Valentine’s Day is here again and you know what that means. Retailers and every couple that you know might want to cover everything with flowers, cards, candy, stuffed animals and every sappy sentiment in existence.
In the middle of a pandemic, give those folks a pass. We all could probably use a little extra sweetness right now. So, to cover all of the bases, we’re going to show the single people out there some love by sharing some great tunes for parties of one. Why? Because you deserve to be celebrated just as much as anyone else does.
If you’re taken, you can find songs to woo your boo here. But if you’re riding solo, here are four songs to make Singles Awareness Day, Valentine’s Day or any day special.
Miles Davis Quintet with John Coltrane – “Someday My Prince Will Come”
If you’ve been navigating the world of dating apps and friend hookups with no luck — yet — you probably understand Snow White’s sweet song for the person of her dreams. “Someday My Prince Will Come” was written in 1937 by Larry Morey (lyrics) and Frank Churchill (music). It was first performed by Adriana Caselotti who voiced Snow White in Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
Miles Davis’ version came along in 1961 on his seventh studio album that was also titled, “Someday My Prince Will Come.” While the Disney version of the song is magical in an animated way, Davis’ version is suited for a modern single person who might be longing to meet that special someone — but they still wouldn’t change a thing about their current situation.
Antonio Carlos Jobim – “Corcovado/”Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars”
Jobim wrote this bossa nova classic in 1960. The song is a tribute to Corcovado Mountain which looms over Rio de Janeiro and is home to the magnificent Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer statue. While Jobim is known for his dreamy, tender and romantic songs, his pieces perfectly capture the Brazilian concept of “saudade,” which is a happy-sadness that turns into a sad-happiness.
Since its creation, “Corcovado” has been recorded by artists like Miles Davis, Charlie Byrd, Sérgio Mendes, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Mary Wilson, Queen Latifah and Astrud Gilberto. While the context of the lyrics speaks to someone changing their outlook on life because they found love, the same can apply to singles. Because if you love yourself, then it’s kind of hard to think that life stinks.
Andreas Varady featuring Gregory Porter – “Let the Good Times Roll”
Twenty-three-year-old jazz guitarist, Andreas Varady, is kind of an old soul. At the age of 13, he became the youngest headlining artist at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. A year later (2012), he performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he managed to get Quincy Jones’ attention. A few months later, Jones signed Varady to his management company.
Since he’s been on the scene, Varady has worked with a wide variety of well-known musicians. His cover of Louis Jordan’s swinging party anthem, “Let the Good Times Roll.” is a great reminder to live life to the fullest regardless of what’s going on. And with Gregory Porter serving some party booster realness on the track, this song is bound to put you in a celebratory mood anytime.
The Lorca Hart Trio featuring Ralph Moore – “Introspection on the 401”
A lot goes on during our days — random interactions, work issues, family obligations or friendship duties. And yes, bad dates sometimes work their way in every now and then. Sometimes, we just want to be able to unwind and decompress after the day’s events. Well, “Introspection on the 401” is the perfect tune to do just that.
Released in 2020 by The Lorca Hart Trio featuring Ralph Moore, this gorgeous tune is wonderful to listen to after those “what the hell just happened?” moments or during your wine (yes, wine) down sessions on the couch. And don’t just stop at that one song. Check out the full album titled “Colors of Jazz,” to discover even more tunes to help you relax and enjoy those quiet, blissful moments alone.