This is a collection of the BEST love songs in my life, the heartbreakers and the heart menders. The ones that make your heart burst and bloom. Because hey, it’s spring, and who doesn’t want a damn good love song or two in their lives? — Leah Song, Rising Appalachia
John Prine – “Angel From Montgomery”
This song brought me to my knees when I heard it live at the Kate Wolf Music Festival years ago. A hardened kind of love song, a love long changed and still just barely holding. But still, even the love between John Prine and Emmylou Harris is precious…
The Roots, Erykah Badu – “You Got Me”
I have listened to this song since my teenage years and it is rich, passionate, and real amid the throes of what life on the road looks like. What longing feels like. How to show up.
Hozier – “Almost (Sweet Music)”
The most joyful and epic lyricist around. And such a bright and catchy melody, this one is contagious.
Keb’ Mo’ – “Kindhearted Woman Blues”
Such a rich treatment of this classic. Got that salty form of simple, front porch, storytelling love.
Arouna & Biko – “Doubabu”
Nothing sings to the heart like the sweetness of this melodic instrumental by our dear friends, Arouna & Biko.
I mean, this needs no additional telling. It just SLAYS.
Ray LaMontange – “Shelter”
The tamber of LaMontange’s voice is so insane, it’s another delicate one, but it reaches into the pain and pleasure of love.
Lankum – “What Will We Do When We Have No Money?”
A gentle, Irish look at love and the long haul. How to piece it together with your beloved when times are tough.
Beyoncé – “Drunk in Love”
Riddles with unapologetic passion.
Jorge Cafrune – “La atardecida”
Classic heart strings, plus the guitar just makes you swoon.
Rising Applachia – “Novels of Acquaintance”
Our favorite love song.
A traditional Appalachian love ballad. “That I should know your face,” the depths of loyal love.
Maggie Koerner – “Shades of Grey”
Simple, open-hearted love song from the young vulnerability of the road.
Trevor Hall – “Chapter of the Forest”
A love song to the divine.
Hypnotized – “Ani DiFranco”
The classic bass line of this song plus the simplicity of the imagery. Sometimes, you are just brought to your knees by the wafting breathlessness of love.
Photo credit: Savannah Lauren
