With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there will be plenty of chocolates, last-minute gifts, hearts and notes that read, “Do you like me?….circle yes or no”. If you’re reading this and above middle school age, hopefully you’re not guilty of the latter gesture. But there’s one thing we can’t forget…the music. There are plenty of love songs out there, but I’ve made a list of the cream of the love crop (in my opinion). These 10 songs are the most vivid depictions of the good, not so good, best and breathtaking moments of love. This will be a 2 part blog in which there will be 5 songs each that are revealed. Makes sure to come back later today for the complete list and the rounding out of the top 10.

10. Jill Scott/BOOMscat: Cross My Mind

“I was just thinking about you”. Jill Scott has a way of making the simplest of statements and concepts mesmerizing. She reminisces about a past lover and takes the listener through her see saw emotions of calling, not calling, smiling and being disgusted. By the time the song ends, she never picks up the phone to pour it these explicit thoughts racing through her mind and concludes that they were just oil and water from the start. Classic. Make sure to check out BOOMscat’s version of “Cross My Mind” at the link below. I must admit, I’m skeptical of anyone touching a Jill Scott song. But the duo pulls off this cover extremely well and even adds a bit of their own flavor.

Check out the BOOMscat rendition here (a mashup of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” and Jill Scott’s “Cross My Mind”)

9. Mary J. Blige: I’m In Love

Mary J Blige is an artist whose pain always seems to overshadow even her greatest of celebrations. “I’m In Love”, lifted from the 1999 Mary album, proves why she’s 20 plus years strong in the music business and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Lyrically, this song is honest, pure and straight to the point. Musically, the track is smooth enough to listen to on its own. Her tone is even a bit melancholy here….but she says she’s in love and it sounds very believable.  ”Feeling you/There is nothing I won’t do….I’m in love”.

8. Earth Wind & Fire: Would You Mind

This is a feel good, innocent love song that proves you don’t have to be raunchy to make a point. Although this song isn’t as big as “Reasons” or “September”, it’s probably my favorite from this classic R & B group. The production and the vocals are timeless and this is definitely a love song to put on repeat.

7. R. Kelly: You Remind Me of Something

Who else can compare a woman to a jeep and they feel honored? If anybody can do it, leave it up to R. Kelly. In perhaps the most lyrically creative love song series (this song birthed “Ignition” years later and its remix), only he can get away with singing, “You remind me of my jeep/I wanna ride it”. As one of the most versatile artists of his kind (think “Half On A Baby” vs. “I Believe I Can Fly”),  R. Kelly has had a lot of negative press in recent years but you can’t deny his musical genius whether you like him or not.

6. P!nk: The Great Escape

Many of Pink’s initial fan base feels that she sold out her R & B roots (her first CD Can’t Take Me Home was pure R & B/Pop), for a more gritty, Rock inspired sound. But those vocal chords have always been here. “The Great Escape” is featured on her most recent release, The Truth About Love and is perhaps the most vulnerable song on the album. I actually favor the Pink that emerged after her first album. The song comes from a selfish point of view from someone who always runs away, but challenges their lover not to.