Indie Love Songs Playlist

Few genres in music capture the essence of love as well as indie music. Indie love songs have captured generations of star-crossed lovers with their intricate melodies, poetic lyrics, and soul-stirring harmonies. So if you’re in search of an indie track for your wedding, Valentine’s Day, or simply as part of a thoughtful gift, Encore Musicians has gone above and beyond to curate a meticulously crafted collection of the greatest indie love songs ever recorded.

50 Of The Best Indie Love Songs Of All Time

Defining the “best” for 50 indie love songs is subjective but here are 50 of some of the most widely acclaimed indie love songs that have left a lasting impact:

1. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen: A timeless masterpiece exploring love, faith, and longing.
2. “The Only Living Boy in New York” – Simon & Garfunkel: A bittersweet ode to lost love and nostalgia.
3. “Blowin’ in the Wind” – Bob Dylan: A poetic questioning of love and war.
4. “California Dreamin'” – The Mamas & the Papas: A longing for love and sunshine that transcends generations.
5. “Both Sides Now” – Joni Mitchell: A poignant reflection on love and loss through the changing seasons.
6. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers: A folk-rock anthem about unexpected connections and the magic of love.
7.  “Holocene” – Bon Iver: An epic journey through memory and loss, with love woven through the fabric of time.
8. “Skinny Love” – Bon Iver: A raw and heartbreaking ballad about the devastating beauty of a love lost.
9. “Sweeter Than Fiction” – Ellie Goulding: A shimmering, synth-pop track about the intoxicating intensity of young love.
10. “Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye feat. Kimbra: A hauntingly beautiful duet about the memory of lost love.

Here’s the rest of the playlist – 

LGBTQ+ Indie Love Songs

Here are some stunning indie songs celebrating LGBT+ love and/or penned by LGBTQ+ artists, each offering a unique perspective and sonic journey:

1. “i wanna be your girlfriend” – girl in red: A raw and relatable ode to teenage crushes and self-acceptance, with catchy melodies and infectious energy.
2. “Youth” – Troye Sivan: A euphoric celebration of youthful energy and finding your tribe, with pulsating beats and a message of inclusivity.
3. “Somebody Loves You” – The Japanese House: A gentle and hopeful ballad about finding love and acceptance, with warm acoustic guitars and soothing vocals.
4. “Just Friends” – Jordy: Jordy’s indie-pop song captures the nuances of relationships and blurred lines between friendship and romance.
5. “Mr. Blue Sky” – ELO: A soaring and optimistic tune about finding sunshine and joy, even on the darkest days, offering a message of hopeful resilience.
6. “The Louvre” – Lorde: A poetic and introspective exploration of first love and self-discovery, with delicate piano melodies and whispered vocals.
7. “Rollercoaster” Bleachers: This indie-pop track by Bleachers captures the excitement and intensity of a romantic relationship, using a rollercoaster metaphor.
8. “On My Own” – Shamir: Shamir’s unique blend of indie pop and electronic elements is showcased in this empowering anthem about self-discovery.
9. “Mystery of Love” – Sufjan Stevens: Featured in the soundtrack of the film “Call Me by Your Name,” this tender and acoustic track explores the beauty and complexity of love.
10. “She” – Dodie: Dodie is an openly bisexual artist, and “She” is a gentle and introspective acoustic love song.

Here’s the rest of the playlist –

Indie Folk Love Songs 

Indie folk often lends itself well to introspective and heartfelt love songs. Here’s a list of our top indie folk love songs: 

1. “The Auld Triangle” – The Dubliners: A bittersweet folk ballad about love and loss, set against the backdrop of Irish history, resonating with longing and resilience.
2. “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes: This hopeful and optimistic song about starting new beginnings with someone you love is a great pick-me-up.
3. “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young: A nostalgic ode to youthful love and simpler times, capturing the golden glow of autumn and the warmth of shared memories.
4. “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac: Stevie Nicks’ iconic ballad about the bittersweet nature of love and change, reminding us that growth often comes with heartache.
5. “The Cave” – Mumford & Sons: A powerful and anthemic song about finding strength in love and facing challenges together, with soaring vocals and a driving rhythm.
6. “My Silver Lining” – First Aid Kit: A hopeful and resilient ballad about finding love after heartbreak, offering a gentle message of healing and redemption.
7. “Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show: A spirited bluegrass anthem about love, rebellion, and living life on the road, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping.
8. “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron: A nostalgic story of love at first sight, infused with vintage vibes and evocative storytelling.
9. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones: This sultry and atmospheric song is perfect for a romantic evening.
10. “Stubborn Love” – The Lumineers: A tender and vulnerable ballad about the enduring power of love through trials and tribulations.

Here’s the rest of the playlist –

90s Indie Love Songs

Indie music thrived in the 90s, and many iconic love songs emerged during that period. Here’s a list of some 90s indie love songs:

1. “Lovefool” – The Cardigans: A catchy and upbeat love song by The Cardigans, known for its inclusion in the soundtrack for the film “Romeo + Juliet.”
2. “Tender” – Blur – Blur’s soulful and anthemic ballad, featuring powerful vocals and a memorable chorus.
3. “Linger” -The Cranberries: A haunting and melodic love song by The Cranberries that became one of their signature tracks.
4.  “1979” – The Smashing Pumpkins: While not explicitly a love song, this nostalgic track by The Smashing Pumpkins captures the essence of youthful love and friendship.
5. “Feel the Pain” – Dinosaur Jr.: An alternative rock love song with fuzzy guitars and heartfelt lyrics.
6. “Say Yes” – Elliott Smith: A beautiful and acoustic love song by the late Elliott Smith, known for its simplicity and emotional depth.
7. “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star: A dreamy and atmospheric love song by Mazzy Star, characterized by Hope Sandoval’s captivating vocals.
8. “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” – Neutral Milk Hotel: While the album’s themes are complex, the title track has elements of love and longing.
9. “Wild Horses” – The Sundays: A cover of The Rolling Stones’ classic, The Sundays’ version is a dreamy and romantic indie-pop interpretation.
10. “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” – Jeff Buckley: Jeff Buckley’s soulful and emotive ballad exploring themes of love and heartache.

Here’s the rest of the playlist –

French Indie Love Songs

France has produced some beautiful and heartfelt love songs. Here’s a list of French indie love songs:

1. “J’irai où tu iras” par Jeanne Added: This atmospheric ballad is about the promise of forever, with Added’s ethereal voice weaving through a soundscape of delicate piano and strings.
2. “Je te promets” by Johnny Hallyday: A classic French love song, with Hallyday’s powerful vocals promising a lifetime of devotion.
3. “Ne me quitte pas” by Jacques Brel: This heart-wrenching plea to a lover not to leave is a timeless masterpiece of French chanson.
4. “Où va le monde” by La Femme: This quirky and catchy song celebrates the joy of falling in love, with its infectious melody and retro French vibes.
5. “Je suis fan” by Alice et Moi: This dreamy pop song is a declaration of adoration, with playful lyrics and a sweet melody.
6. “Le temps est bon” by Bon Entendeur vs Isabelle Pierre: This melancholic yet hopeful song reflects on the passage of time and the enduring power of love.
7. “Les éblouis” by Pomme: This powerful ballad expresses the all-consuming nature of love, with Pomme’s soaring vocals and poetic imagery.
8. “Bouche” by Cabadzi: This quirky and sensual song celebrates the physical aspects of love with a touch of humour and wit.
9. “La dance des fous” by Vanessa Paradis: This playful and energetic song embodies the carefree joy of falling in love, with its catchy melody and bouncy rhythm.
10. “Onflee ensemble” by Jeanne Added: This upbeat and fun track invites you to run away with someone special, leaving worries behind and embracing spontaneity

Here’s the rest of the playlist –

Final thoughts 

Creating a playlist of indie love songs for your loved one can be a truly special and heartfelt gesture. You can select songs that symbolise your relationship perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to express your love and affection, an indie love song playlist can be the perfect way to do so.

 However, if you want to take your gesture to the next level and make it even more memorable, consider hiring an indie band. A live band can bring your loved one’s favourite songs to life and bring their own unique interpretation and style to the songs, creating a one-of-a-kind performance. 

Click here to browse through our collection of talented indie bands to get inspired or get in touch with one of our experts today for personalised recommendations.