Love Notes

UMass Lowell music lovers make note of what makes a great love song.

02/08/2016

Chocolates. A dozen roses. A dinner out. All thoughtful, worthwhile ways to celebrate one’s love on Valentine’s Day, but – lets’ face it – not exactly breaking new ground. There are things that remind the love-struck (and, alas, the lovelorn) of Feb. 14 during the rest of the year. Like music. Some songs just remind folks of the power of love. We asked a cross-section of our campus community to name their favorite long song. None of them so much as flinched. They knew.

Adam Ayan '98
Grammy Winning Engineer at Gateway Mastering

"Maybe I'm Amazed," Paul McCartney

“It took me about two seconds to come up with an answer – Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.” It’s a McCartney anthem, one of my favorite types of song, in the vein of ‘Hey Jude’ or (dare I say) ‘Helter Skelter.’ It shows a tender and vulnerable side of a legendary songwriter, all the while giving him a chance to belt and play two killer guitar solos.”

UMass Lowell Image — Niyah West '17
Music Business Major and Orientation Leader

"Kissing You," Des'ree

"My favorite love song has to be 'Kissing You' by Des’ree. It’s about the battle between longing and denial. It’s a beautiful blend of passion and musical brilliance."

Nick-Canovas-WUML — Nick Canovas '17
WUML's "DJ Dad"

"The Luckiest," Ben Folds

“When I was in high school, my crush’s favorite artist was Ben Folds. My interactions with her led me to his song, “The Luckiest.” I don’t think I could ever accurately define love, but I hope one day it makes me feel the same way Folds feels in that song.”

lisa-abdallah-mothers-of-rock — Lisa Abdallah (left)
Chair and Associate Professor, School of Nursing, and inevitable performer at the annual Mothers of Rock benefit

"I'll Always Love You," Taylor Dayne

“It was the song that my husband, Jim, and I danced to on our first dance on our wedding day, Nov. 20, 1988. And 25 years later at our anniversary party, I surprised him by singing it to him.”

Claire-Cedrone — Claire Cedrone
Southwick Dining Staff & famously dedicated River Hawks hockey fan

"So Amazing," Luther Vandross

"This song is a couples’ hugging dance song. It leads to love and life’s happily ever after. It was part of our wedding.”

William-Moylan — William Moylan
Professor, Music Department, and Beatles Fanatic

"Something," George Harrison

“Perhaps the Beatles’ best loved song, certainly the most covered. Well-crafted lyrics and subtly adventurous harmonically, this is Harrison established as a mature composer."