There's still time, lovergirls and loverboys. Photo by Cielle Taaffe.
My first boyfriend had the right idea. For Valentine’s Day in sixth grade, he gave me a single long-stem rose and a mixtape featuring The Beatles’ “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” It was romantic, age appropriate and showed solid good taste. That boy knew how to woo, and Sixth Grade Boyfriend and I are still friends nearly 20 years later.
Mr. Freshman Year Boyfriend also made me a mix, complete with an impressive collaged cover—nice touch! He, however, had the misfortune of including Toad the Wet Sprocket on his first mix, and that was the beginning of the end.
There’s a lot to be said about a mixtape, and there’s a lot that a mix says about the maker. A romantic mixtape can speak volumes, but when beginning pause-rewind-record (or more likely click-drag-burn in iTunes), keep in mind that there’s a lot more to making a good mix than having the word “love” in the song title.
Listen to the lyrics: Not everyone will analyze every line of every song for hidden messages, but more likely they will. Honestly, this is more likely if the mix is for one of the feminine persuasion, but don’t misread what the song is about! There are some no-no no-brainers (“Every Breath You Take” = stalker), but a general rule is that unless it’s a karaoke go-to, it’s best to Google the lyrics before adding to the mix. Otherwise you risk sending an unintended message.
Suggestion: Sam Cooke, “Cupid”
Throw in something personal: Include a song with significance to the relationship. Whether it played on Date #1 or it mentions the receiver’s name, eye color or place of birth, it will add special meaning to the mix.
Suggestion: If Sixth Grade Boyfriend was not currently engaged, and I was trying to date him now, it would be The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
It’s cool to be classic: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is far from the only mix-worthy Beatles song. “All My Loving,” “The Two of Us,” “If I Fell” … these guys knew love songs. For more classic crooners, there’s KOIT for inspiration: Elvis, Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac. True love was more appreciated “back in the day,” and the songs of the time prove it.
Suggestion: Rolling Stones, “Let’s Spend the Night Together”
Be current, too: Knowing what the music bloggers are tweeting about proves hipness, especially if it remarks on a recent radio controversy. It shows freshness and an openness to new things, plus it might introduce the receiver to something they’ve never heard, which is a nice touch in a mix.
Suggestion: Lana del Rey, “Video Games”
Include a song you can make out to: That’s what love is all about—right? I’m not talking about getting busy, but sunsets and candlelight and long, slow kisses, meaning long, slow songs.
Suggestion: Boyz II Men, “I’ll Make Love to You”
Show some humor: Boyz II Men might have the “ironic love song” covered, but including a cheesy band from the ’80s, a kids’ melody or catchy Top 40 hit shows the maker doesn’t take himself or herself too seriously. Love is funny, or should be, and a mix should represent the tone of the relationship.
Suggestion: The Muppets, “Life’s A Happy Song”
Expose sappy feelings: What better way to say what’s going on inside the heart than with a songwriter’s eloquent lines? This is a perfect chance to get mushy and not feel embarrassed. Caution: some seemingly sweet songs are in fact about breaking up, another lover or a one-night stand (Heart, “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You”)—so again with the lyric checking. But this is Valentine’s Day. If you can’t be sentimental now, when can you?
Suggestion: Queen, “You’re My Best Friend”
