February Love Songs Project: Day 28 of 28 (“Yellow”)

I’d close my Valentine project with this lovely song from Coldplay. Funny thing is, the story behind how “Yellow” came about is more amusing rather than what we can say romantic. Chris Martin once told Howard Stern about this one time that he was fumbling with his guitar when he struck a chord that he liked. The first verse came out spontaneously, even the word “yellow,” though it didn’t really have a profound meaning that people might have expected it would have. “It was more a feeling than a meaning,” he said.

When he went to the bathroom, that’s where he came up with the chorus. (See, the bathroom is really a treasure trove for ideas, haha!) And when he played what he got so far to his mates, that’s when they stopped their games and worked on the song.

Chris was quite anxious admitting the real story behind “Yellow,” but even if it wasn’t conceived in the most dramatic of moments, that doesn’t diminish the fact that it’s one heck of a great song and it will always be, even for generations to come. ❤

February Love Songs Project: Day 27 of 28 (“It’s You”)

Michelle Branch is one of those artists who opened my eyes to female musicians writing their own songs, saying what they feel the way they want to, and playing their own instrument. Although she has not released a new material for a long time now (been looking forward to it!!!), her music remains relevant for me (‘Cause you’re everywhere to meeeeeee :p) and perhaps for anyone who was in their teens when she broke into the music scene. Here’s one of her songs from her second album “Hotel Paper” – not a single, but it deserves a listen. It says a lot in two minutes.

February Love Songs Project: Day 26 of 28 (Part 2) (“When I Was Your Man”)

These days we don’t often hear pure piano ballads so the release of “When I Was Your Man,” like “Stay,” became a breath of fresh air. To me it felt like Bruno Mars converted his tears into words and music for this song. Such a downer! But it has greatness (as a record) stamped all over it.

February Love Songs Project: Day 26 of 28 (Part 1) (“Stay”)

I’m nearing the end of my Valentine project, woohoo! For today, I thought of making a double post, starting off with Rihanna‘s “Stay.” More than the hooky tracks of pop/hip hop/R&B artists like her, I look forward when they release ballads because it’s an opportunity for us to hear them in their rawest – stripped off of heavy production and grand arrangements. This is a quiet song but explodes with emotion. It’s just Rihanna’s and Mikky Ekko‘s (who’s also one of its writers and producers) voices, a piano, and some unapologetically vulnerable lyrics about wanting a relationship to work out because it means so much to you and wanting it to last in spite of and despite your and your beloved’s imperfections. Beautiful.

February Love Songs Project: Day 25 of 28 (“Umbrellas”)

Everytime I hear this song, I imagine it being played during a proposal, or even a wedding (The strings interlude makes it all the more perfect for it!). If you’ll look at the lyrics, it’s just short, but it says much for people who have a lot of love to give. 🙂

“‘Cause you were meant for amazing things.” 🙂

February Love Songs Project: Day 24 of 28 (“Lifesize”)

Most people probably know A Fine Frenzy for her heart-piercing songs (“Ashes and Wine,” “Almost Lover”), but she’s also written songs that are cheery, positive, the kind that you’d want to listen to when you wake up in the morning and you’re prepping to have a great day. “Lifesize” can put you in that mood; a simple song about the inspiration that loving and being loved brings.

“Larger than lifesize we become / great in the eyes of someone.” \m/

February Love Songs Project: Day 23 of 28 (“Sana”)

Apart from The Script, this project cannot go without a track by Up Dharma Down. The easiest choice for me would’ve been “Oo” because it really holds a special place in my heart, but I resisted and went for “Sana” instead. What’s great about this song is that it manages to be poetic and profound because of the words – which are interestingly simple – chosen and how they were weaved. It’s a standout Filipino track for that love you can’t get over (“Kumakapit sa natitirang sana.”).

Killer line: “Ako, sila’y nandito na, ikaw na lang ang kulang.” The feels, guys and gals. The feels.