Forget the heart-shaped chocolates, the pungent roses and the Valentine’s Day cards you walked past in the supermarket when you were just trying to read some magazine covers in peace. This February 14 is all about you, you and you. Whether you’re happy, angry, sad or just plain ready to fly solo, there’s something on this playlist catered precisely to help you conquer your singledom.
Beyonce – Single Ladies
Stand-out lyric: “You had your turn, and now you’re gonna learn what it really feels like to miss me.”
Occasion: Though Beyonce has a hefty rock on her finger and talented beau Jay-Z on her arm, she will always be remembered for gifting this gem to those of us who’ve yet to write our own vows. At its heart, this song is for the woman who has no desire to be yanked around or kept waiting. If you’ve been burned by a commitment-weary partner, turn this tune up to 11.
Companion song: Keri Hilson – Pretty Girl Rock
Paramore – Ignorance
Stand-out lyric: “You treat me just like another stranger. It’s nice to meet you, sir. I guess I’ll go, I best be on my way out.”
Occasion: Feeling vengeful this Valentine’s Day? No one does angry retorts quite like Hayley Williams with her powerhouse vocals and sharp eye for the perfect lyrical blow. Dedicate this one to the person who’s quick to forget your relationship ever happened. For a heightened experience, try pretending you’re in an arena with a full band backing you as you yell along into a hairbrush.
Companion song: Conor Maynard – R U Crazy
Robyn – Dancing on My Own
Stand-out lyric: “The lights go on, the music dies, but you don’t see me standing here. I just came to say goodbye.”
Occasion: If you’re feeling weepy, grab a box of tissues, a cosy blanket and some comfort food while you listen to this one on repeat. On the surface, Dancing on My Own is a song about being incapable of letting go of someone who’s already moved on, but Robyn transformed it into an empowering and magical number with a music video that saw her, quite literally, dancing alone like no one was watching.
Companion song: No Doubt – Don’t Speak
Jason Derulo – Ridin’ Solo
Stand-out lyric: “Now I’m feeling how I should – never knew single could feel this good.”
Occasion: Ditch your sorrow at the door and switch on the swagger – this one is for the single person who wouldn’t have it any other way. Derulo delivers the perfect ego-boosting tune that makes you want to dance all night long without a care for who’s by your side. If you’re looking for the cool confidence of a rock star, this one will make you forget that February 14 is meant to be a “special date” in the first place.
Companion song: Maroon 5 – Makes Me Wonder
The Police – So Lonely
Stand-out lyric: “All made up and nowhere to go, welcome to this one man show.”
Occasion: A good old wallowing session is a must for everyone at some point in their life, and no one does self-pity quite like Sting. His high-pitched delivery of the chorus – which is just a catchy and nonstop loop of the words “so lonely” – is infectious. However, be warned: the funky melody might distract you from your solitude altogether and have you shimmying happily along in your favourite sweatpants.
Companion song: Akon – Mr Lonely
All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell
Stand-out lyric: “And truth be told I miss you, and truth be told I’m lying.”
Occasion: If you have any pent-up emotions over someone who isn’t worth your time, you’ll feel better after belting this out at the top of your lungs. You can practically hear lead singer Tyson Ritter’s defiant smirk (and see his wide-eyed, feral expression from the accompanying music video) as the chorus hits. A tongue-in-cheek tune to make you feel like the ball is perpetually in your court and like the world is your oyster, this one is for the single person who won’t let anything keep them down.
Companion song: Kelis – Caught Out There
Usher – Let It Burn
Stand-out lyric: “I’m twisted ‘cause one side of me is telling me that I need to move on, on the other side, I wanna break down and cry.”
Occasion: If the pain is still fresh and every cutely-inscribed candy heart or clichéd V-Day wish reminds you of a waning romance, Usher likely knows how you feel, and he’ll be there to sing you through it. This is the perfect nudge towards letting go of a love that was never meant to be — throw a match to your past and let yourself be swept away in an ode to new beginnings.
Companion song: Ne-Yo – So Sick
