Happy Valentine's Day... or Single Awareness Day as I like to call it. While the day will be spent sharing sloppy kisses, overpriced chocolate and stuffed animals your loved one probably picked up last minute at the local supermarket, let's focus on what really matters... the music. For those crying in the corner with nothing but a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream or those embracing their single status with multiple shots at the nearest dive bar, I present my favorite Anti-Valentine's Day tunes. Oh how I love to reminisce.
Way back in 2007, that's seven years ago, Australian sister duo The Veronicas released the ever so perfect Hook Me Up, their second studio album which featured their highest charting US single to date, "Untouched". Following the release of just one more single, US promotion for the album ended and many brilliant tracks were left unheard, at least to the majority of the public. Songs such as "This is How It Feels", "This Love" and "Revenge is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)" were magical pop moments, but for this special day I recommend the heartbreaking "Someone Wake Me Up".
The pop gem of a track deals with the immediate aftermath of a recent break up, the splitting of mutual friends, the return of the other's property, but underneath all the initial malicious activities lies the reality that one must come to terms with the fact the love is over. "Even though it's over now, it still kills inside, cause for so long you have been in my life," the sisters sing during a powerful vocal performance on an album that contained potential hit after potential hit. Today, they are working on their third studio album, originally titled "Life on Mars", but no new details.
Say what you will about Jennifer Lopez, I adore her. I admire her career, her reinventions, her personality and I enjoyed her last full studio release, 2011's Love?, which saw the release of singles including "On the Floor" and "Papi". The album may not have been a massive commercial success, but it did bring back the dance queen and a tear-jerking number entitled "(What Is) Love?", a track in which the artist pleads to someone to show her what the feeling of love truly is.
Instead of falling head over heels in love, Lopez is heard questioning the overrated emotion. She's impatient, she does not have the time for a relationship, she is being honest. But, the artist still wants someone to hold, still goes on dates with every type of guy, to no avail. "I've been alone for the past three years on Valentine's Day, Christmas is no exception, birthdays no naughty presents," she sadly sings as she gives a commendable performance that was unfortunately overlooked three years ago. We all ask ourselves, "what is love?", Miss Lopez just put it in words.
Oh what I would do to have the gorgeous Adam Lambert serenade me with his show-stopping vocals on this hopeless day? Probably both my arms and legs actually. The For Your Entertainment powerhouse has released a couple of hits since his time on American Idol ended, "If I Had You", "Whataya Want From Me", "Better Than I Know Myself", but his greatest moments are ones that were never even released in the US. Shocking.
"Can't Let You Go" was featured on Lambert's hit debut album, but unfortunately just as part of the UK edition. Lucky foreigners. The rock ballad was a bit different from the rest of the material found on the project, maybe it just did not mesh well, but if ever released as an official single, the song had Grammy and chart-topper written all over it. "But it's not that easy for me to say goodbye, and everything in me wants you back in my life," he sings as his vocals scream of heartache, despair and possible forgiveness.
Lady Gaga is currently promoting ARTPOP and is not necessarily known for her love songs. Sex? Sure. Check out "LoveGame", "Sexxx Dreams", etc. But Mother Monster has apparently dealt with a lot of heartbreak in the past and has put those feelings into her music. Back when Gaga was about to release The Fame Monster, a rumor developed which led fans to believe previously leaked demo "No Way" would be a bonus track on the effort. Unfortunately it was false and I was devastated.
"No Way" is one of Lady Gaga's greatest songs to date, and the best from her unreleased catalog. It is different, it is not accompanied by a heavy, infectious dance beat. It just showcases Gaga's impressive vocals, clever songwriting and ability to craft a well constructed hook. "And I just woke up, but I wish that it was a nightmare, cause when I have those, it isn't real like this one is," she sings shortly after finding out about her lover's infidelity. I admire the track, wish it got a proper release and will be blasting it all day.
Other anti-love songs worth a listen? Check out "Love is a Lonely Place Without You" by Cher, "Someone Like You" by Adele, "Part Of Me" by Katy Perry, "Happy" by Hilary Duff, "Dear No One" by Tori Kelly and "Sad Song" by Blake Lewis.
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