1. Tina Turner – What’s love got to do with it?
Empowering lyric: ‘What’s love but a second hand emotion’
If anyone knows a thing or two about being anti-love it has to be legendary diva Tina Turner. It may be a bit old school, but if anything else this ‘80s classic will have anyone who’s listening, singing at the top lungs.
2. Michael Bublé with Holly Palmer – Down with love
Empowering lyric: ‘Take that moon and wrap it in cellophane’
It may seem a bit odd to have the Canadian crooner that’s best known for his soppy, poppy, big band tunes on this list but this song is perfect in many ways. It almost feels like an irony-laced wink at romance as disillusioned and cynical lyrics are sung to a backdrop of an upbeat, jazzy melody. It’ll put you in a great mood.
3. Joy Division – Love will tear us apart
Empowering lyric: ‘We’re changing our ways, taking different roads’
Taking it downtempo a notch is this classic tune by these British post-punk rockers of the late ‘70s. It’s one of the band’s most famous songs and for good reason – it’s an honest, unfiltered look into a failing relationship that’s a little sad, a lot melodic and ultimately brilliant.
4. Whitesnake – Here I go again
Empowering lyric: ‘Like a drifter, I was born to walk alone’
Wait until the chorus kicks in and you’ll be left in no doubt as to why this song is on our list. This great British rock band, that’s still going strong over 30 years after forming, hit the nail on the head with this 1982 classic rock tune, giving future singles everywhere a reason to sing loudly and air guitar well into the 21st century.
5. Gotye feat. Kimbra – Somebody that I used to know (Tiesto remix)
Empowering lyric: ‘Told myself that you were right for me but felt so lonely in your company’
This indie pop ballad arguably put Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye on the hall of fame map with its melodic tune, heartfelt lyrics about his past relationships and overall catchy vibe. The regular version is good but the Tiesto remix will really get your party started.
6. Soft Cell – Tainted love
Empowering lyric: ‘I’m going to pack my things and go’
Let’s face it, everyone knows this song. Whether it’s the original from 1964 by diva Gloria Jones with its upbeat Motown influence, or this slower, softer version by British synthpop duo Soft Cell. Or even metal band Marilyn Manson’s darker and grimier version. We recommend this one but they’re all great so just pick the one that best suits you and your friends.
7. Taylor Swift – We are never ever getting back together
Empowering (ridiculous) lyric: ‘So he calls me up and he’s like, ‘I still love you’, and I’m like… ‘I just… I mean this is exhausting, you know, like we are never getting back together. Like ever.’
Before you all start throwing things, let’s all admit that with our current music market no anti-Valentine’s Day playlist can go without a tune from the heartbreak queen herself. Swift’s tunes are catchy and, whether you like to admit it or not, you do know a few of those lyrics. Most of all, it’s fitting to the occasion.
8. Bob Marley – Don’t worry, be happy
Empowering lyric: ‘Ain’t got no girl to make you smile but don’t worry, be happy’
This undeniably has to be one of the most uplifting tunes of all time so what better moment to add it to the playlist? Get it on, then just watch as everyone starts pretending to be rastas. If nothing else, that will make you smile.
9. Nancy Sinatra – These boots are made for walkin’
Empowering lyric: ‘One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you’
This is one for the ladies. While many, many cover versions of this great 1966 classic by the notable singer and actress Nancy Sinatra have been recorded since, we still think this one has it all – oomph, pizzazz and that independent-woman flair. Everything you want in an anti-Valentine’s Day song that’s set to empower you in your singledom.
10. La Roux – Bulletproof (DJ Chrispy dubstep remix)
Empowering lyric: ‘I’m having fun, don’t put me down’
Let’s bring it back up-to-date and back down to the party level with a twist on English synthpop duo La Roux’s hit Bulletproof. UK dubstep DJ Chrispy has mixed up this empowering poppy tune about ladies not getting messed around by men and created the perfect anti-romance party song. Hate dubstep? Well there’s nothing wrong with the original too. Either one will work. •
