Bringing Mixtapes Back: 16 Songs for Your Sweetheart
Imagine the tradition of giving mix tapes to express your inexpressible feelings to that someone special is still a thing — which it should be!
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If you happen to be the main character in a ‘90s rom-com, you could probably think of nothing more romantic, save for the act of saying “hello.” (Expect more Renée Zellweger!)
Mystique’s compiled 16 songs for an intoxicating mix sure to make your feelings known to your crush or longtime beau. (If this doesn’t melt ‘em, they’re cold as ice.)
1. “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak (1989)
For describing the fear and uncertainty that comes with falling for someone, “Wicked Game” is perfect. Isaak puts into lyrical form the feeling of wanting someone but not wanting the heartbreak — not again.
Pulse-quickening lyric: “What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way.”
2. “Into The Mystic” by Van Morrison (1970)
This classic has everything you need to relieve the nervous tension from “Wicked Game” — it’s vague, mellow and confident. I don’t know what “we were born before the wind” means, but I like the sound of it.
Enlightening verse: “I don’t have to fear it.”
3. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles (1969)
It wouldn’t be any kind of self-respecting mixtape without a song from The Beatles. This song symbolizes the end of a long night and the beginning of a bright new day. To me, it’s the sound of transitioning from bad times to good.
4. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star (1993)
I once met a woman who named her daughter Mazzy Star. I didn’t pry, but I think it’s because she was made to this song.
The revealing lyric: “I think it’s strange you never knew.”
5. “The Only Exception” by Paramore (2009)
We’ve all been hurt in love — with the exception of those who haven’t fallen yet or those who are still happily with their first loves. “The Only Exception” is the most romantic song a broken heart can offer to their new love. In this song, the heartbreak comes from the generation before – her parents’ breakup – but she’s feeling ready to leap. If you know the feeling of being on the precipice of letting someone in, this one will give you goose bumps.
Tear-jerking lyric: “I can't let go of what's in front of me here.”
6. “Angel Of Mine” by Monica (1998)
‘Cause nothing says “love” like some late ‘90s R&B.
Most romantic lyric: “No one in this whole world can ever compare.”
7. “Halo” by Beyoncé (2008)
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter means what she sings. In several live performances, Beyoncé has cried while belting out. Why? Because she’s feeling what she’s signing. Jay Z, you’re a lucky man — don’t let her slip away.
Most powerful lyric: “I ain't never gonna shut you out!”
8. “Hey” by Pixies (1989)
Believe it or not, the first time I heard “ Possum Kingdom” by The Toadies I thought it was the most romantic and passionate song I’d ever heard. That is, until I realized it’s about psychosis and murder. That sound, though. That sound of raw, intense desire that borders on agony, like the feeling of being young and in love, can also be found in the Pixies’ “Hey.” And bonus: “Hey” isn’t about murder. Although, it’s lyrics do have a less than polite way of catching your love’s attention.
Lyric that brings it home: “If you go, I will surely die.”
9. “I Will Possess Your Heart” by Death Cab for Cutie (2008)
That four minute and 40 second intro on the album, though! “I Will Possess Your Heart” is like sex — you have to let it build. Like Ben Gibbard sings, “You gotta spend some time, love.”
10. “Emotional Rescue” by The Rolling Stones (1980)
This one’s seductive and deviously persuasive.
Hypnotizing line: “You could be mine, could be mine, could be mine all mine.”
11. “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam & Dave (1966)
Isn’t that just what we all want — a lover confident in their ability to be there for you. “Hold On, I’m Comin’” gets it, and promises you “don’t have to suffer, baby, ‘cause I’m here.”
12. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley (1961)
This one will have you and your better half swooning, and daydreaming of a lovers’ getaway in Hawaii.
Lyrics you’ll swoon over: “Like a river flows, surely to the sea, darling so it goes, some things are meant to be.”
13. “A Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James (1960)
Show your darling you want something lasts “past Saturday night.”
14. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie (2006)
Yes, two tracks by Death Cab for Cutie. It’s not my fault they drop epically beautiful tracks about love. Including this one in the mix may be laying it on too thick, if it’s a mixtape for someone you’ve been dating, say, a week. But if you’re certain and you’re confident, include it.
There’s nothing like these lyrics: “If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks, then I'll follow you into the dark.”
All the lyrics are poetry. This track is romance porn for anyone who is atheist or agnostic. Although, believers can love it, too, if they imagine heaven and hell as places that capacity limits.
15. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding (1965)
If the first 14 tracks didn’t do it, this one will. Everything about this song is beautiful. It motivates. It’ll have your love running to you — or crying with joy to be already in your arms.
16. “Sleepwalk” by Santo & Johnny (1959)
Save the best for last. “Sleepwalk,” although it has no lyrics, is one of the most romantic songs ever produced. It speaks volumes without saying a word. It carries you away, and lovingly assures you everything’s going to be OK.
