The Smiths, “Hand in Glove”
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks when you’re in love. It’s about the proximity, protection and acceptance of the person you absolutely need to be near. Who cares if the “good people laugh”? Not me.

Prince, all of “Lovesexy” 
It’s one long track with no breaks between songs; there is no better soundtrack for a fun-filled sex holiday. Take off your clothes, put a football helmet on your partner, and make love on the balcony in the rain.

Brooke Kelty, DJ

Teen Daze, “Let’s Fall Asleep Together”
This conjures the essence of teen love and innocent attraction. The lyrics gush with optimism and nostalgia, and cast listeners under a spell of longing for love, simplicity and sunny days.

TOKiMONSTA, “The World Is Ours”
If you’re hoping to channel a more mature love, TOKiMONSTA’s take on the 1967 Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell duet “If This World Were Mine” will suit you well. This track is paired well with dinner for two or, if you’re alone, a pint of Braum’s ice cream.

Chase Kerby, The Defining Times vocalist

Van Morrison, “Crazy Love”
This entire song is dedicated to venerability and the comfort that can come along with it. Morrison delivers it with his classic soul, which helps the message translate extremely well. This is the “slow dance in the living room on a beautiful Sunday afternoon” kind of song.

Jeff Buckley,“Everybody Here Wants You”
I’ve always loved how he describes a beautiful woman as having pearls in her kiss and lilac skin. Aside from having the voice that made him legend and quite a way with words as a lyricist, the song possesses a deep, slow pocket in the beat and enough space for the atmosphere to take hold between the sparse guitar chords. This is the “light some candles and hope for the best” kind of song.

Russell Hart, Stone Jam Band vocalist/guitarist

The Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody”
Back in college, there was a very special girlfriend in my life. After years together, we found ourselves separating by uncontrollable changes. I played this song, and we found ourselves dancing one last slow dance together. I left early that next morning, and as I walked down her apartment stairs, I looked into the sunrise, wondering just where in the hell was I going?

John Denver, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”
Years later, at Daytona Beach, a beautiful young woman asked if she could play me a song. We sat on the beach together and she played me “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” We spent the day together. At the end of the night, I walked her to the bus stop. Unfortunately, the bus arrived immediately. She boarded and shouted her phone number, but all I could hear was the driver laying into that diesel engine as she faded away.

Devin Wahl, Eureeka and Economy multi-instrumentalist

Animal Collective, “Bluish” 

This song is lyrically perfect when it comes to explaining what love is, having lyrics that emphasize admiration for the little things. It is a love story of such an ordinary setting, but simply enjoying the time that you have with that person. It represents how I feel every time I relax at the end of the day with the girl I love.

Daft Punk, “Something Between Us”
This is a stellar, slow and sexy song that’s incredibly straightforward. Even without lyrics, it would be my No. 1 choice in a one-on-one dance session … which is unavoidable.