As an expert music reviewer, I’ve listened to countless love songs throughout my career. But, there’s something about indie love songs that never gets old.
The genre delivers raw and honest emotions, often capturing the unfiltered side of love that mainstream tracks can’t touch. From understated ballads to soaring anthems, indie love songs offer a unique perspective on the highs and lows of romance.
After diving deep into the world of indie love songs, I’ve compiled a list of the best tracks that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling a little more in touch with your emotions. Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or just a sucker for a good ballad, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So grab a box of tissues, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of indie love songs.
1. “I Wanna Be Yours” – Arctic Monkeys (2013)
Album: AM
Release Date: 2013
Song Duration: 3 minutes 4 seconds
“I Wanna Be Yours” by Arctic Monkeys from the album “AM” is a beautiful love song that encapsulates the desire to be everything and anything for the person you love. The lyrics liken the singer to various objects: a vacuum cleaner, a Ford Cortina, a coffee pot, and even an electric meter, all in an effort to show their unwavering commitment.
The chorus, with its repetitive “I wanna be yours,” highlights the intensity of the singer’s longing to belong to their lover. With its groovy rhythm and catchy melody, this indie love song is a must-listen for anyone who has ever been head-over-heels in love.
2. “Yellow” – Coldplay (2000)
Album: Parachutes
Release Date: 2000
Song Duration: 4 minutes 27 seconds
“Yellow” by Coldplay is a heartfelt indie love song that beautifully captures the essence of falling in love. The lyrics describe an infatuation so strong that everything around seems to radiate with the color yellow, a symbol of happiness and warmth.
The chorus is mesmerizing, with the band members expressing their love for the person in question, claiming that they would go to great lengths to make them happy, even if it means sacrificing themselves. Overall, “Yellow” is an anthemic song that resonates with anyone who has ever been in love, making it a perfect addition to any indie love songs playlist.
3. “Dark Red” – Steve Lacy (2017)
Album: Dark Red
Release Date: 2017
Song Duration: 2 minutes 53 seconds
“Dark Red” by Steve Lacy beautifully captures the fear of losing someone you love. The lyrics express the dread of impending doom and the anxiety that consumes a person in a relationship when they realize how much they depend on their significant other; it’s a love song filled with vulnerability.
The laid-back, R&B sound blends well with the lyrics, creating a haunting and melancholic aura. This song is undoubtedly one of Lacy’s best works and deserves a place in any Indie love song playlist.
“Dark Red” is a must-hear track from his eponymous album, which is full of emotionally raw pieces.
4. “Sparks” – Coldplay (2000)
Album: Parachutes
Release Date: 2000
Song Duration: 3 minutes 47 seconds
“Sparks” by Coldplay from the album “Parachutes” is a beautiful Indie love song that captures the essence of true love. The lyrics depict a promise of unconditional love and support, despite past mistakes.
The chorus of “ohs” and the repetition of the line “I saw sparks” express the excitement of being in love and the sparks that ignite between two people. The gentle melody and Chris Martin’s emotive vocals perfectly match the lyrical content, making “Sparks” a timeless love song that still stands out 20 years after its release.
5. “we fell in love in october” – girl in red (2018)
Album: we fell in love in october / October Passed Me By
Release Date: 2018
Song Duration: 3 minutes 4 seconds
“We Fell in Love in October” by Girl in Red is a delightful indie love song that captures the essence of falling in love during the crisp autumn days. The lyrics paint a picture of two people smoking cigarettes on the rooftop, enjoying the breathtaking view and each other’s company.
The chorus expresses a deep and genuine affection, with the repetition of “my girl” reinforcing the message that this person is everything to the singer. The track’s dreamy atmosphere and nostalgic vibe give listeners a taste of the fleeting beauty of autumn and the joy of falling in love during this magical season.
6. “Apocalypse” – Cigarettes After Sex (2017)
Album: Cigarettes After Sex
Release Date: 2017
Song Duration: 4 minutes 50 seconds
“Apocalypse” by Cigarettes After Sex is a hauntingly beautiful love song that tells a story of two lovers who experienced life’s triumphs and adversities together. The vivid imagery of the crumbling bridges, pianos left in the dark, and flooding rivers add to the intensity of the song.
Greg Gonzalez’s tender vocals combined with the ethereal sound of the instrumentation make this song a standout on the album. “Apocalypse” captures the sense of longing even in the face of impending doom, making it a must-listen for anyone craving an Indie Love Song that exudes emotional depth.
7. “About You” – The 1975 (2022)
Album: Being Funny In A Foreign Language
Release Date: 2022
Song Duration: 5 minutes 26 seconds
“About You” by The 1975 is a beautifully melancholic Indie love song that captures the feeling of longing and reminiscing about a past love. With hauntingly beautiful vocals by Matty Healy and Carly Holt, the track has a dream-like quality that transports you to a place of nostalgia.
The lyrics touch on the idea of holding on to memories of a lover, even when it feels like time has passed and they have become a distant memory. The chorus, with its repeated questioning of whether or not the singer has forgotten their love, is a poignant reflection on the power of love and its lingering effects.
The track is a standout on the album “Being Funny In A Foreign Language” and deserves its place on the list of the best Indie Love Songs at number 7.
8. “Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol (2006)
Album: Eyes Open
Release Date: 2006
Song Duration: 4 minutes 28 seconds
“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, from the album “Eyes Open,” is a captivating Indie Love Song that beautifully captures the essence of cherishing the present moment. The lyrics convey the message of finding solace and comfort in the presence of a loved one, even if the world outside is chaotic.
The chorus, “If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?” beautifully expresses the desire to escape reality and enjoy the small moments of life with someone special. It’s no wonder this song remains one of the most memorable and cherished love songs in recent years.
9. “Electric Love” – BØRNS (2015)
Album: Dopamine
Release Date: 2015
Song Duration: 3 minutes 38 seconds
“Dopamine” by BØRNS is a magnificent album with electrifying tracks, but none of them quite compare to “Electric Love.” The song is a testament to the power and intensity of love, describing it as a lightning bolt in a bottle. The pounding drumbeat and catchy melodies reflect the intensity of the love that the singer feels, while the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the rush that comes with being in a relationship.
It’s no wonder that “Electric Love” remains one of the most beloved indie love songs of all time.
10. “My Kind of Woman” – Mac DeMarco (2012)
Album: 2
Release Date: 2012
Song Duration: 3 minutes 11 seconds
Mac DeMarco’s “My Kind of Woman” is a woozy, dreamy ode to a special someone. The song sings praises to the woman who brings madness and joy to the singer’s life, as he professes his love and admiration.
The laid-back, relaxed vibe of the song, coupled with DeMarco’s signature reverb-laden guitars, create a warm and fuzzy feeling that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of falling in love. The lyrics are simple, yet powerful, and the melody is infectious.
“My Kind of Woman” is the perfect love song for those who embrace a carefree and laid-back approach to romance.
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.