Playlist for the Hopeless Anti-Romantics

To all those with a love-hate relationship with romance...

There's no shortage of love songs out there, so here are a few of my favorite songs with a bit of an anti-romantic theme, with a touch of hopeless romantic (based on personal interpretations). Feel free to comment any song suggestions you have as well!

i'm so tired... (Lauv, Troye Sivan)

Genre: Pop

Why I like it: Introvert-friendly, catchy rhythm, theme of craving some kind of connection but being tired from the search for it

Favorite lyric: "Just wanna go home"

https://open.spotify.com/track/4vjpLMyL3ZO6aphdYr8XYw?si=9388bd00a1da4d98

Imagination (Foster the People)

Genre: Pop, Alternative

Why I like it: Carefree and quirky sound, contrasted by a hint of bitterness through the lyrics, makes me feel like dancing

Favorite lyric: "I see us dancing by ourselves, we do it better with no one around"

https://open.spotify.com/track/2flxduIqEbsicdmPyj1WVW?si=2209fe87855d44f

blue (the bootleg boy)

Genre: Emo trap

Why I like it: Short and simple, vocals span a lovely range, chill sound

Favorite lyric: "So are we gonna fall? Or are we gonna fall in love? No, we don't know at all, I'm scared that it won't be enough"

https://open.spotify.com/track/18WI5LEikfhXo606KbapYf?si=ad1d8db3e4864e9d

Dear No One (Tori Kelly)

Genre: Pop, R&B

Why I like it: Descriptive and relatable lyrics, appreciates independence while validating the desire for romance

Favorite lyric: "So if you're out there, I swear to be good to you, but I'm done looking for my future someone"

https://open.spotify.com/track/2wWboDFZJPWXVNlHUbdSVQ?si=ebbc524c4c50482b

Anti-Romantic (Tomorrow X Together)

Genre: K-Pop

Why I like it: Ironic lyrics, theme of putting up an anti-romantic front in fear of the heartache romance can bring, calm and easy to sing to

Favorite lyric: "Sorry, I'm an anti-romantic, I want to run away, far away"

https://open.spotify.com/track/44tTqUi3xi7E28QLzHVdUA?si=2fb5a9b333914dd1

Losing My Religion (R.E.M.)

Genre: Alternative rock

Why I like it: Creative and abstract lyrics, theme of unrequited love, upbeat rhythm but bittersweet vocals

Favorite lyric: "I think I thought I saw you try"

https://open.spotify.com/track/31AOj9sFz2gM0O3hMARRBx?si=1b6b2101c32f49bf

That Girl Don't Live here (Courtney Hadwin)

Genre: Pop, Funk

Why I like it: Powerful vocals, upbeat, theme of finding yourself apart from other people

Favorite lyric: "If you're looking for a girl like the girl next door, that girl don't live here anymore"

https://open.spotify.com/track/0ANuHjzCLe5GIQAzh21R3M?si=3986c2ec473f4b2a

Bowling Ball (Superchick)

Genre: Pop rock

Why I like it: Punk aesthetic, theme of knowing your worth and saving your energy for the one who deserves you

Favorite lyric: "You need that boy like a bowling ball dropped on your head, which means not at all"

https://open.spotify.com/track/1IQwoktQVqnJvMA72Qswdy?si=9ec1b994d05c4c38

Au Revoir (Sweet After Tears)

Genre: Indie, Alternative

Why I like it: Simple and happy sound, theme of resolve and knowing your worth

Favorite lyric: "And I have no idea what to do, but I'm so sure that I don't need you"

https://open.spotify.com/track/0ke6DgZ3ZFGYoyiO2gsssD?si=3c93e7ea113d4167

My Heart Escapes (Blindside)

Genre: Post-hardcore

Why I like it: Fun and catchy, aggressive vocals but cutely creative lyrics

Favorite lyric: "I never meant to give it away, my heart escapes and I try to catch it when it runs to you...here I stand in silence, with bloodstains on my raincoat, my heart escapes, catch it when it runs to you"

https://open.spotify.com/track/1q1GFzGQV5Nqc4dHvz5nEa?si=2f4035edf64b495b

Lonely (RM)

*Explicit*

Genre: K-pop, Rap

Why I like it: Contrast of lighthearted sound and melancholy lyrics, fun and chill

Favorite lyric: "I tried a million times to let you know, so many memories are on the floor, and now I hate the cities I don't belong, just wanna go back home"

https://open.spotify.com/track/50y0OQgar3BnwTt1pXdYsM?si=b2c5b457a5fa4926

Socially Alive (Su Lee)

Genre: Pop

Why I like it: Cute and relatable lyrics, theme of the struggle to maintain a social life and connect with people while feeling socially awkward

Favorite lyric: "Is a hug too much? Am I being a creep? Just wanna show love, I'm a little bit lonely"

https://open.spotify.com/track/1sYgPZEyrbHr2Zo2R6g06z?si=3421f3c0807f42c4

King (Florence + The Machine)

Genre: Indie rock

Why I like it: Powerful vocals, slow burn, emotional buildup and payoff

Favorite lyric: "I am no mother, I am no bride, I am king"

https://open.spotify.com/track/1VSngtLdJhrlfHkLxTyOXK?si=d87b2e4437c145c6

Manta (Lexie Liu)

Genre: C-Pop

Why I like it: Female rap, theme of independence and success

Favorite lyric: "I don't need no romancer"

https://open.spotify.com/track/2ckGH6FtxWeAv0SskcREd1?si=4bc7e69ee827423a

Introverted (John Michael Howell)

Genre: Pop

Why I like it: Cute lyrics, easy listening, energetic

Favorite lyric: "You think I'm shy, but I'm just shy around you"

https://open.spotify.com/track/0iPX6rarnxKzKhiHNdsRJQ?si=f334f72258f54042

Definitely Maybe (FM Static)

Genre: Pop punk

Why I like it: Cheesy high school romance aesthetic, lighthearted and humorous

Favorite lyric: "She worked around the corner, at a diner with a grouchy owner, and her boyfriend Shady dates another girl named Katie, he loves her definitely maybe"

https://open.spotify.com/track/4dYeLvp1VhtMRBQvSUScoz?si=820dbbc107de4bf9

Hope some of these can brighten your day a bit!

Thanks for reading!