By Roman Soto
“Love Stinks” by The J. Geils Band
As seen by the title, it’s pretty self-explanatory why a person who dislikes Valentine’s Day would love this song. Throughout the song, The J. Geils Band loudly expresses their disdain for love by pessimistically listing the ways one’s vulnerability is exploited in a relationship. The hopeless pain experienced in a relationship with an unfaithful, unjust partner inspires J. Geils to pour his hurting soul into the song.
“You Don’t Love Me” by The Kooks
Outraged by the actions of his romantic partner, The Kooks’ lead singer, Luke Pritchard, voices the injustice he experiences in his relationship. Sometimes, many can relate to the issues Pritchard speaks of, yet on such a romantic day, finding love may prove to be difficult. “You don’t love me the way I love you.”
“I’m Not in Love” by 10cc
“I’m Not in Love,” a virtual shield against any accusations that 10cc lead singer Eric Stewart might be in love, follows a melodic, reflective rhythm for anyone experiencing romantic hurt on the most amorous day of the year.
“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” by Al Green
Somber. Reflective. Reminiscent. All are ways to describe the hauntingly memorable atmosphere of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” a lyrical gem by soul legend Al Green. In this masterpiece, Al Green cries out for help on how anything, anyone, could possibly help put the pieces back together of his heart, torn in pieces. Meanwhile, he miserably looks back and wonders where things went wrong, wailing, “Help me mend my, my broken heart.”
“So Lonely” by The Police
Longing for that one woman who used to do everything with him, The Police’s frontman, Sting, sings that after she left, “No one’s knocked upon [his] door for a thousand years or more.” In passionate eloquence, The Police express their feelings of loneliness, a lack of excitement in life, and a sense of hopelessness or directionlessness.