1. Amber - 311

Yet again, I was torn between two tunes: this one and the ultra-romantic "When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole, but in concluding this countdown, it was how each song made me feel that influenced my decision.  When I hear the dashing Mr. Cole sing his heart out, I call to mind this perfect love, what I had always imagined love to be; that is, before I knew love.  But with funk-punk 311, lead singer and Nebraskan native Nick Hexum altogether steers clear of the clichés of love, which can often get one in trouble, and won me with "Nothing good comes easily/Sometimes you gotta fight."  And, although he does a mighty fine cover of The Cure"s "Lovesong," I am most struck by his not even mentioning the four-letter word in "Amber."

"Brainstorm,
Take me away from the norm.
I got to tell you something,
This phenomenon.

I had to put it in a song.

And it goes like..." 

"Launched a thousand ships in my heart."

Yeah, that's what he'll do...court me with words.  So tell me, what color is your energy?

2. Lover Lay Down - Dave Matthews Band

If you’re looking for a band that sounds better live than they do in the recording studio, go see Dave Matthews and his mates in concert.  You won’t be sorry.  Part of the charm of Dave’s lyrics is in the poetic manner in which he orders his words.  I'd like to blame it on his South African education, but I don't believe that you can learn to write or even play like this...nay, it just comes naturally.

“Spring sweet rhythm
Dance in my head
Slip into
My lover's hands.
Kiss me.
Oh, won't you kiss me now?
And sleep I would
Inside your mouth.”

"Don't be us too shy
For knowing it's no big surprise
That I will wait for you.
I will wait for no one but you."

“Could I love you?
Could you love me?”

This is dedicated to the man who’ll eventually win my heart, wherever he may be.  And so, I shall wait for him, however long it may take.

3. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

I wouldn't be a true California girl if I didn't give a shout-out to The Beach Boys, whose 1960's vinyl records also kept me company during my family's three year tour on the largest of the Ryukyu Islands.  Recognized for their close vocal harmonies and All-American persona (despite Brian Wilson's struggle with mental illness and substance abuse), The Beach Boys are also famous for evoking romance in their surf rock-esque songs.

“I may not always love you,
But long as there are stars above you,
You never need to doubt it,
I'll make you so sure about it."

"God only knows what I'd be without you."

Even though this song’s a walking contradiction with the lines “I may not always love you,” and then, “You never need to doubt it,” I still can’t help but include it on my list.  We all want someone to reassure us that his/her love for us is everlasting and I guess this is where we must place our trust not in that precious man or woman, but in our God; for "God only knows..."  And although it may be hard to admit, we may be better off without this lad or lass, especially if he/she leaves, because that means that someone better may be waiting in the wings.

4. Lovesong - The Cure

In addition to discovering The Beatles as a pre-teen, I also developed a fascination with the color black and took to wearing it on a daily basis, much to my mother’s dismay.  Many have credited another British band, The Cure, as having introduced the “goth” style of dress with front man Robert Smith popularizing it in his black clothing, disheveled hair, pale complexion, and use of makeup.  Regardless, this 1989 hit shows the softer side of Smith, as it was written as a wedding present to his then fiancée, Mary Poole. 

"Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am home again.
Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am whole again.
Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am young again.
Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am fun again."

"However far away, I will always love you.
However long I stay, I will always love you.
Whatever words I say, I will always love you.
I will always love you."

Perhaps the harshest lesson I’ve learned from the failure of my last relationship is that once someone utters the words, “I will always love you,” and later rescinds that statement, it is hard to trust that one was actually loved in the first place.  Furthermore, it is may be difficult to believe those words should they ever be spoken to one again, but then, I guess that's where the line "You make me feel like I am whole again" comes in.

5. And I Love Her - The Beatles

The Lennon/McCartney duo has produced some of the most romantic songs of the 20th century, particularly during the first five years of their partnership.  Although written and sung by Paul McCartney, this track appeared on The Beatles’ third album, duly named A Hard’s Day Night.  My first exposure to this band occurred in junior high, when my family was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and I bought my first CD, a compilation of their best songs.

“A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me.”

“Bright are the stars that shine,
Dark is the sky.
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her.”

There exists in the formative stages of love, a sense of innocence and assurance that nothing could go wrong, and that what one is feeling will surely last forever.  The ingredients to this confidence are grounded in the belief that love is eternal, which may seem like a naive notion, but it is this faith that we all strive to grasp.  However, what separates those who do consider love a life-time affair and those who don't is typically whether or not he/she has been hurt in the process.  Nevertheless, I don't doubt that there are many romantics such as myself who, even though they have failed at love, keep trying again.

6. At Last - Etta James

Having achieved popularity as a couple’s “first dance” song, this rendition is actually a cover by Beyoncé, who stars as R&B sensation Etta James in the film “Cadillac Records.”  Chronicling the life of record-company executive, Leonard Chess, played by Adrien Brody, and featuring many of the artists who recorded for the Chicago-based Chess Records, “Cadillac Records” is a walk down memory lane with music by Chucky Berry, Muddy Waters, and more.  Oh, and Adrien Brody steals the screen as the tall, dark, and handsome Polish-American Chess.  When he gives “Etta” that shy smile of his, I just melt. 

“At last
My love has come along.
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song.”

“Oh yeah, and you smile,
And then the spell was cast.
And here we are in Heaven
For you are mine at last.”

Although the search for love may prove to be laborious and/or wrought with emotion, when one is successful in the hunt and “captures” the heart of his/her beloved, nothing is sweeter and life literally becomes “like a song.”  This is the type of love that describes 50 year long marriages or the kind that when one spouse dies, the other never remarries.  And I would be honored if I could one day know a love like this...

7. Untouchable Face - Ani DiFranco

Often attacked for her bisexual orientation and the feminist leaning of her lyrics, Ani DiFranco and her signature staccato style, cross musical genres.  What I admire most about Ani, besides her vocal chords, is her concentration on the social issues that have defined our generation: racism, sexism, poverty, homophobia, reproductive rights, and war, even if they’re not topics that people want to hear.

“Tell you the truth I prefer
The worst of you.
Too bad you had to have a better half.
She's not really my type,
But I think you two are forever,
And I hate to say it but
You're perfect together.”

“And who am I,
That I should be vying for your touch?
And who am I?
I bet you can't even tell me that much.”

I was reminded that, on the road to healing, one of the critical stages of grief is that of anger.  None of the previous songs mentioned the anger that one feels in the loss of a lover; thus, my current regression.  Being angry is a sensible emotion, especially if one was dumped for someone else or is in love with someone who doesn't return the sentiment, etc., but anger can also propel us to action and to stand up for what we believe in.