The Perfect Indie Rom-Com Soundtrack
As the day of love encroached, everyone deserves to feel like a main character. If you were in love, yearning for it, or even feeling heartbroken this Valentine’s Day, this playlist will give you all the cinematic romantic feels. With 20 tracks, everyone can find their niche from classic rom-com throwbacks to 2025 releases that make you feel like frolicking in a field with a loved one.
“Kiss Me” - Sixpence None the Richer
What is probably known as the quintessential romantic comedy track, this late 90’s hit is a must-have on any playlist for that cinematic love story feel. Popular from its feature in She’s All That (1999), the track is attributed to being one of the most popular theme songs for the genre. Its light guitar and the whimsical winds that swell in the bridge, in tandem with its sweet lyricism creates a truly lovely atmosphere and capture the feeling of a honeymoon phase.
“Ankles” - Lucy Dacus
The lead single off of the indie singer-songwriter’s upcoming album, ‘Forever is a Feeling’ is a baroque indie-pop track, and captures the early stages of falling in love. The drums and string section work in conjunction to bring the energy up, highlighting the dreamy yearning settled within the lyrics. There’s a cinematic build to the orchestra in the track that directly correlates with the video itself, from running in a field with a beautiful gown, to intimate eye contact. The lyrics themselves also explore the highest points of having a crush, with the chorus itself telling the story of domestic vulnerability, “Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed / And take me like you do in your dreams / I'm not gonna stop you / I'm not gonna stop you this time, baby /I want you to show me what you mean / Then help me with the crossword in the mornings / You are gonna make mе tea / Gonna ask me how did I sleep.”
“Anyone Else But You” - The Moldy Peaches
Perhaps slightly on the nose like the first track, as this song is famously featured in the 2007 indie cult classic comedy: Juno. However, there could not be a more endearing and awkward track to feature on your soundtrack. Full of witty quips and heartwarming declarations of devotion, soundtracked to a simple acoustic guitar, the New York-based duo unexpectedly pluck at the heartstrings. The duet features a conversation between indie folk icon, Kimya Dawson and Adam Green, the two only vocalizing together on the hook, but respectively singing the sentiment, “I don't see what anyone can see in anyone else / But you.”
“Lovesong” - The Cure
I am a personal believer in the idea that every movie ever should feature one moody 80’s song, and there’s really no one that does moody and in love better than The Cure’s Robert Smith. While there’s plenty of gothic romantic ballads within their discography, “Lovesong” features an ethereal synth and an upbeat infectious guitar riff that is inherently cinematic. In addition to its delicate instrumentals, the lyrics on their own are enough to make just about anyone melt, with the track being a wedding gift to Smith’s long time wife, Mary Poole. It’s a simple poem of all encompassing love, with the chorus repeating “Whatever words I say / I will always love you / I will always love you.”
“Fallingforyou”- The 1975
If you’re a child of Internet, you know the impact a famous reblog of an indie movie still on Tumblr can have. Arguably one of the biggest soundtracks to that era of the online, the debut self-titled album from The 1975 encapsulates all things teenage angst, namely the romantic ballad, “Fallingforyou".” While not initially released with the album, it is now featured on its deluxe version. It’s a sweet tale of young love, with its most rebloggable lyric from the bridge, “I don't wanna be your friend / I wanna kiss your neck.” The track is perfect to fulfill your Tumblr indie rom-com fantasies.
