Now put your hands up!
Today (February 14) can be a very daunting day to a number of us. With striking red heart balloons and flowers left and right, it can be difficult to find joy and celebration in our own company. Nevertheless, just like romantic love, singleness is something to be enjoyed and celebrated, even on the day that it feels the least seen. From OPM hits to driving playlist staples, music has become a means to enjoy independence in all its forms.
On this note, here’s a curated list of songs perfect for enjoying singleness in all its glory and freedom.
“Party for One” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is the people’s princess for making pop anthems that never miss, and “Party For One” is surely not an exception to that standard. As she belts, “If you don’t care about me, I’ll just dance for myself,” she has never been more real. It’s a shimmering ode to self-love, turning solitude into something celebratory With its infectious beat and unapologetic confidence, it’s the kind of track that makes dancing alone feel like a victory. Adding this to your independence playlist is surely one to curate your “Party For One.”
“No Scrubs” – TLC
Most of the time, being single can mean not settling for any less — and that’s exactly the vibe “No Scrubs” brings to the function. Way ahead of their time, the hit girl trio of the 2000s released this self-love anthem in ode to keeping the bad juju out of your life. With its sharp lyrics and undeniable groove, it’s a timeless reminder that you deserve better. When being alone on Valentine’s Day starts to sound like “Maybe I should text them back,” make sure to queue this banger and remember your worth!
“Mariposa” – Peaceful Gemini, DB Tha Girl
If you’re looking for the perfect mantra as a single woman powering through the Philippine climate, “Mariposa” by Peaceful Gemini and DB Tha Girl is the best case for you. The production is downbeat, almost hypnotic in melody, and the ultimate it girl anthem for those just looking to chill in their own company on Valentine’s Day. Its smooth flow and effortless confidence make it the perfect soundtrack for embracing your independence with style.
“Nunya” – Kehlani, Dom Kennedy
Being single means having more time for yourself, more energy for yourself, and less space for people to stick their nose into. In this R&B anthem, Kehlani and Dom Kennedy define the lines one can tread in minding their own business. Smooth yet assertive, the track is an everyday reminder that peace of mind is priceless. With Kehlani soon to visit the Philippines for the PLUS63 Festival as well, this is sure to be an exciting addition to your everyday playlist.
“Kaibigan 2023” – Zild
Maybe the real Valentine was the friends we made along the way. In “Kaibigan 2023,” Zild walks us through a journey with the friends we hold closest to our hearts — reminding us that these friendships are just as valuable and sacred as a romantic relationship. While the song ends on a bittersweet note, echoing that friendships sometimes meet their end, it’s the perfect song for reminiscing heartwarming memories. Its gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics make it a comforting listen, celebrating the bonds that shape us just as much as love does.
“Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
When Natasha Bedingfield wrote, “No one else could speak the words on your lips,” something changed in the world. This 2004 classic is a timeless ode to self-love and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. The song comforts us in a way that assures us that while the path before us has yet to unravel, there’s joy and beauty in the unknown. With its uplifting melody and anthemic chorus, it’s the perfect reminder that your story is yours to write — one fearless step at a time.
“Pare Ko” – Eraserheads
Celebrating independence can come in different forms, and shouting the lyrics to “Pare Ko” at the top of your lungs in the karaoke booth is certainly one way you can embrace singlehood. Light and conversational in tone, the songwriting of “Pare Ko” is the perfect snapshot of the typical frustration one may go through when pining over someone. Taking this otherwise quite heavy theme into a comedic style, the track remains a certified Eraserheads classic.
“Edi Wag” – Zae
Learning to be independent can sometimes translate into just learning how to care less about what others think about you — and Zae’s got just the right beat for that. In “Edi Wag,” the femcee establishes her confidence and compelling persona in hard-hitting bars. With every line, she owns her space and refuses to apologize for it. For those looking for the next song to add to their empowerment playlist, this track might be your next favorite. Its unapologetic energy and fierce flow make it impossible not to vibe to.
“Bye Bye Bye” – *NSYNC
From now on, we’re saying “Bye Bye Bye” to all the negative energy that can get in the way of our independence. It may sound ironic to listen to an early 2000s boy band to celebrate one’s singleness, but *NSYNC made this cult classic just right. It’s an earworm that’s bound to get anyone in the vicinity singing along, and maybe this Valentine’s Day, that might just be the vibe we need. With its infectious beat and unapologetic attitude, it’s the perfect anthem for moving on and embracing your freedom.
“Good Days” – SZA
The opening riff to “Good Days” feels like a warm ray of sunshine, enveloping its listeners in a tight embrace. While the lyrics may contrast the song’s bright and dreamy production, they ultimately reflect a deeper journey — one of moving forward and letting go. Instead of dwelling on painful memories, SZA chooses to seek out better days, embracing growth and the path to self-love. It’s a gentle yet powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but hope is always within reach.