Valentine's Day: Love songs you listen to unapologetically

Maybe it’s because I saw Barry Manilow on Broadway last night (highly recommended), but my Valentine’s Day morning commute was all about the love songs. Now, I don’t normally feel guilt over anything I genuinely enjoy — even if I should — but only on Valentine’s Day would I let myself string these hits together: 

Barry Manilow’s “Weekend in New England”: He sounded exactly the same last night, as did the crowd’s collective “Ah” after the first notes. The key change gives me chills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOoHuibwHGI&w=510

Air Supply’s “Chances”: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Z1_4hUJPI&w=510

Neil Diamond’s “Hello Again”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0MIKngHn_c&w=510

Andy Gibb’s “Me (Without You)”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWBY7fD9pFE&w=510

Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers’ “Lady”: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI2CvL6UYvE&w=510

Oak Ridge Boys’ “Make My Life With You”: I love when they go a cappella at 2:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN1u6c0gNHw&w=510

Neal McCoy’s “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye”: He once dedicated it to my parents when they attended his concert on their anniversary. I’d like to think the line, “If you must go I won’t grieve/ If you wait a lifetime before you leave” gives my mother some comfort now that my wonderful father has passed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXHxcZJhiBo&w=510

Lorrie Morgan’s “Something in Red”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhhjy-A88tk&w=510

Your turn. What song(s) have or will you listen to unapologetically today?

• By Mandi Bierly