Who Wants Regular Love Songs For Valentine's Day? Not Us
We’re fast approaching Chinese New Year so that means one thing: you’ll hear that famous tune, 大地回春 (or “The Return of Spring”) being played.
Like, everywhere.
I heard it in the car that sent me to the office. I heard it in the car on the way from the office. And in the mall that I had to walk through to get to the supermarket, where, yes, there it was again.
It reminds me of Christmas, when I had to endure Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”.
But, hang on a minute.
There’s another occasion happening at this moment, too. One that celebrates the cumulative human emotional experience we call the L-word. I mean Love, not the other one. Valentine’s Day drops this weekend and you know what? I don’t think I’ve heard a single ode to love out in the wild that is not on my own curated playlist.
Where, to paraphrase the Black Eye Peas, is the love song? Shops in the mall are offering all sorts of treats “specially for your loved one”, but thanks to the proximity of the Lunar New Year, you’d be hard pressed to hear a love song, old-fashioned or otherwise.
Now, just because I’m an INFJ personality type, doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy love songs. I’m no stranger to love – and love songs. But I do draw the line at love songs that are so sweet, I’m pretty sure they are a key cause of pre-diabetes and corroding teeth if you listen to them too much.
Plus, a lot of them are pretty simplistic. I love you, you love me, let’s get together so we two become three.
They hardly ever convey the complex rollercoaster of emotional content that depicts what love is about. And unlike rom-coms, most of them are meh and not even funny.
Me? I like a love song that challenges me. Specifically, in terms of the love language. Literally. See, I'd always thought that being able to communicate in more than one language was a superpower.
I haven't attained that level yet, but someone told me they learnt Korean just listening to K-pop songs. So I thought, why not? Since then, I’ve realised that I’ve picked up more than a few phrases simply by listening to music.
So for my Valentine’s Day playlist this year, I've decided to add love songs from all around the world and not stick to my usual Taylor Swift compilation. And if you're looking for a V-Day playlist with a twist, or if serenading your partner with love songs in other languages is a thing, you can add these to your repertoire:
Zoobi Zoobi
This one, sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam, is from the Hindi movie "3 Idiots". As used in the movie, it's a fun, playful romp as the two characters, Pia and Rancho, get to know each other better, complete with a dance sequence that’s reminiscent of Hollywood Golden Era stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Plus, the catchy chorus sticks.
Good for: Those planning a playful V-day outing
来夜方长 (The Night Is Long)
You hardly hear Cantopop songs in the wild nowadays, unless you're listening to the Cantopop music stream on the Kakee App, which was where this song popped up. I've always had a soft spot for Kit Chan, and her vocals on this track - a duet with William So - are superb and emotive.
Good for: That romantic V-day dinner
Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms
This duet by IU and High4 is classic K-pop and could easily have been a mid number. Luckily, IU brings her perky charm to proceedings, and for my money, it’s IU’s performance that sells this track. Just watch the music video if you don’t believe me.
Good for: Celebrating v-day at your fave scenic spot
Shinseiki no Love Song (New Century Love Song)
This isn’t exactly a happy love song, but the way Asian Kung Fu Generation performs it, you can feel every moment. It tells of the pain one may feel if we open ourselves up to each other - at least, that’s what I think, given my limited Duolingo lessons - complete with wistful contemplation.
Good for: ...so your V-day date stood you up?
0321
Spotify ranks this as the most popular track by Chinese singer space x, and why not? This vibe-y song brings the right groove and mood to the proceedings. space x is part of a new breed of Mandopop singers who emerged in the past few years, and if she continues to deliver gems like these, then her future looks bright.
Good for: An intimate setting or even a good hang
Je Taime - Moi Non Plus
What can I say about this classic track by French hitmaker Serge Gainsbourg and his English muse Jane Birkin? Yes, it's an oldie, but it's in French - the language of love, right? Plus, it’s sexy and sultry. Like V-day ought to be.
Good for: If you want a little sumthin’ sumthin’ after the V-Day dinner.
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