Valentine’s Day is almost here, which means people are turning to flower shops, candy stores and restaurants in order to celebrate their significant others. But another crucial element that helps set the mood of the evening is, of course, music. It’s not only roses and heart-shaped candy that make the day significant — it turns out that song selection plays a big part in setting the tone of February 14.
Each Valentine’s Day, YouTube sees a big spike in views for many love-related tunes, as well as some anti-love songs. In honor of this year’s holiday, YouTube shared data on songs that, since 2016, have experienced the largest boosts in daily views.
One example of a song that saw a huge increase in views is Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You,” which experienced a 93.83 percent increase on Valentine’s Day last year. Celine Dion‘s “Because You Loved Me” came in second place with a 76.41 percent increase in views.
But not everyone is celebrating love this year. For some, Valentine’s Day is also referred to as Singles Awareness Day, which requires a completely different playlist.
Luckily for those who are not in the mood for a Bruno Mars love song, YouTube also pulled together the top 20 songs that have been added to a breakup playlist this year, including Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next.”
Whether you’re planning a romantic candelight dinner or spending the day solo, YouTube has compiled a list of songs featuring today’s hits and all the classics that are sure to fit your Valentine’s Day needs.
Here is a list of the top love songs and breakup anthems that might help set the tone for the day:
Love Anthems:
Methodology: Songs that experienced a spike on Valentine’s Day in 2016, 2017 and 2018
1. Boyz II Men – I’ll Make Love to You2. Celine Dion – Because You Loved Me3. Elton John – Can You Feel The Love Tonight4. Shania Twain – You’re Still The One5. Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are6. Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)7. Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting8. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You9. Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply10. Enrique Iglesias – Hero11. Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling In Love12. Usher – Nice & Slow13. Bryan Adams – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You14. K-Ci & JoJo – All My Life15. John Legend – All of Me
Breakup Anthems:
Methodology: Songs most frequently added to playlists created over the last year with the word “breakup,” “break-up” or “break up” in their title.
1. Beyonce – Irreplaceable2. Rihanna – Take A Bow (Main)3. Sam Smith – Too Good At Goodbyes4. A Great Big World – Say Something5. Post Malone – I Fall Apart6. Passenger – Let Her Go7. Juice WRLD – Lucid Dreams8. Halsey – Without Me9. Ariana Grande – thank u, next10. Gnash – i hate u, i love u (feat. Olivia O’Brien)11. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone12. Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together13. Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)14. Beyonce – Best Thing I Never Had15. Little Mix – Shout Out to My Ex16. Adele – Someone Like You17. Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats18. Rascal Flatts – What Hurts The Most19. Eminem – Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)20. Queen Naija – Medicine