15 Songs to Show Her You Have a Soft Side (Even If You Really Don’t)

Men are by their very nature prickly beasts. As cavemen we had to hunt for survival back in the day. We had to create the wheel to make pots for porridge and to hold our beers. So because we’ve been hardwired primarily for survival, we are sometimes hard-headed and stubborn as mules. There are times when you need to help set the mood or just express emotions that don’t come easily. We need music to help us reach our softer side which is buried deep in our DNA. Here are 15 songs to show her you have a soft side (even if you really don’t).

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys

One of the best harmonizing bands of all time, the Beach Boys arguably hit their zenith with the album Pet Sounds. Produced by Brian Wilson with his brother Carl singing on God Only Knows is almost divine. Many wouldn’t think of a love song with a line “I may not always love you” but the composition and remaining lyrics prove God only knows where we’d be without this song in our collective. Link to song

“These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding

Soul is all about love so when exploring the touchstones, the first stop is Otis Redding and “These Arms of Mine”. “I need me somebody, somebody to treat me right”, shows the powerful yearning that Otis searches for. And how grateful we are for it. Link to song

“Colorblind” by the Counting Crows

This was first widely heard in the movie Cruel Intentions. The piano melody is simply incredible. There is not a better love scene with soundtrack than this particular one. Adam Duritz struck gold. I know I am ready. Link to song

“How It Ends” by Devotchka

This Denver quartet made up of Nick Urata, Tom Hagerman, Jeanie Schroder and Shawn King have a knockout with How It Ends. “There is no escape from the slave catchers’ songs. For all of the loved ones gone. Forever’s not so long.” This just embodies the complexity of love and the pain or suffering that comes with it. Nick sings this song with the energy that it might be the last beat of his heart. Yeah, you already know how this will end. Link to song

“Don’t Go Away” by Oasis

Alright this song could be described as simple and sentimental but listening to the stripped down acoustic version boils it down to it’s greatness. Noel Gallagher is considered one of the best songwriters from across the pond and I think this is one of his best poetic love songs. Link to song

“On Your Side” by Pete Yorn

There are many facets to love and one of those is reconciliation. “On Your Side” is one of those songs. Pete Yorn writes a perfect tune for any man when his girl asks, “Are you listening?” Yeah I listen. Now I’m listening.
Attention: Cheese Warning. Sorry, only clip I could find. Link to song

“I Could Have Lied” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

RHCP are not really known for their songs of love and maybe that is why this is so good. Anthony Kiedis wrote genius lyrics with this soulful song. John Frusciante’s solo near the end leaves all hearts not to be spared. Link to song

“Lovin’ Cup” by the Rolling Stones

Mick pleads, “Give me little drink from your loving cup. Just one drink and I’ll fall down drunk.” Having his personal affairs paraded through the tabloids on his exploits of bedding many a fair maidens it can be argued he drank the whole bottle and is probably way past drunk. Have no fear, pop this in with your lady when sitting in front of the fire and feel the beautiful buzz. Link to song

“With or Without You” by U2

Through the storm Bono reaches the shore with “With or Without You” off of the Joshua Tree album. Simple and iconic, the Edge with his slide guitar riff at the beginning will see the thorn twist in any girl’s side. Link to song

“Come Pick Me Up” by Ryan Adams

This song is for any masochist typified by the album title, “Heartbreaker”. Adams has cutting lyrics and a haunting harmonica that will put a smile on your face. Link to song

“Melissa” by the Allman Brothers

Crossroads, seem to come and go by this treasure is one of the sweetest love songs. Although the song is more about blues legend Robert Johnson, I think what makes this a love song is the sweet melody and how you react when you hear it. At least I think of a nice woman named Melissa when I hear it. Link to song

“The song was not written for a woman named Melissa. The song was written before Gregg came up with the name. He said he was standing in line at a grocery store when he overheard a woman yelling to her young daughter who had scampered off, “Oh, Melissa! Melissa, come back, Melissa”. He liked the name and decided it was a perfect fit for the song.” (wikipedia).

“Fix You” by Coldplay

“When you lose something you can’t replace, when you love someone but it goes to waste. Could it be worse?” If that doesn’t exemplify love lost I’m not sure what does. Chris Martin wrote a gem of a song with Fix You. When Jonny Buckland’s guitar starts to soar in the middle of the song like a phoenix it will ignite your bones. Link to song

“Faithfully” by Journey

Journey set out for new Frontiers of the heart. When out on the road touring fellas, it’s key to let your woman know you are staying faithful. At least that’s what Jonathan Cain believed when he wrote this highway run in the 1980’s. Link to song

“Making Love Out of Nothing At All” by Air Supply

What can you say about this duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock? First off, love the hair. Second, thanks Jim Steinman. With this masterpiece you made all the stadiums rock. “I know just where to find the answers; And I know just how to lie.” When love is really the only thing you need, can there be anything better than making love out of nothing at all. Link to song

“For the Night” by Robert Bradley

Robert Bradley’s story is truly inspiring. As a blind man performing on the streets of Detroit his earnestness and soul luck would have it earned him a record deal. “For the Night” is one of the best love songs you’ve never heard. It’s not even on YouTube, so go to iTunes and send all the children to bed.

Did I miss something? Feel free to comment with your own list.

photography by Richard Hook