Entertainment

Your Perfect Valentine's Day Playlist Is Here

by Dacy Knight

Valentine's Day isn't for everyone — namely, anyone who isn't coupled up. If you find yourself without someone to be yours on Feb. 14, turn up this Valentine's Day playlist for single people, and put it on repeat. Then take solace in knowing that you're probably having a better time than all the couples crammed in amongst other couples in fully booked restaurants, mentally calculating whether expectation is meeting reality while uncomfortably picking at their pricey prix fixe, all for the sake of "romance."

This playlist will help you survive Valentine's Day minus any feelings of heartbreak, loneliness, or — had to say it — FOMO. Instead, these tracks promote positive feelings toward your independence, celebrating your ability to be successful solo, not to mention "young, wild, and free." The lineup includes plenty of oldies but goodies that women have been turning to for generations to find solidarity in being single and strong, as well as some newer girl power anthems that pick up where they left off. So no matter why you find yourself single on Valentine's Day, and no matter how you spend it — staying in or out on the town, solo or with your single friends — let this mix serve as your soundtrack for a fantastic Feb. 14 celebrating you.

1. "Dancing On My Own" by Robyn

While you shouldn't spend the holiday wallowing in your emotions, this all-the-feels dance track is a requisite single for the single set. Sure, you see your ex with their "new friend," and it hurts like hell, but you don't let that stop you from dancing all night.

2. "Feeling OK" by Best Coast

OK, so you're without a Valentine, but you're still "feeling OK." You know better than to agonize over coupling up because when it's right, it will happen. Take charge of this one silly day of the year knowing the future is bright, saying, "I know someday I'll find it where I least expect it."

3. "Different Drum" by Stone Poneys

Here's a single to share with all the haters who just don't get it. Being single is just as much of a choice as being an item. Do you run the other way when someone makes eyes at you? Are you just not ready "for any person, place, or thing" to "pull the reins" on you? Then turn this up to tell the world, "It's not that I knock it / It's just that I am not in the market / For a boy who wants to love only me."

4. "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross

Valentine's Day is trumpeted as the day to celebrate unions of love, but it should also be a day to celebrate your love for yourself. Don't stay cooped up, "break out of the shell" and get out there, metaphorically and literally. There's no shame in being single. Go out and own it on Feb. 14 just like you would any other day.

5. "Uh-Huh" by Tkay Maidza

Dial up the sass with this track that celebrates being independent and not being able to care less about what others think. "I'm solo but aimin' / I do it on my own, take no favors."

6. "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra

A classic hit you want to croon to the guy who did you wrong, let it be your anthem on Valentine's Day to salute atrocious past relationships that made you stronger and celebrate that you're not one of the girls those guys are taking out to dinner tonight.

7. "I Will Survive" by Cake

The dead pan delivery in this cover of the time-honored classic makes the lyrics even more direct. Sure, stuff has happened, but you got through it, and now you're better for it.

8. "Young, Wild & Free" by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa Feat. Bruno Mars

Indulge in the special revelry that comes with being completely independent. Have fun "how it's supposed to be" and make the most of your freedom and youth.

9. "None Of Your Business" by Salt-N-Pepa

Put your foot down with people who put in their two cents about how you live your life. Whatever you want to do, especially when it comes to your love life, is none of their business.

10. "One Is The Magic #" by Jill Scott

Through some serious math ("I subtract one plus me to the 5th degree"), you can calculate that one is the magic number. You have to love yourself first before you can love anyone else, so on this special day, make sure you take time to appreciate you (because one comes before two).

11. "You're Not The One" by Sky Ferreira

In layman's terms, if they were The One, you guys would be together. So here's a song for everyone who doesn't get to call you their girlfriend.

12. "I'm Free" by The Rolling Stones

Revel in your freedom with this classic jam, then continue on doing just what you want and whatever you choose, "any old time."

13. "That Don't Impress Me Much" by Shania Twain

OK, so you might actually be pretty impressed if he's Brad Pitt, but the point is it takes a lot more than looks or a car to win you over. This should go without saying, but it doesn't hurt there's a song about it.

14. "Venus Fly" by Grimes Feat. Janelle Monáe

This new track is fully loaded with sass and a "Run The World (Girls)" beat. Get in a dance mood with the accelerated rhythm and ward off unwanted gazes with the repeated, "why you looking at me?"

15. "You Don't Get Me Twice" by Sleigh Bells

A fair warning to all exes who think they can get you back for round two.

16. "No Scrubs" by TLC

Because you have better things to worry about.

17. "Single Ladies" by Mr Little Jeans

This breathy cover of Beyonce's hit will get you through the day when you can't be in full-on dance mode.

18. "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

Take a moment for you and let loose with this sweet track that promises, "you're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow" so just "do what you want to."

19. "Here I Go Again" by White Snake

Nothing like an early '80s power ballad to get you pumped out about being single.

20. "Pursuit Of Happiness" by Lissie

This Kid Cudi cover gets an instant upgrade when delivered by a woman. The unabashed quest for the best takes on new meaning when sung with unapologetic sass and self-confidence.

Images: Universal Pictures