The Best Love Songs of This Generation, According to Kimia Malkami

The Best Love Songs of This Generation, According to Kimia Malkami

Kat Keller, Journalist

As February continues to merrily stroll along, a long awaited Valentines day begins to creep up behind everyone. Though the holiday is dreaded by several and adored by the rest, one simply cannot deny that this season is one of love. Grocery shopping is now a walk through lovesick decor, cheesy cards and cheap yet expensive passing chocolates, and the streets are adorned with hearts and balloons. There’s no escaping this holiday, regardless of one’s opinion. Nevertheless, there’s always a way to enjoy something. Valentine’s day isn’t a celebration restricted to people who can change their Facebook relationship status to taken, it’s meant for everyone who has loved. Love is subjective, you can love your parents, your best friend, your dog, or your bike. Really, there are so many reasons to celebrate love this Valentines. Though it is a time where most forms of celebration are restricted, there are other, simpler ways to express the nature of the holiday alone or safely with others. CdM junior Kimia Malkami recommends spending it listening to music circulating the ideals of love, as she delves into what she thinks are the greatest love songs of this generation.

“To start off there’s Don’t Delete the Kisses by Wolf Alice. It is, as many of these songs are, one of my all time favorites.” She begins, the song being her reigning No. 1 on her 2020 Spotify Wrapped. “The reason I chose it is because it is so unabashedly cheesy and heartwarming. As you listen to the lyrics it can get a bit darker and dreary yet the music behind the words just keep you upbeat. It’s one of the most perfect examples of a song you just want to drive around with the windows down with the love of your life with.” The alternative/indie song which was released by the British band as part of their album Visions of a Life, has since been popular across several platforms. “Next I chose Hannah hunt by Vampire Weekend which I think regardless of personal taste is one of the greatest songs ever (and Rolling Stone even agrees with me on that).” she continues. And undoubtedly, it’s true. Rolling Stone put Hannah Hunt as No. 88 on their list of the greatest songs of the century. “The chorus of this song and sheer honesty of the lyrics have always stood out to me. It represents sheer surrender to the one you love. To top it off there is an amazing instrumental break where the piano kicks in and the chorus continues and it feels like your life is perfect.” Another alternative/indie song released by Vampire Weekend as part of their album Modern Vampires of the City in 2013. “This next entry is more on the heartbroken side of love songs. It’s Say yes by Elliott Smith, who makes some of the most beautifully melancholy music ever. It is written about a girl who he broke up with but still finds himself thinking of. The opening lyrics of ‘I’m in love with the world through the eyes of a girl, who’s still around the morning after’ perfectly sum it up,” she says about the singer/songwriter. “Also, Smith did the soundtrack for Good Will Hunting and this song was in the background of the main characters first date with his love so how could I not choose it.” Kimia is a known film-fanatic, Good Will Hunting being on her Letterboxd full favorites list. “Second to last we have, of course, a Taylor Swift song. There are so many options but I went with Everything Has Changed off of Red. This song represents the slow and sudden realization of finding yourself falling in love with someone.” Taylor Swift, music industry icon, is known for her ballads about the triumphs and hardships of love, most suitable for such a holiday. “Contrary to what my picks and these strong opinions may tell you, I have actually never been in love or a relationship so to close this list out I’m choosing something that may be more of a love/hate song rather than a love song with Covet by Basement. It is probably my favorite song ever and it encompasses the pain of loving something that is so not good for you.” Of course, in Kimia’s perspective there’s no better way to finish off a list of the best love songs of this generation than to find one that embodies it all.