Songs of Love and Loathing

Hip-hop heavyweights might not always show their softer side, but when their hearts get broken, they're not often shy about airing their woes. As LL Cool J revealed in the sensitive classic "I Need Love," there's a tender heart beneath the surface of even the brashest rapper. Here are five tearjerkers from a group of normally stoic tough guys.

One of music's greatest strengths is its capacity to stir the emotions. For Valentine's Day, WGUC's Mark Perzel offers this list of five Classical works inspired by the power of love.

Lovey-dovey romantic types get all the attention on Valentine's Day. But not everyone wants to be in love right about now, and some relationships just happen to be hitting their expiration date this very minute. Listen to five songs that are perfect for those looking to break someone's heart.

Boleros are a form of love song that originated in Cuba in the 19th century, and the lyrics reflect themes of bittersweet, unrequited, betrayed, or eternal love. Not all of these songs are strictly boleros, but they all maintain the tradition — and, more importantly, the feeling.

Earlier this week, we asked listeners and NPR colleagues to let us listen in on their Valentine's Day playlists. Whether you're wallowing in self-pity or celebrating with your better half today, we have a mix for you.

We asked NPR listeners to tell us their favorite love songs for Valentine's Day. They responded in droves, posting to the All Songs Considered blog. On this edition of All Songs Considered we share some of those songs and the stories behind them. Hear a mix of music to fall in love with, from the Magnetic Fields and Arcade Fire to the Temptations and Sam Cooke.

Every year, Valentine's Day brings the same old sappy cards, chocolates, and heart-shaped jewelry — stuff that's nowhere near as special as retailers would have you believe. Why not impress your sweetheart with some music inspired by love instead?

These five songs are for those wishing to wallow in Valentine's Day's sheer, soul-wrecking brutality. Each has been carefully selected to provide a vivid soundtrack for those moments when alcohol isn't even necessary, so drunk is the listener on his or her own misery.

It's a fair bet that three-quarters of all songs have something to do with love, with maybe half of those coming out in its favor. Here are five lovesick tunes crafted by jazz legends, Broadway hitmakers, and new talents.

Valentine's Day is great for lovers, but what about those who have loved and lost? Don't they deserve a Valentine's gift, too? Absolutely. Here are five deliciously heartbreaking songs of love lost by some of the greatest jazz singers of all time. You might be lonely, but you're not alone.

Guest DJ John Waters spins his favorite love songs, offering an utterly charming and sometimes irreverent mix of music for Valentine's Day. He's just released a CD of love songs called A Date with John Waters, featuring Ray Charles, Dean Martin and more obscure artists like Mink Stole and Edith Massey. Waters chats with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen and shares some of his favorite tunes.

Gen-Xers love "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel, while their parents prefer "At Last" as sung by Etta James. Those are two of the most popular tunes NPR listeners selected in a recent NPR.org online poll on Valentine's Day music. Hear the songs and read the stories behind them.