The 14 Best Love Songs You’ve Never Heard

Inside: If you like “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers, you’ll love these unknown love songs. Sappy need not apply. Plus, this playlist makes a great DIY Valentine’s Day gift!

To help you get in the mood for Valentine’s Day, here are a few of my favorite contemporary, unknown love songs. If you like “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers, you should like these lesser known – but no less awesome – love songs.

I had two important criteria for the list:

• The lyrics had to be about actual love, not heartbreak or betrayal or stalking.
• Sappy need not apply.

In other words, these songs won’t send you running to the nearest vomitorium. So if you’re looking for Celine Dion or “When a Man Loves a Woman,” this isn’t the playlist for you. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for fresh, plain ol’ good music to play for your honey – enjoy! This playlist also works great for any ol’ date night throughout the year or even for a wedding.

Get Your Copy: The Best Conversation Starters for Couples

14 Best Unknown Love Songs

Below, you’ll find the best little-known love songs to share with your special person and put a smile on their face. For even more obscure love songs, check out 75+ of the Best Unknown Love Songs.

1. 5 Years Time by Noah & The Whale^†

^† This site is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Oh well, in five years time we could be walking ’round a zoo
With the sun shining down over me and you
And there’ll be love in the bodies of the elephants too
And I’ll put my hands over your eyes, but you’ll peep through

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

2. All ‘Cause of You by The 88

I’ve been sinking through the drain of love,
Lift my eyes to skies of up above,
Listen to me this is how I feel,
Since I knew you all my thoughts are real,
You’re the only one i wanna do,
Everything’s new,
And it’s all ’cause of you

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

3. Lost in the Moment by Daniel Lee Kendall

You were wearin’ that pretty white dress
You wore it with your pretty smile
I was trying to do my best
To see you smile your pretty smile at me

Listen: Apple Music

4. Just a Boy by Angus & Julia Stone

One kiss from you, and I’m drunk up on your potion
That big old smile is all you wore
Girl you make me want to feel
Things I’ve never felt before

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

5. Wonderin by Nicole Reynolds

My heart is made of instruments
That strum this song for you
They bend and twist each simple pitch
In hopes you’ll feel it too

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

6. Tighten Up by The Black Keys

I don’t need to get steady
I know just how I feel
I’m telling you to be ready
My dear

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

7. The Girl by City and Colour

While I’m off chasing my own dreams
Sailing around the world
Please know that I’m yours to keep
My beautiful girl

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

8. When We First Met by Hellogoodbye

As I kept track of every haircut that we ever had
I could, I could see how long it had been, oh
Oh, how long it had been
And this thought, made it clearer
I ought to be near her

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

9. Sleepy Tigers by Her Space Holiday

Oh I like you so very much so much in fact I gotta wake you up
It’s not that I have words to speak
I just wanna see you looking at me

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

10. You’re What I’m Looking For by Rooney

When I look at you, my troubles all go away
I’m someone new, it feels just like a new day
When you hold me tight, I get lost in your arms
I know tonight I’ve finally found what I’m looking for

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

11. OK by Holly Conlan

And now I’m confused on top of it all
I was ready to lose, and ready to fall
And something about the way that you look at me
Makes it feel okay

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

12. Gray or Blue by Jaymay

But your sweatshirt says it all
With the hood over your face
I can’t keep starin’ at your mouth
Without wonderin’ how it tastes

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

13. Be My Thrill by The Weepies

Be my youth
My kissing booth
My little sweet tooth
My beauty and truth

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

14. Sweeter Than This by Katie Herzig

I’ll feed you Ramen and you’ll braid my hair
Anything goes when you don’t even care
When you’re this far in love

Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music

Bonus: An Easy, Cheap Gift for Your Valentine

Buy a few of these songs, then burn them to a USB flash drive using my tutorial on how to share a playlist. Stick it in a small box, add a pretty red bow, and you’re done!

Get your copy now: 150 Conversation Starters for Couples That Will Make You Feel Closer Than Ever

Want More?

Check out 75+ of the Best Unknown Love Songs.

Your Turn

What’s your favorite contemporary, non-sappy love song? Leave a comment to share your fave!