Music in February is all about love. Whether you’re deeply in it, in the early stages or angry about love there’s an album for you. Here are some of the best albums you can listen to in February.
“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” – Lauryn Hill (1998)
Hill created this album in an era of creative rejuvenation after she became pregnant with her and Rohan Marley’s first child. The album covers topics of love, various forms of relationships and Hill’s relationship with God. Interspersed through the album are brief moments of American poet and politician Ras Baraka giving a lecture to schoolchildren on love which he improvised for the album. This album is perfect if you’re in love, still looking for that person or if you’re working on loving yourself.
“Remember That I Love You” – Kimya Dawson (2006)
If you’re in need of some self- love and warmth this Valentine’s Day, this album is for you. Dawson’s soft harmonies are perfect companions for a cozy night, and her relatable awkwardness will make each one of your quirks feel valid and loved. You’ll recognize a few songs on this album from the 2007 film Juno and we recommend giving it a rewatch paired with a listen through the album.
“At Last!” – Etta James (1960)
James’ debut album deserves to be in vinyl collections worldwide. Seldom does a debut give us iconic versions of songs, but James delivered several with tracks such as At Last and A Sunday Kind Of Love. This album will make you sway with your partner through the kitchen while your Valentine’s Day dinner bubbles on the stove. The true beauty of the album comes from James’ emotion which shines through as she sings of her desire for a devoted love and musical success in America.
“21” – Adele (2011)
This album is perfect if you want to be elegantly angry this Valentine’s Day. While initially intended as a more upbeat album, “21” got its iconic vengefully sorrowful sound following Adele’s breakup with her partner. The best albums about love, both found and lost, come from the artist’s true emotions. Through pouring her whirlwind of emotions into this album, Adele gave us one of the most iconic albums of her time.
“L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole (1965)
It’s damn near impossible to talk about love songs around Valentine’s Day without mentioning Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E”. While the song has been somewhat co-opted by commercials and blockbuster romcoms, the album is full of Nat King Cole’s fresh takes on classic jazz standards. Boasting songs like The Girl From Ipanema and Coquette, this album is made to be danced to.
“Midnight Love” – Marvin Gaye (1982)
As the last album Gaye released before his death, “Midnight Love” is a final testament to Gaye’s talent. Following a divorce both from his wife and his Motown record label, Gaye spent time in Europe recovering from his drug addiction and finding himself before re-entering the world of funk and R&B. While intended as a more mainstream album to win back the affection of his fans, “Midnight Love” maintains Gaye’s themes on love and sex and delivers one of his more iconic hits Sexual Healing. In Gaye’s own words, “It’s time to put the madness behind and let love lead the way.”
“I Love You, Honeybear” – Father John Misty (2015)
Josh Tillman (A.K.A. Father John Misty) created this album as a concept album about his personal life. Full of anecdotes about Tillman’s real life, the more romantic songs are written about his relationship with his wife. The album serves as a love letter to his wife, and a monument to the connection between an artist and their greatest love.
Contributed Photo/Adele on YouTube
