Every time Valentine’s Day rolls around, we hear the same classic love songs year after year.
If you’re looking to change things up, here are 14 new romantic releases, from indie jams to pop anthems.
1. “Have A Baby (With Me)” by Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar’s lead single for his newest album Son of Spergy, “Have A Baby (With Me) is an emotional ballad in which he pines for a woman, fantasizing about a future where they are together as he sings, “What if we married? What if we believed?”
Son of Spergy was met with favorable reviews, praising the album’s exploration of faith, love, and self-importance. Caesar garnered attention for the album prior to its release by hosting a series of intimate pop-up concerts across the globe, often held in public spaces such as parks and pastures.
2. “Let’s Take Our Time” by Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer
Since releasing their fifth contemporary R&B album Flowers in 2025, Durand Jones & The Indications have continued to develop their nostalgic, soulful sound on their newest release. The use of falsetto, elaborate harmonies, and groovy melodies is reminiscent of classic soul artists such as The Impressions, making them the perfect listen for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Currently, the contemporary R&B group is touring until March 22.
This song is a must-listen for any old souls looking for a new love song inspired by the classics.
3. “Shiny Penny” by Oranje Space
Oranje Space’s song off his latest album, Violeta, is the newest indie love anthem. Violeta is his first ever album, featuring eight different tracks sung in both English and Spanish.
In “Shiny Penny,” his tantalizing lyrics sing, “Tell me you’ll wait to long for me,” perfect for any yearners this Valentine’s Day.
Though currently a smaller artist with 167 thousand monthly listeners, this California musician’s skilful lyricism and musical talent promise him to be a hidden gem bound to skyrocket to stardom.
4. “Inventing” by Matilda Mann
Matilda Mann’s newest single “Inventing” has already taken off across social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Her soft melodies and soothing guitar accompaniments sing a song about wanting to stay with a lover forever, a love that feels so right that “love is just too weak of a word.”
An indie folk artist from London, UK, Mann rose to stardom opening for other popular indie musicians like beabadoobee and Arlo Parks. Currently, she is on a world tour for her debut album Roxwell until Feb. 21.
Whether you are an appreciator of Mann’s soothing melodies or can relate to being in a long-term partnership, “Inventing” is the song to listen to this Valentine’s Day.
5. “box wine” by max skees
“box wine” is independent artist max skees’ third ever single, produced by his roommate marQ.
“I’ve recently been really enjoying the 80s sound and so I wanted to try and make a song with that style,” skees said in an interview with Trill Mag. “Now that it’s all said and done, I’m very satisfied with the finished product and am looking to put it on a full length project here soon.”
With a sound reminiscent of artists like Dominic Fike, Dijon and Del Water Gap, this new musician explores themes of love and yearning. All in all, it is the perfect song for someone you’d like to “split a box of wine” with this Valentine’s Day.
6. “Small Town Joan of Arc” by Del Water Gap
The second track on his newest album Chasing The Chimera, “Small Town Joan of Arc” explores the experience of being hopelessly in love.
A master of writing about love and longing, Del Water Gap is best known for his songs “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat,” “High Tops” and “All We Ever Do Is Talk.” Currently, he is on tour until March 21.
If you’re wondering what the hopeless romantics will be doing this Valentine’s Day, it’s listening to “Small Town Joan of Arc.“
7. “New Man” by Self Proclaimed Narcissist
Despite Self Proclaimed Narcissist’s mysterious identity, his latest single “New Man” is a raw and nostalgic song about longing and moving on. He sings somberly, “You were all I ever wanted.” The complex chords, honeyed voice and catchy lyrics are perfect for fans of R&B artists like Frank Ocean, Miguel and Daniel Caesar.
For those who are single and reminiscing this Valentine’s Day, Self-Proclaimed Narcissists newest release is a must-listen.
8. “Homewrecker” by sombr
Since the release of his album I Barely Know Her, sombr has become pop music’s newest force to reckon with. At only 20 years old, sombr was nominated for the 2026 Grammy for Best New Artist and performed his song “12 to 12” at the awards ceremony on Feb. 1.
In his newest single “Homewrecker,” the New-York-City raised artist describes his love for someone who is already taken. Backed by an electric guitar and piano, he sings wistfully, “I don’t wanna talk down on your lover, I don’t want to be a homewrecker, I just know I can be better.”
For those with an unrequited love this Valentine’s Day, this singable pop anthem is the perfect listen.
9. “I Just Might” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ newest single is a funky, danceable hit reminiscent of older Motown artists like The Jackson 5 and Marvin Gaye. Recently, Mars performed this single at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he was nominated in three separate categories for his song “APT.” with ROSÉ. The loving, beaming lyrics and groovy rhythms on “I Just Might” echo his work on his collaborative album with Anderson.Paak, An Evening With Silk Sonic, which won a clean sweep at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
Furthermore, Mars’ fourth studio album The Romantic is set to release Feb. 27, his first solo album release since 2016.
For those looking to dance with someone they love this Valentine’s Day, Mars’ newest single is for you.
10. “Red Moon” by Tom Misch
Neo-soul artist Tom Misch expands his dreamy, groovy sound on his latest release, “Red Moon.” He sings about being in love and hoping to find a way to convince his love interest to reciprocate his feelings.
After taking time to work on music for his alter ego Supershy, Misch is set to release his newest album, Full Circle, on March 27. Misch combines calm vocals, elaborate guitar riffs and funky rhythms to create musical soundscapes you can escape into.
This Valentine’s Day, escape into Misch’s love and yearning in “Red Moon.”
11. “have to.” by Brent Faiyaz
Though many of his other songs contain themes of scandal and infidelity, Brent Faiyaz’s newest release “have to.” is an anthem for those who would do anything to be near the person they long for. Faiyaz’s single features his classic melodic rap sound and sensual beats, alongside an experimental modulated voice effect similar to that of Justin Bieber’s “Yukon,” making it the perfect song for those looking for a sultry jam this Valentine’s Day.
The Maryland artist’s newest album Icon was originally set to release in Sept. 2025, but Faiyaz made a sudden decision to cancel the release. The reimagined Icon just released on Feb. 13.
12. “California Lover” by dj gummy bear, Montell Fish
“California Lover” is the third track on dj gummy bear’s newest album The Spirit Still Remains (Purgatory). dj gummy bear, an alter ego of gospel artist Montell Fish, crafts a raw, emotional sound through an embrace of clashing high vocals and deep bass.
Though he began his career as a musician making gentle Christian music, he has evolved to more of an alternative sound, swapping clean-toned guitars for crunchier, dirtier electric guitars. He created his alter ego dj gummy bear to continue to experiment with new EDM and house sounds. Many of his songs like “California Lover” focus on what it’s like to long for someone and experience passionate love.
If you’re looking to feel deeply and explore a new genre this Valentine’s day, “California Lover” is for you.
13. “E85” by Don Toliver
Don Toliver’s newest album OCTANE was an instant hit upon its release on Jan. 30, with songs like “E85” and “Body” taking over social media. Many fans were enthralled to see that “E85” samples Malcolm Todd’s “Chest Pain (I Love),” a popular song from Malcolm Todd’s latest album Malcolm Todd that was also viral on social media last year. Furthermore, Travis Scott’s influence as one of the many producers is clear through the song’s high energy, guitar riffs and melodic rap that mimic Scott’s 2019 project JACKBOYS.
On “E85,” Toliver sings about laughing all day with and spending time with his “significant lover,” a lyric fans suspect to be referencing his partner Kali Uchis. Whether you are a hip hop lover or celebrating a high energy Valentine’s Day, “E85” is for you.
14. “Keep Falling in Love” by Sports
Best known for their smash hit “You Are the Right One,” indie band Sports revisits their unique sound with “Keep Falling in Love.” They combine breathy vocals, catchy lyrics and rhythmic beats to paint a picture about falling in love. This song is one of the lead singles for their album Sports, set to release Feb. 20. Currently, Sports is on tour until May 7.
For those who too hope to keep falling in love, fall in love with Sports‘ single this Valentine’s Day.
Vishy Subramanian
February 14, 2026 at 4:55 pm
Amazing work, Ruchi! All the best 😊