The Seven Song Itch - What Is Love?

A friend of mine, currently residing in Germany, posted a photo on Facebook with the following quote, “Love is not a habit, a commitment, or a debt.  Love is not what we hear in romantic songs or see in movies.  Love simply is.”  I completely agree with the sentiment, and look for a kind of love that is described in I Corinthians 13 of the Bible, but you know I’m going to make a song list anyway.  These songs hold special memories to me and stand the test of time.

Playlist for What Is Love?

1. Howard Jones – “What Is Love”(1983)

This was the second single off of his debut album, "Human's Lib." I like the conversational aspect of this song, as it addresses doubts that we all have in a romantic relationship.  If something is bothering you, don't let it simmer till you both blow your top.  There is always time, in any relationship, to reach out and communicate with each other.  Maybe even the doubts about your union can bring you closer together - stranger things have happened.  Don’t let a misunderstanding end something before it begins.

2 Peter Cetera – “Glory of Love”(1986)

A long time ago, I took a very lovely girl to a screening of "The Karate Kid Part II," and this was the love theme from that movie.  It was my first semi-public make-out session, resulting in me getting popcorn and bubblegum in my hair.  The surprising thing, however, was that this gal had seen the movie the day before so that when her father quizzed her about the plot she would be able to give a excellent answer.  You gotta love those smart girls.  I still haven't seen the movie all the way through, I guess I should do something about that.

3. Amy Grant – “Saved by Love”(1988)

If you ask me what my favorite song of all time is, it would be this one.  Back in 1988, I checked Amy's “Lead Me On” album out of the church library per a pretty gal's recommendation.  My love of her music is the only thing that has lasted from those days of old.  I began to collect her back catalog and continue to do so to this day.  I like the themes that drift into her music and find both her sacred and secular work to be transcendental.  She just seems to know how to spin a story, even if it's a pop diddy.  Laura, the woman mentioned in the song, is a semi-autobiographical nod to her sister Carol. This is my hope for those who are not in the spotlight of life, but give it their all.  A windfall of love is in store for them, even if they don’t know it.

4. Vanessa Williams and Brian McNight – “Love Is”(1993)

One of my secret obsessions in the early nineties was “Beverly Hills 90210,” and this was the love ballad from that TV Series.  Though the song never appeared in the show, it did appear in the spinoff "Melrose Place."  The paring of these two vocalists is just magical, and it brings a bit of nostalgia to these old ears.

5. SheDaisy – “In Terms of Love”(2006)

This is a heartbreaking catharsis about believing in life after love.  Kristyn (Supporting Vocals and Principal songwriter) is brilliant in the lyrics and really conveys that moving on is not easy.  Consideration of what comes too soon and what comes too late in a relationship almost seems commonplace in coupledom, but you have to love yourself enough to know when to stay in and when to get out..

6. Taylor Swift – “Love Story”(2008)

Ah, this song speaks to the hopeless romantic in me.  Yeah I know, Taylor changes the end of the classic tale of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare, but I’d like to believe that those crazy kids found a way to make love last.  This song is hopeful, heartfelt, and helpful in getting two star-crossed lovers together.  It still gives me goose bumps, and yes I know, it’s just a pop country song, but sometimes we need a fairy-tales to take us away to a far off land where love has a chance. <3 <3 <3

7. Michael Bublé – “Crazy Love”(2009)

This Van Morrison song has been covered dozens of times, and I like them all, but Michael’s version of the song really speaks to me.  He is a modern day balladeer that really knows how to croon.  So much of the music today is launched at you with high intensity, so when a chilled out love ballad comes my way, I want to savor it.

Bonus Videos:

To quote a Righteous Brothers song (Rock and Roll Heaven), “If you believe in forever, then life is just a one-night-stand.  If there’s a rock n roll heaven, well you know they got a hellva band.”  With the passing of Donna Summer and Robin Gibb, I can’t help but wonder who else will leave this mortal coil and join that illustrious group in the afterlife?  I am sad for the loss of these two great vocalists, but thankful for the legacy of songs that they leave behind.  Here are two songs of Love from their catalog.

Donna Summer “Love to Love You Baby”(1975)

Many years ago, when Ms. Summer became a born again Christian, she stopped performing this song live, and I respect her decision to do so.  It has that sensual passion of lovemaking that others have tried to duplicate, but end up delving into depravity – not that there is anything wrong with that.  This song is “Hot Stuff,” but I think we sometimes miss the point of intimacy.  I was taught that sex is dirty, but save it for someone you love – a contradiction of sorts.  I’m not advocating free love, but I do think that people should relax and enjoy the ride.  No disrespect is intended by including this song in this playlist..

The Bee Gees – “How Deep Is Your Love”(1977)

This is another tune that poses the question of how committed you are to a person and waxes poetic about the depths of one’s feelings.  Sometimes love can be one sided, but that can’t be helped.  It’s rare to find someone on the same level of intimacy, but when you find them, hold on for dear life.  The greatest gift you can give a person is yourself.