The ultimate Valentine’s Day playlist: Songs that capture love in every form

This Valentine’s Day playlist, curated by students at West Chicago Community High School, captures the many facets of love—from romance to heartbreak—through songs that set the perfect mood for the season.

By Alexa Cruz, Eros Avila, Andrea Garcia, Alina Procopio, Robert Lee, Vanessa Escobar, Lilyana Bonilla, Camila Terrazas, Alex Hoffman, and Ronyiah Newcombe • February 13, 2025

Photo by Ruby Guerrero

As Bruno Mars said, “If the world was ending, I’d wanna be next to you.” (“Die With A Smile”).

Valentine’s Day is more than just heart-shaped chocolates and love notes—it is a feeling, a moment, a song that perfectly captures what it means to love and be loved. Whether celebrating romance, longing for someone, or reflecting on love’s bittersweet nature, there is a song for every emotion. Wildcat Chronicle staffers share their top Valentine’s Day picks, explaining why these tracks belong on your playlist.

Wildcat Chronicle Staff | Spotify

“Die with a Smile” by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga

This song demonstrates a deep connection between two people, exploring the emotional reality of life and the desire to spend final moments together. Both romantic and heartbreaking, it emphasizes the fragility of life while reminding listeners to cherish love. It is a perfect addition to a Valentine’s playlist, capturing the intensity of devotion and the fleeting nature of time.

“Amor de Siempre” by Cuco

From the album wannabewithu, released in 2016, this love song translates to “Forever Love,” and from the very first lyric, Cuco expresses admiration for his partner. The relaxed mood keeps it from feeling cheesy, making it an ideal dedication to a significant other. The last minute is purely instrumental, creating a tranquil melody that makes you want to slow dance with someone special.

“Those Eyes” by New West

This song is a perfect fit for a Valentine’s playlist because of its sweet, romantic feel. The lyrics are heartfelt, describing the experience of being lost in someone’s eyes. It’s a simple yet powerful portrayal of love, bringing to mind the feeling of having someone special in your life.

“It Will Rain” by Bruno Mars

This song describes the fear of losing love. Mars compares heartbreak to an endless storm, saying that if she ever leaves, the world would feel like a cloudy day that never ends. He acknowledges his imperfections, his past mistakes, and even the disapproval of her parents, but the song ultimately expresses a willingness to do anything to make things right. It’s an emotional anthem for those who understand that love is both beautiful and fragile.

“Die for You” by The Weeknd

This song embodies the depth of devotion that Valentine’s Day represents. It speaks to unwavering loyalty and the willingness to do anything for a loved one. The lyrics convey a love that endures through thick and thin, making it a powerful addition to any romantic playlist.

“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” by Jeff Buckley

Expressing both romance and heartbreak, Buckley’s song is an emotional rollercoaster. With lyrics like “too young to hold on and too old to just break free and run,” he captures the complexity of love and longing. His voice builds up throughout the song, making the seven-minute track feel like an experience rather than just a listen. It is the perfect song for those missing someone they cannot be with.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

A timeless classic, this song captures the feeling of falling in love in the simplest, most beautiful way. The gentle guitar and piano paired with Presley’s soothing voice make it perfect for slow dancing, sharing a meal, or simply appreciating the presence of a loved one. Whether in a new relationship or celebrating a lifelong romance, this song sets the perfect mood.

“Love Between…” by Kali Uchis

Kali Uchis is known for her deeply personal and poetic love songs. This track describes a love that makes her soul smile—one that feels feminine, real, and relatable. Uchis captures the joy of being in love, making this song a must-have for Valentine’s Day.

“What More Can I Say?” by The Notations

This 1967 R&B classic reminisces on love lost. The smooth vocals and nostalgic melody create an emotional pull, making it perfect for anyone reflecting on a past relationship. Lyrics like “One day you love me, and you just, you disappear from sight” resonate deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak.

“Cupid” by 112

An upbeat R&B hit, this song expresses love, trust, and devotion. The melody is smooth, and the heartfelt lyrics remind listeners that vulnerability is a necessary part of love. It’s a perfect track to dedicate to a special someone, reinforcing the importance of trust and commitment.

Whether celebrating love, enduring heartbreak, or just enjoying the romance of the season, these student-selected songs capture the essence of Valentine’s Day. So, grab your headphones, press play, and let the music set the mood.

About the Contributors

Alexa Cruz, Reporter

With a new environment, changes are bound to occur, and now, Alexa Cruz springs toward her passion for writing and journaling. As a freshman in high school, she made the life-changing decision to join the Wildcat Chronicle, which immediately piqued her interest. Although Alexa is not currently involved in extracurricular activities, she hopes to try out for the badminton team soon. On weekends, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Zeus, and binge-watching Netflix shows. Alexa’s ultimate goal is to pursue a career in neonatal nursing, which will require both specific degrees and hands-on experience.

Eros Avila, Reporter

Eros is a senior and an aspiring hairstylist. With colorful hair of their own, they are a cosmetology student at TCD and plan to complete their degree at COD after graduation. Passionate and driven, Eros dedicates themselves to their interests and extracurriculars, including being an active member of WEGO Global. An artistic soul, Eros enjoys hobbies such as drawing, sewing, baking, and pottery. Joining journalism felt like a natural step, as they hope to explore whether storytelling can become a new form of art for them. Eros adores their cat, Chai, named after one of their favorite drinks, a chai latte. A good portion of their paycheck goes to spoiling Chai or indulging in clothes and sweet treats. Outside of school, Eros can often be found working, shopping, spending time with friends and family, and always listening to music.

Andrea Garcia, Reporter

Senior Andrea Garcia is a hardworking student who loves to try new things and explore every opportunity that comes her way. You’ll often find her on her phone, managing her responsibilities as the communications manager for a well-known community organization. At school, Andrea is actively involved in various clubs, taking on leadership roles and contributing to culturally connected groups. Her dedication and drive have helped her thrive and build meaningful connections with others. Andrea joined journalism to enhance her blog-making skills and discover new ways to share stories.

Alina Procopio, Reporter

In her final semester as a high school student, Alina Procopio has joined the Wildcat Chronicle. She has a deep passion for music and enjoys creating it, especially with her brother. Together, they are working on bilingual, lyrically driven tracks that reflect their shared creativity. Some might describe Alina as organized and kind, while others would say she’s crazy and helpful. At her core, she’s someone who’s open to trying new things, meeting new people, and making the most of her senior year as it flies by.

Robert Lee, Reporter

Entering his senior year, Robert Lee is excited to join the Wildcat Chronicle. A multitalented triathlete, he excels in football, basketball, and track. This year, Robert earned All-Conference, All-State, and All-County honors in football and is looking forward to continuing his athletic career in college. Outside of sports, Robert enjoys playing the drums, a passion sparked by his love of music. His favorite artist is Michael Jackson, whose music inspired his appreciation for rhythm and sound. Robert is eager to take on the role of reporter for the Wildcat Chronicle this year.

Vanessa Escobar, Reporter

As time flies by, Vanessa Escobar makes the most of every moment. Over her three years of high school, she has dedicated herself to running and building stamina as a member of the school’s track team. Beyond running, Vanessa enjoys playing the guitar and has recently discovered a passion for interior design. Vanessa is often found with her headphones on, immersed in her own world. Music plays a significant role in her life, and she listens to a variety of genres and languages day and night. On a sunny morning, you might catch her listening to Bob Marley, while on a rainy evening, she turns to Miles Davis—just two of the countless artists she enjoys.

Lilyana Bonilla, Reporter

Lilyana Bonilla is a senior at WEGO, where she is an active member of WeG0 Drama, serving on the leadership team, and a dedicated ROAR mentor. This semester, she is taking journalism for the first time. Although this is only her second year at WEGO, Lilyana has worked hard to find her place in the community. Originally from Texas, Lilyana spent her first two years of high school at Haltom High School before moving to West Chicago. She is incredibly grateful for the friends she has made here, who have helped her feel more at home in her new school. Lilyana is excited to graduate and plans to attend either a four-year or junior college after high school.

Camila Terrazas, Reporter

Camila Terrazas is quickly approaching the end of her senior year and is thrilled to be part of the Wildcat Chronicle this spring semester. She looks forward to having fun while keeping her peers informed about what’s happening in their community. Currently enrolled at TCD to become a medical assistant, Camila is often seen with a Ziploc full of flashcards in hand. While she works most of the time, on her days off, she enjoys spending time with her family or watching her favorite 2000s rom-coms—her top pick right now is "Just Like Heaven". Camila also loves reading, gardening, and is working on learning American Sign Language, aspiring to be trilingual one day. After high school, Camila hopes to become a nurse, driven by her passion for comforting and caring for those in need.

Alex Hoffman, Reporter

Heading into his final semester of high school, senior Alex Hoffman decided to switch things up by joining the Wildcat Chronicle. If you ever see him, there’s a good chance he’s wearing headphones, listening to a wide range of music from Lucki to The Smashing Pumpkins. If not, he’s probably in bed or out with friends, driving around and spending way too much money on food. Alex plans to become an electrician and hopes to eventually move away from Illinois.

Ronyiah Newcombe, Reporter

Ronyiah Newcombe is a freshman at WEGO and a first-time member of the Wildcat Chronicle. She is excited to improve her writing skills and learn new ways to tell stories. In her free time, Ronyiah enjoys watching movies and listening to music. Her favorite films are "ATL" and "Annie" (starring Quvenzhané Wallis), and her go-to artists include Tupac, Jhené Aiko, and Brent Faiyaz. While she loves ’90s soulful music, she also has a passion for volleyball, playing right side for West Chicago's volleyball program. On weekends, Ronyiah spends time with her family, often attending her little brother’s feeder basketball games, where her dad coaches. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a more confident writer and develop her social skills. Ronyiah is also passionate about real estate and interior design, fields she hopes to pursue in the future.

Ruby Guerrero, Editor-in-Training

Ruby Guerrero Lopez is a sophomore at West Chicago Community High School, and is new to journalism. Occasionally, you can find her out walking her dog, but you will always see her writing, reading, or drawing; she is a huge Harry Potter and Marvel fan and can talk your ear off about either (and frequently does). She is hoping to write some stories for the Wildcat Chronicle this year, but ultimately wants to pursue a job in the STEM field as an engineer or peds worker, which would obviously involve a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate.

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