Not Today, Cupid

Honestly, they should just start calling it 'Excuse to buy excessive amounts of chocolate' Day. Or maybe 'Forcing people to do something nice for their partner' Day. But maybe that's just me being a little bitter about not having a Valentine and remaining perpetually single for a good portion of my life. But, there really is something to the whole 'learn to love yourself' thing that everyone talks about, and sure, love is nice and cute and wholesome...but you're just as capable being happy on your own and celebrating that independence. And let's not forget celebrating the friends in your life with a little Galentine's Day moment.

But let's talk music for the mood. Are most of these songs by women and probably for women? Yep. Maybe it's because society thinks we're the ones who take heartbreak the hardest and need our anthems to get over it. But the truth is, everyone needs their songs about being a badass, getting revenge, shaking off the people who broke your heart...those feelings have no gender. So here's some 'Screw Valentine's Day' songs for all us semi-bitter singles out there.

1. Woman- Kesha (feat. The Dap-Kings Horns)

Now, Kesha actually has a few good tracks in regards to independence and celebrating your fierce self. But I think what makes her songs especially potent is the rebranding of herself on the album Rainbow during the midst of her intense legal battle with music producer Dr. Luke. A man who she has accused of psychological and physical abuse. Not the mention how she's been trying to break her contract with Sony, the company Dr. Luke is associated with, hence why a few years ago celebrities and fans were coming out with 'Free Kesha' signs and hashtags to vocalize their support. And when she hit us with 'Praying?' Now there's the beginning of her showing the whole world her journey. And so when other songs on that album show how to be a strong, independent, take-no-shit woman? She easily earns a place on a 'screw Valentine's Day' playlist. 'Woman' with it's: 'I'm a mother-f***ing woman, baby alright. I don't need a man to be holding me too tight.' Or 'Learn To Let Go' that is a song all about growth: 'The past can't haunt me if I don't let it . Live and learn and never forget. Gotta learn to let it go.'

2. forget me too- Machine Gun Kelly (feat. Halsey)

Machine Gun Kelly really changed the game in 2020 coming out with a whole punk album after being known as a rapper for years. And it's fantastic. A lot of songs on his Tickets to My Downfall relate to love, and I highly recommend checking out his video for 'My Bloody Valentine' with his girlfriend Megan Fox (now there's a power couple). But 'forget me too' is a great 'well screw you, I'm getting over you' track that even has the powerhouse of Halsey featured on it. 'I'm keepin' you waitin'. But I won't wait on you . You want me to forget you , okay, forget me too.' And the chorus isn't overly complicated, but it's the sort of song you wanna jump around and play too loud and be in your feelings. MGK? Please keep giving us music like this. It's just as good as Post Malone's Nirvana tribute concert.

3. Smile- Maisie Peters

This song is featured on the soundtrack for Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), which also has a bunch of powerful tracks (all by female artists) that make you feel like you too could be the baddest chick in Gotham. Like 'Boss Bitch' by Doja Cat and 'Diamonds' by Meg the Stallion and Normani. 'Smile' is easily a favorite because right away you know it's the story of a girl who's not taking anymore crap from anyone, and that sort of strong message is exactly why it makes this list. To overcome who's standing in your way. 'It's my party, my body, my business . If he tries to control me, he's finished . Won't be crying, there's plenty of fishes . And I, and I, and I'm fishin' . No more Mrs. Sweet and Miss Nice . No more Mrs. F***in' Polite . Time for Mrs. Takin' What's Mine . You don't need him.'

4. Like A Girl- Lizzo

Honestly, most of Lizzo's songs are hard-hitting, fantastic, make you realize you're an actual queen, and just fun. And the fact that she's an amazing flute player? Love. If you're looking for independent vibes that make you wanna dance, she's your girl. 'Truth Hurts' and 'Good As Hell' are also perfect for an Anti-Valentine's Playlist, but 'Like A Girl' really fits it well, and is even inclusive to the trans community (which makes me appreciate the magic of Lizzo even more): 'I work my femininity , I make these boys get on their knees . Now watch me do it... like a girl . So if you fight like a girl, cry like a girl . Do your thing, run the whole damn world . If you feel like a girl then you real like a girl.'

5. Don't Call Me Up- Mabel

Not only does this song has an incredibly catchy beat, but it's the epitome of 'don't bother me, we're done, I'm gonna go have fun without you.' Yeah it has a bit to do with heartbreak, but it also mostly about cutting out that toxic person in your life. It's another song that just makes you want to dance. 'I'm over you and I don't need your lies no more . 'Cause the truth is, without you, boy, I'm stronger . And I know, you said that I changed with my cold heart . But it was your game that left scars . I'm over you . Don't call me up , I'm going out tonight . Feeling good now you're outta my life.' And a cool fact about Mabel? The young artist's father is a producer for the trip-hop group Massive Attack (and if you haven't heard of them, go check them out!).

Of course I have plenty of honorable mentions here. 'Bad Reputation' and 'Cherry Bomb' by Joan Jett because listening to those always makes you feel tough and unstoppable. 'Fight Like A Girl' by Zolita, a feminist empowerment ballad about overturning the patriarchy. 'I Eat Boys Like You For Breakfast' by Ida Maria because...well the title speaks for itself. And even 'I Disagree' by Poppy, another artist who overcame assault with her creative partner Titanic Sinclair to make her own music and basically create her own genre. You can check out my full Spotify playlist below.

These songs remind us that just because we aren't in love on Valentine's Day doesn't mean we have to sit alone and wallow in it. We can listen to songs that empower us, inspire us, make us want to move, give us confidence, and remind us all that 'this time baby, I'll be bulletproof.'

Happy listening, single friends!