Erie Reader Valentine's Day Mixtape 2026
Love(ish) songs from all of us to all of you
We made you this mix. We hope you like it.
Every year since 2022, the staff, writers, editors, and artists at the Erie Reader share a love song they love for an Erie Reader Valentine's Day compilation, just for you.
Give it a listen and you'll feel it — we really love you, Erie.
"Silly Love Songs" by Wings
When the world seems unbearably heavy, Paul McCartney gives us a light-hearted song with a deeper message to remind us that "love isn't so silly after all." The group creates a bass-driven disco-pop utopia with layered melodies to easily escape in while dissing nay-sayers who think love isn't a worldly force for good. –Chloe Forbes
"New York City" by cub
This song tells an absolutely sweet story about getting out of the cold and into your love's arms, courtesy of the big apple. –Nick Warren
"I Want You Back" by Lake Street Dive
Rachael Price's sweet, jazzy delivery captivates me every dang time. This remake of the Jackson Five's first hit has simple lyrics of longing and regret without being pretentiously poetic. It's just a good, simple love song that conveys what one feels after making an exceptionally dumb relationship decision. –Bryan Toy
"Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross
An oldie but a goodie – it is a family favorite that I have loved my whole life and still get excited to hear from the opening notes. Nick and I recently added it to our own list of love songs. It's timelessly sweet and groovy. –Edwina Capozziello
"Each Coming Night" by Iron and Wine
We both learned to cradle, then live without… (I'm not crying, you're crying) –Erin Phillips
"Favourite" by Fontaines D.C.
With a nostalgic guitar riff, Fontaines D.C.'s "Favourite" is an infectious encapsulation of everlasting love. –Nathaniel Clark
"You Send Me" by Sam Cooke
–Jonathan Burdick
"Weathervane" by Hunter Metts
I like this song because to me, it speaks on devotion to one another and the ability to weather any storm together. And that's beautiful. –Cassandra Gripp
"Love Hurts" by Nazareth
It was effectively used in Dazed and Confused to show an awkward middle school dance. –Brad Pattullo
"If I Needed You" by Townes Van Zandt
When love is as simple as being there. –Melissa Sullivan Shimek
"New Song" by Alice Phoebe Lou
Love exists in experiences of vulnerability and intention. –Tommy Link
"The Very Thought of You" by Tony Bennett ft. Paul McCartney
For our wedding reception (in our living room) on Feb. 10, 2007. –Liz Allen
"I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You" by Tom Waits
Tom Waits tells a story of a chance meeting that turns into a brief love affair, gone before it even started. A love song about those missed connections. –Larry Wheaton
"Right Back to It" by Waxahatchee/MJ Lenderman
I saw them play last summer in an apple orchard, this tune is such a tender, catchy little love song. –Adam Welsh
"Baby I'm Yours" by Arctic Monkeys
A nice little cover of a 1960s hit. –Brian Graham
"I Was Born To Love You" by Ray LaMontagne feat. Sierra Ferrell
An underrated love ballad, lifted by Sierra Ferrell's magic—'we tasted the rough so let's savor the smooth.' –Julia Carden
"Don't Worry Baby" by the Beach Boys
–Jessica Hunter
"Comum" by ÀVUÀ
–Erica Stewart
"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper ft. Willie Nelson
–Gretchen Gallagher-Durney
