My Bloody Valentine -Classic Love Songs

Silly love songs and Valentines Day. They go together like , well , love and marriage. Well for some. Anyway , love songs are amongst the pantheon of classic songwriting and vocal performances. They've soundtracked our lives. Everyone has that one love song that induces tears , goosebumps , a wry smile , a frown , a butterfly in the stomach. Torch songs.

So whether you be single , taken , unrequited , or just love a good love song, here are a selection of some modern love classics.

1. Frank Ocean -Bad Religion
For me this is the highlight of Ocean's critically acclaimed Channel Orange. The haunting church organ intro -"Taxi driver , you my shrink for the hour , so leave the meter running " And so begins  a heartwrenching confessional. A man trying to come to terms with this "unrequited love " . I could "never ake him love me " pines Ocean before that spine tingling high note.  Battling with lust and religion , it is moving and heartbreaking

2. Jessie Ware -Wildest Moments
South London soul diva Jessie Ware's breakthrough single is pure bliss.  Sensual pop music that despite being wriiten about a friendship can translate to all affairs of the heart. 

3. Ryan Adams -When The Stars Go Blue
Beyond beautiful. Featured on his classic 2001 album Gold , Adams displayed his considerable songwriting chops on this. This gorgeous ballad has been covered by Tim McGraw and The Corrs. But Adams original is devastatingly gorgeous. Perfect first dance material. Beautiful.

4. PJ Harvey -You Said Something
" On a rooftop in Brooklyn , at 1 in the monring , watching the lights flash , in Manhattan.....and you said something that I've never forgotten"  Polly Jean Harvey's classic 2000 album Stories From The City , Stories From the Sea , was a superb record with such warmth and hope , that it is still and always will be a much cherished record. This track was my personal favourite. Love against the backdrop of Manhattan skyscrapers on a New York night.  

5. R.E.M -Strange Currencies
Michael Stipe and company were the biggest band in the world when the underwhelming Monster was released in 1994. Though the album had its moments , this hit single was one of its haunting highlights. It's a song about obsession and infatuation , but rendered heartbreaking rather than creepy by Stipes soaring vocals. 

6. Tracy Chapman -Baby Can I Hold You
Chapmans eponymous album has sold by the truckload in the last 14 years. The tenderest of the vocals rein in the opening line " Sorry , is all that you can say "

7.Amy Winehouse -Love Is A Losing Game
The late , great Winehosue captured hearts and headlines with Back To Black. Away from her many troubles and addictions , Winehouse was a gifted , searingly honest songwriter. Fittingly , it was the final single released in her lifetime. Before Winehouse tumbled into a painful abyss. 

8.  Bon Iver -Skinny Love
Canadian singer songwriter Bon Iver 's Skinny Love , has been featured in numerous TV dramas and covered memorably by Birdy.
But Justin Vernons version is that of a purge of long standing demons , of love and loss. A moden love classic