25–Love Songs

The last two years on Valentine’s Day, I provided a few playlists to help you folks deal with this day in whatever manner you needed. You can find those lists here.
Instead, I will break out the somewhat tired move of listing 25 dope songs with the word “love” in the title. I was going to try to do my 25 favorite love songs, but that would take me a month to just compile the semifinalists. With this list, I can just put “love” into iTunes and break out some of the winners.
Note–this isn’t a top 25, so save the righteous indignation for another post.
“How dare you not put Kilo’s “Love in Your Mouth” on the list? That’s musical genius, you small minded bastard!”
Nah, not today.
A Love of Your Own – Average White Band. Yanno, that’s the greatest name ever for a band…simply because they’re anything but average.
Love and Happiness – Al Green. Put it like this–this was still making parties crack when I was in high school. But how did you guess I went to high school in the country?
All You Need Is Love – Beatles. I’ve yet to figure out why I like this song so much.
Crazy in Love – Beyonce. Of course, this has nothing to do with the lyrics Rich Harrison wrote while hung over.
Make Love To Your Mind – Bill Withers. Except…well, whatever, Bill. You’re makin love to her mind because that’s the ticket to the body. Don’t try to pass that psychobabble shit off as anything other than game. Weak game at that.
Modern Love – David Bowie. Kirk and I once met a woman at a bar that described Bowie as “a pervert, but in a good way.” Ummm..
The Look of Love – Isaac Hayes. I mean, you can listen to Dusty Springfield’s version if you want. But why would you if given the choice? Oh yeah, you cna go to the store and back five times and Isaac’s version will still be playing.
For the Love of You – Isley Brothers. Except I’m really down on ol’ Ron right now.
To Be Loved – Jackie Wilson. Name that movie.
Bold As Love – Jimi Hendrix. “My yellow in this case is not so mellow/in fact I’m trying to say it’s frightened like me…” Been there, Jack.
Love You For Life – Jodeci. Yanno, these cats might have been the biggest influence on contemporary R&B. So does that mean this shit’s all they’re fault?
Because I Love You – Lenny Williams. THE. GREATEST. LOVE. SONG. EVER.
Feel All My Love Inside – Marvin Gaye. If only the kids today weren’t so vulgar, man. Or so goes the story. The song is pretty much what the title tells you.
Inside My Love – Minnie Riperton. Same here.
That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding. Yanno, if I was a woman, I’d be afraid to tell Otis no.
Slow Love – Prince. I’ve said for years that this song is begging to be covered. Is it just me?
The One I Love – R.E.M. Am I the only person that just kinda likes R.E.M. and is tired of being told he should think they’re just the greatest?
Is This Love – Bob Marley. Technically flawless.
Nothing Can Change This Love – Sam Cooke. “If you wanted to leave me and roam/when you got back, I’d just say ‘welcome home.'” I wonder if, on the unreleased remix, he said, “Welcome home! Now, meet Cynthia…”
Fallin’ In Love Again – Sleepy’s Theme. To me, this is from one of the most overlooked albums of all-time. Organized Noize never lets me down. Except for that World Party trash.
All In Love Is Fair – Stevie Wonder. Narrowly making this list over “I Was Made To Love Her.”
When Love Comes To Town – U2 and BB King. I do wonder, though, if BB knew a single U2 song when they came up to him about this. He’ll do a song with anyone with a check. As would I.
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley. Two Elvis songs I can ride with–this one and “Jailhouse Rock.”
I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know – Donny Hathaway. Knowing what we know about Donny, does listening to him often feel a little creepy?
Same Ol Love – Anita Baker. Has anyone ever been on top of the game while being as different from her contemporaries as Anita Baker?
Gotta start my day. Be easy.