecuted Christian who performed marriage ceremonies in secret under the Roman Empire, has become a day of flowers, chocolate, and extravagant gifts. It’s a day meant to represent love, but has become so commercialized that pop culture tends to portray singles as comically depressed in many of our beloved rom-coms.
But in reality, the amount of love we have to give does not rest on the fate of one day. In recent years, Valentine’s Day has become less of a couples-only holiday, and more of a celebration of all types of love. Galentine’s Day celebrations have taken the world by storm since that one episode of Parks and Rec in 2010, when Leslie Knope rallies her girls for brunch. Having a significant other is great on a day like Valentine’s Day, but being single is too. One holiday doesn’t determine your worth. So, here are seven empowering jams to listen to this V-Day if you’re single and hanging with your best girlfriends.
“Good as Hell” by Lizzo
All of Lizzo’s songs are anthems of self love and acceptance, but “Good as Hell” is the perfect tune to start off your Valentine’s Day. Sometimes, you have to put yourself first, prioritize your goals, and spend quality time with your girls. Like Lizzo says, do your hair toss, check your nails, and go about your day feelin’ good as hell.
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“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Aretha’s iconic cover of Otis Redding’s track grabbed the music world’s attention in the 1960s when it was first released, and its messages still resonate now. It’s a song in which Aretha knows her worth and how hard she works, and won’t accept disrespect from her husband. While the world has changed a lot since this song’s release, sometimes we need to remind ourselves of its message even in 2022.
“Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
In the ever-growing commercial sphere of the Y2K tabloid era, this song from Christina Aguilera was a welcome breath of fresh air in 2002. The stunning anthem of self love is one that we all need reminders of in this time of being surrounded by social media–no matter what, there is beauty in everyone’s uniqueness, and this track celebrates that.
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“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
One of Lady Gaga’s most popular songs, this track quickly became an anthem of acceptance and appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community. Most recently, gay country singer Orville Peck covered the song for its 10 year anniversary. This song celebrates all things fabulous and all types of love, which is exactly what you need this Valentine’s Day.
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“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
This soulful song has been covered by countless other musicians–including Lauryn Hill, Michael Buble and Muse. If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, just keep in mind how many new and exciting opportunities are heading your way–it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and we’re feeling good.
“I AM WOMAN” by Emmy Meli
If you’re on TikTok, you’ve certainly heard this viral hit. Newcomer indie pop musician Emmy Meli challenges her female listeners to step into their divine feminine, own their power, and appreciate every little detail about themselves. It sparked a beautiful trend of women bonding across the social media platform, and is the perfect Galentine’s anthem.
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“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
While this one is a love song, think of it as an affirmation of the type of love you deserve one day–to be with someone who thinks you’re amazing just the way you are. In the meantime, take this day to dress up in your favorite outfit, buy yourself flowers, and spend time with your friends and loved ones. Before you know it, this love will come knocking on your door and add onto your already fulfilling life.
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With this inspiring soundtrack in hand, buy yourself some chocolate and give yourself some love to celebrate your singlehood.
