Music is the way to the soul, and also to our hearts. In 2025, tons of music that topped the Billboard Hot 100 had romantic themes. While Valentine’s Day celebrates love between people, the music to set the mood for that perfect date can either make or break the whole vibe. Looking back on last year, are any of the songs that came out going to make the cut for celebrating this Valentine’s Day?
The highest-ranked love song of 2025 was “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. The song exploded all over, being used in videos on TikTok and Instagram, and playing over the radio on all the pop channels. While I believe this song is one of the best of 2025, I can’t picture what kind of setting this would be played in. It’s too emotional for a sit-down dinner, too intimate to be played casually in the car. In all honesty, unless the plans for the 14th are at a karaoke bar, I’d leave it off the queue for the night.
Pop artist Olivia Dean also had two songs take over the charts. “Man I Need” was another that gained fame over TikTok, and while her songs appear light and airy, they typically have a different message behind them.“Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” her top songs in 2025, ultimately have her convincing a man that she is right for him, and he should get his act together. Although these aren’t as moody and intense as our number one, they still don’t quite make the cut for a Valentine’s playlist.
In similar themes, “Daisies” by Justin Bieber reached high up in the charts when it first came out. It parallels Dean’s light-hearted beat, while having a more conflicted message. This song talks about receiving mixed signals and not knowing what his desired partner was feeling. Although the feel of the song is warm and casual, the meaning behind the lyrics is easily masked by the beat and tone of his voice. This is another I would think twice about before listening to in the car with your loved one this holiday.
Overall, the songs that fall into the romance category for 2025 don’t make a great collection to play on a date with a special someone. Unless the goal is to send a passive-aggressive message about needing a “Define The Relationship” moment, I’d stay away from the highest-ranked love songs of last year. If anything, it seems like it was a rough year for relationships in the music world.
Not to fret, below is a link to a playlist that I have curated to feel light and be full of authentic love. Valentine’s Day is stressful enough; the music playing to seal the deal is now taken care of in all genres. 2025 might have been more of a downer in the romantic music department, but this playlist surely isn’t.
