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My Top 10 (Unconventional) Love Songs


Happy Tuesday, everyone! I’m celebrating UIC Radio’s Week of Love by making a list of my favorite love songs that have an added twist to them. Love comes in many forms, and I think that should be celebrated. Love can be romantic, platonic, queer, messy, weird, and intimate, among so many other things. This list highlights some of my favorite love songs that aren't necessarily conventional, because while that’s great, I think typical love songs fail to highlight the ups and downs (and messed-up parts) of a relationship. I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day this Saturday, regardless of who you celebrate it with!


(via pinterest)

  1. Uncle by Nicole Dollanganger

Nicole has a plethora of beautiful lyrics worthy of this list, but this song feels more delicate and rawer than the rest. The title leaves you questioning everything after you've given it a listen and leaves you with a haunting yet comforting feeling.

  1. 1955 by Billy Cobb

A vintage love story in which one man is alive more than fifty years after his lover. It’s a charming song about feeling like you're born in the wrong time and place. Poor Billy.


  1. Before The Fever by Grimes

I’ll always leave it up to Grimes to pair really coy lyrics with sick harmonies and electric guitars. I just love the way she repeats, “Can you get lost with me, baby?” at the end. SO dreamy!


  1. Going to Georgia by The Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats have been tugging on my heartstrings ever since I heard Love, Love, Love in Morel Orel. This song feels a little like a ticking time bomb; the singer’s voice sounds like it’s going to go off like a gun, but it just adds to the tension and the trust you have in the song not to.

  1. I Will Bury You In Time by Jeff Mangum

Everything Mr. Mangum says is bizarre. Even his love songs are bizarre. I believe in the live version, he describes this song as him “making out with a rockstar in a hole by the ocean.” Never mind the strange nature, the lyrics are so poetic, even with such basic instrumentals. “Everything you want I'm wanting too / I gave you more than I thought I could ever do / And I will never break you.”

  1. She's an Angel by They Might Be Giants

Another band known for its quirky lyrics and experimental instrumentals. This song is so sweet, though. If you don’t think of your significant other as an angel, you’re doing something wrong!

  1. I'm a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears

I like to think that every time I listen to this song, I’m fighting purity culture on the front lines. Shame on anybody who thought it was scandalous for Britney to make this song when she was just a young adult exploring her own desires and sexuality. I HIGHLY recommend this one; it might be the most normal one on this list.

  1. Please Do Not Go by Violent Femmes

Sometimes, one of the worst parts of love is that other people can love too. Just like the vocals of this song, feelings can be really, really messy. I think this counts as a sad song, but it’s the Violent Femmes’ fault for making their bass and guitars so twangy and upbeat that it sounds so fun.

  1. And Then You Kissed Me by The Cardigans

The idea of making an unconventional list of love songs came to me while listening to Hole’s unplugged album. I love their cover/version of He Hit Me (And it Felt Like a Kiss), aptly called, He Hit Me. I thought I’d be too niche to put down, so I guess this song carries the concept well: in And Then You Kissed Me by The Cardigans, the lead singer beautifully sings, “Baby, you hit me really hard / And then you kissed me / And then you hit me.” And while I don’t think this song is meant to be about domestic abuse necessarily, I still think it’s very meaningful.

  1. For Tammy Rae by Bikini Kill

In true Hysteria fashion, I have a gem of a sapphic, riot grrrl love song. For Tammy Rae is a softer, prettier Bikini Kill song that captures the feeling of waiting and yearning. If you’re a fan of this blog, I really recommend this song!


Thank you for reading my list! I know Valentine’s Day and this season in general can be tough, so if you struggle with that, my advice is to show gratitude and appreciation for the things that make you feel even a little better. Show love to yourself, if you can! Times are really tough right now, but I’m a firm believer that love will overcome hate any day of the week. See you all next Tuesday :)


Love you guys (unconventionally)!

Mila <3



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