With Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, we got to thinking about the music that makes us swoon the most. To craft this month’s #GWMusicMonday playlist, members of the George Washington University community picked their favorite love songs—and
interpreted “love” broadly. The tracks below include all types of ways to say and feel the “L” word: from hold-a-boombox-over-your-head kind of romances to unconditional parent-child adoration. Check it out below—and
happy Valentine’s Day!
“My Funny Valentine,” Miles Davis
“This is my selection as the cool version of Valentine's Day. I like it because it's the antithesis of Hallmark—full of romantic love yet realistic in its appraisal. The flaws of the lover are spelled out, in the lyrics, but ultimately
celebrated. It's all minor keys, too, which adds dimension and nuance.”
-Creative Writing Director Lisa Page
“You & I,” Ingrid Michaelson
“This song is so lovely and light and sweet!"
-WRGW member and sophomore Taran Sayre
“Ritual Union,” Little Dragon
“ ‘Ritual Union’ is a commentary on love and marriage. It has a dark side, which I like. Love isn't perfect, but it will all work out in the end if it's meant to be.”
-Media Relations Specialist Kurie Fitzgerald
“Genius of Love,” Tom Tom Club
“Rather than the obvious middle-aged gay man choice of Madonna or Dolly, I'll suggest Tom Tom Club's ‘Genius of Love’ for its earworm chorus and goofy spirit about boyfriends, Bootsy Collins and the reminder that summer
will be here soon.”
- Special Adviser for Communications and Outreach John Ralls
“You're My Best Friend,” Queen
“I was making a photo montage of childhood pictures for my two daughters and when I thought about what song would be just the right accompaniment, I thought of ‘You're My Best Friend.’ Now when I hear it, I think of the young
faces of my adult daughters and how much I love being their mother!”
- Geneva Henry, dean of libraries and academic innovation
“You Make My Dreams Come True,” The South Street Band
“For February, I recommend ‘You Make My Dreams Come True’ by the South Street Band.”
-Freshman Paige James
“Glory of Love,” Peter Cetera
“This song is definitely dated, but I heard it at the train station last week and can't get it out of my ahead. The song reminds us what is powerful about love. It takes us back to an innocent time, and it reminds us of chivalry and honor
in our relationships. Love takes many forms, but sometimes we must fight for it. Happy Valentine's Day!”
-Columbian College of Arts and Science Dean Ben Vinson
"Friendship Train,” Gladys Knight and the Pips
“I love using this song in my intermediate post-modern dance class. Although from 1969, its message is still current. It speaks to our times; our need to come together with love, compassion and understanding in the face of adversity and injustice.
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by hopping aboard the ‘friendship train’ with friends and loved ones?”
-Department of Theatre and Dance Chair Dana Tai Soon Burgess
“In Your Eyes,” Peter Gabriel
“There are few songs more evocative of the ‘80s than Lloyd Dobler standing outside Diane Court's window with a boombox over his head blasting this eternally hopeful love song.”
-Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller
“Forever Young,” Rod Stewart
“This one’s for my son.”
-Graduate student Andrea Turcois
