{"id":64279,"date":"2026-02-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/?p=64279"},"modified":"2026-02-13T08:12:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:12:30","slug":"18-sweet-and-sultry-songs-by-black-women-artists-for-your-ideal-valentines-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/18-sweet-and-sultry-songs-by-black-women-artists-for-your-ideal-valentines-day\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Sweet (and Sultry) Songs by Black Women Artists For Your Ideal Valentine\u2019s Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='storyblock storyblock-normal'>\r\n<div id=\"block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c\" class=\"block-hero  square\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hero-image\">\r\n                    <div class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position: 39.516129032258% 26.066369516668%;\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2323841475_935f9bdd60_o-e1736454856651.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>\r\n                <div class=\"hero-subheading below subheading-xl {{ black }}\">This Valentine&#039;s Day, peruse our playlist of love, love-lost and lust songs featuring Black women artists like Whitney Houston. (Credit: tm_10001, Flickr)<\/div>\r\n                \r\n            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.block-hero {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.block-hero .hero-image {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.block-hero .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.tall-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 6;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.short-landscape .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.offset-personality .hero-content {\r\n        display: flow-root;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.offset-personality .intro-text {\r\n        float: right;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.offset-personality .hero-image {\r\n        float: left;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        margin: 1rem;\r\n        margin-left: 0rem;\r\n        max-width: 320px;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.offset-personality .hero-image img {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        height: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1219px) {\r\n        #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.centered-portrait img {\r\n            aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 1220px) {\r\n        #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.centered-portrait .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.centered-portrait .hero-image img {            \r\n            aspect-ratio: 9 \/ 16;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (min-width: 764px) {    \r\n        #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.small-square .hero-image {\r\n            margin-left: 20%;\r\n            margin-right: 20%;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.centered-portrait .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c.small-square .hero-image img {\r\n        object-fit: cover;\r\n        aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading {\r\n        \/*position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);*\/\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n        font-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.overlay.white {\r\n        color: white;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.overlay.black {\r\n        color: #212529;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.overlay {\r\n        color: white; \r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        left: 50%;\r\n        transform: translateX(-50%);   \r\n        z-index: 100;   \r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.below {\r\n        margin: 0.5rem 0 0 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading {\r\n        text-style: italic;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.subheading-sm {\r\n        font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.subheading-xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.subheading-2xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.25rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .hero-subheading.subheading-3xl {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .bottom-centered {\r\n        position: absolute;\r\n        bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #block_b2b2c250cccb2555e50dc0af0850404c .below {\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        bottom: 0;    \r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        margin: .5rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/great-vday-gifts-womenowned-businesses\/\">Valentine\u2019s Day<\/a> is a polarizing holiday \u2013 to put it diplomatically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some enjoy the chance to revel in emotion; others find the day to be a corporatized mess, or are grappling with <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/sarah-woodward-divorce-coach\/\">heartbreaks<\/a> that make Valentine\u2019s Day hard instead of happy. Plenty fall somewhere between the two extremes. And scores of others don\u2019t feel anything about it at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wherever you land, there\u2019s one truth you can&#8217;t deny: There are heaps of stellar <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/coronavirus-dating-matchmakers-still-in-the-business-of-love\/\">love<\/a>, love-lost and lust songs by <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/mary-j-blige-black-womens-health-imperative-hologic-power-of-sure\/\">Black women<\/a> artists that can, and should, be taken in. Ones that will make you smile, or move, or cry. Ones that create ambience, or pull all of your focus. Ones that have endured for years, or even decades. And all of them featuring knock-out vocals on timeless melodies that stay with you long after Feb. 14 has come and gone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how you feel about V-Day, it\u2019s always a good day for <a href=\"https:\/\/music.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLWOjgOdJbigW1xcFxmVL4XE8kMrVRBQxK\">really good music<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>(Note: Some of the songs on this playlist contain explicit lyrics.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_6e13ae21f8efe19d87195777136deed7\" class=\"wp-block related-post alignwide\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"section-title\">\n      <h4>Related<\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"post-wrap\">\n              <div class=\"thumbnail\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/queen-of-salsa-music-becomes-first-afro-latina-on-u-s-quarters\/\" class=\"post-image-link\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celia_Cruz_Smithsonian-Institution-696x392-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Celia Cruz\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celia_Cruz_Smithsonian-Institution-696x392-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celia_Cruz_Smithsonian-Institution-696x392-1-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celia_Cruz_Smithsonian-Institution-696x392-1-84x84.jpg 84w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celia_Cruz_Smithsonian-Institution-696x392-1-45x45.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"entry-text\">\n          <h3 class=\"post-title\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/queen-of-salsa-music-becomes-first-afro-latina-on-u-s-quarters\/\">\n              \u00a0\u2018Queen of Salsa Music\u2019 Becomes First Afro-Latina on U.S. Quarters\n            <\/a>\n          <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div id=\"block_e075fe65e48e01c2f23ad312ae20603a\" class=\"wp-block listicle alignwide\">\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">1<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"At Last\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1qJU8G7gR_g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cAt Last\u201d &#8211; Etta James<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One simply cannot make a playlist of love songs performed by Black women without including this truly iconic 1960 cover. There\u2019s a reason it was enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 \u2013 James\u2019 improvisations and the sweeping orchestration backing her up make this a love anthem for the ages.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">2<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VqW-eO3jTVU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cThe First Time Ever I Saw Your Face\u201d &#8211; Roberta Flack<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This easy track \u2013 a 1969 cover of a 1957 folk song \u2013 is about as tender as a love song can get. Flack\u2019s delivery is smooth as can be, breathing fresh life into the tune&#8217;s vivid metaphorical lyrics describing several romantic \u201cfirsts.\u201d Plus, it\u2019s the release that put Flack on the musical map \u2013 for that reason alone, it deserves a listen.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">3<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Caught Up in the Rapture\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Oz-b86LZ21c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cCaught Up In the Rapture\u201d &#8211; Anita Baker<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are few better feelings than when love is right, steady and exciting. On this track, Baker sings of magic, and the sensation of flying, and of partners standing together through life\u2019s storms. \u201cRapture\u201d is, truly, the perfect word to sum all of that up. (It\u2019s also a great word for describing the experience of listening to Baker herself.)<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">4<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Lady Wray - Come On In - BC068-45 - Side B\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j8vjZBn-Luo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cCome On In\u201d &#8211; Lady Wray<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This wonderfully groovy track features a splashy drum beat, walking bass line and tight background vocals, which combine to give it a decidedly retro feel (despite it being a contemporary release). Wray\u2019s voice dances above it all, adding both brightness, and its own warmth. The result is a perfect song to open a bottle of wine to after inviting a special someone over.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">5<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Beyonc\u00e9 - XO (Video)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3xUfCUFPL-8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cXO\u201d &#8211; Beyonce<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As is the case with all prolific, impactful artists, choosing just one Beyonce song for this list was near impossible. (See also: Basically the entirety of \u201cLemonade.\u201d) But this 2013 tune\u2019s infectious beat and intricate composition, not to mention Beyonce\u2019s light, agile vocal performance, make this one too blissful to pass up.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">6<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Real Love\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OSmGu5LBs7E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cReal Love\u201d &#8211; Mary J. Blige<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m fairly certain it\u2019s illegal in certain states and municipalities to omit Mary J. Blige\u2019s works from a list of love songs by Black artists. As it should be. Who doesn\u2019t know, and adore, this early 1990s hit asking a partner if they are, in fact, the \u201creal love\u201d we\u2019re seeking? Instantly recognizable and enjoyable, this song will always have listeners dancing \u2013 and relating.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">7<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"India Arie - Heart Of The Matter\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NeAvdgcbt4k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cHeart of the Matter\u201d &#8211; India Arie <\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With all due respect to Don Henley, Arie\u2019s cover of his song takes the material to new heights. It\u2019s gentle, yet driving; deep, yet light. Recovery from a lost love is tricky, messy, nonlinear business \u2013 this track acknowledges that pain, but offers a pathway to better days by highlighting the importance of forgiveness and letting go in that process. And, it\u2019s just so nice to listen to. <\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">8<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sade - Smooth Operator - Official - 1984\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4TYv2PhG89A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cSmooth Operator\u201d &#8211; Sade<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The song came out in 1984, but it works any time after that. Arguably the \u201ccoolest\u201d track on this list, it\u2019s also one that tells a story about a man who is callous and dismissive of his numerous women lovers. Sade Adu\u2019s silky delivery reflects the way the titular character moves through life \u2013 a sadly relatable archetype, which makes listening equal parts enjoyable and cathartic.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">9<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Billie Holiday - Foolin&#039; Myself\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6r_xX1SAQQk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cFoolin\u2019 Myself\u201d &#8211; Billie Holiday<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When working through heartbreak, we\u2019ll often tell ourselves what we <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">want<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to hear. But as Holiday croons: \u201cI tell myself, \u2018I&#8217;m through with you, and I&#8217;ll have nothing more to do with you.\u2019 I stay away, but every day I&#8217;m just foolin\u2019 myself.\u201d Yes, sometimes, we have to be honest with ourselves \u2013 or at least let timeless jazz singers tell us the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">10<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Aretha Franklin - Live at Concertgebouw Amsterdam 1968 - I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7KYb5uaDscw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cI Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)\u201d &#8211; Aretha Franklin <\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We rarely, if ever, get a say in who we love. And as we learn from Franklin\u2019s debut hit, sometimes the person we end up loving is the one who can \u2013 and perhaps does \u2013 hurt us more than anyone else. Those words, and her voice, have endured since its 1967 release.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">11<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Lizzo - Cuz I Love You (Official Video)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NqjPqsry7no?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cCuz I Love You\u201d &#8211; Lizzo<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing to appreciate about Lizzo is that she is so consistently and unrelentingly herself. She\u2019s consistently bold in how she puts herself and her emotions out into the world. It\u2019s that spirit that has us loving \u201cCuz I Love You,\u201d a big, bold ballad that asks \u2013 as many of us have \u2013 how and why we must love someone who offers us uncertainty or instability in return.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">12<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3JWTaaS7LdU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cI Will Always Love You\u201d &#8211; Whitney Houston <\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This breakup song \u2013 and, somewhat awkwardly, rather popular wedding song \u2013 was originally a Dolly Parton tune. But she happily admits that the late Houston\u2019s door-busting 1992 cover is something truly spectacular, and loved it from first listen. As did we all, thanks in large part to Houston\u2019s absolutely unmatched voice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">13<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Janet Jackson - Any Time, Any Place\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3HO9H1VMMOk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cAny Time, Any Place\u201d &#8211; Janet Jackson<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sultry and sophisticated \u2013 but also delightfully explicit. Jackson has put out numerous sexy tracks during her career, but this 1993 song is one of her best known. She\u2019s not shy about the effect the song\u2019s subject has on her, vacillating between sharing fantasies and expressing her desire through a smart, subtle performance laid over a rhythmic, jazz-inspired backdrop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">14<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Normani - Motivation (Official Video)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FKXSh14svlQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>\u201cMotivation\u201d &#8211; Normani<\/h2>\n          <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not just the flirtation and straight-up fun that makes this song work. It\u2019s the feeling of freedom that\u2019s baked into this bop. Her 2019 hit feels like an amazing summer day, captured in music \u2013 and it definitely makes us want to dance, as close as possible, to a certain attractive \u201csomeone,\u201d whoever they may be.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">15<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Muni Long - Made For Me (Official Music Video)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vYa3ak-3p60?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>&quot;Made for Me&quot; &#8211; Muni Long<\/h2>\n          <p>In this 2024 R&amp;B tune, Long, a scientist, goes after a love that isn&#8217;t hers to begin with. Yet, that doesn&#8217;t stop her from getting her man <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span> who in this case, is depicted by singer Luke James. What&#8217;s unique is that she does it in a very unusual way: By cloning him. Beloved by millions, this catchy song is a reminder just how far some people will go for love.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">16<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Donna Summer - I Feel Love\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yEbaeLv-aOo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>&quot;I Feel Love&quot; &#8211; Donna Summer<\/h2>\n          <p>Maybe you&#8217;re in the mood to go out and dance about your love <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span> or shake off your latest break-up with some friends. It&#8217;d be hard to find a better tune to get moving to, in either instance, than this iconic, infectious, flirtatious song by the Queen of Disco herself. Throw back a drink, throw on this song, and throw yourself into a good, good time.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">17<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Olivia Dean - Man I Need\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oIv_Y2RPQ_A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>&quot;Man I Need&quot; &#8211; Olivia Dean<\/h2>\n          <p>This breakout hit from the now-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is a plea to a partner for more, and for better <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span> and it&#8217;s thrumming with power and self-worth, because it&#8217;s not willing to compromise on what is needed to feel good in the relationship. The British performer has effortlessly crafted an anthem for lovers who demand clarity and intention that&#8217;s at the same time a fun, freeing &#8220;listen.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row\">\n                  <div class=\"col-md-6 video\">\n            <div class=\"number\">18<\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframewrap\">\n              <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"En Vogue - My Lovin&#039; (You&#039;re Never Gonna Get It) (Official Music Video) [HD]\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JIuYQ_4TcXg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-md-6 text\">\n          <h2>&quot;My Lovin&#039; (You&#039;re Never Gonna Get It)&quot; &#8211; En Vogue<\/h2>\n          <p>And if the man you wan&#8217;t can&#8217;t manage be the man you need? Here&#8217;s the song to blast at top volume. En Vogue, a fun and fantastically gifted singing group that reigned in the late 1980s and early 1990s, burst out with classic &#8211; easily one of the catchiest, most satisfying &#8220;boy, bye&#8221; songs ever written &#8211; in 1992. Come for the strong vocals and empowered message; stay for one of the most well-known, well-loved breakdowns in pop music history.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em><em><strong><em>Editor&#8217;s Note: This post, updated for 2026, was originally published Feb. 13, 2024.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_93b10ab9fd689e110a346c17baae2860\" class=\"wp-block related-post alignwide\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"section-title\">\n      <h4>Related<\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"post-wrap\">\n              <div class=\"thumbnail\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/more-single-black-women-are-buying-homes-heres-why\/\" class=\"post-image-link\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Teairra-Jones-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Teairra-Jones-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Teairra-Jones-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Teairra-Jones-84x84.jpg 84w, https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Teairra-Jones-45x45.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"entry-text\">\n          <h3 class=\"post-title\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/more-single-black-women-are-buying-homes-heres-why\/\">\n              More Single Black Women Are Buying Homes. Here\u2019s Why\n            <\/a>\n          <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whatever your V-Day vibe, these Black women performers will help you set the perfect mood.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":76861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"Whatever your Valentine's Day vibe, these Black women performers will help you set a perfect mood with this playlist of love, breakup 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This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Playlist of Love, Breakup Songs from Olivia Dean, Beyonce, More<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whatever your Valentine&#039;s Day vibe, these Black women performers will help you set a perfect mood with this playlist of love, breakup songs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thestoryexchange.org\/18-sweet-and-sultry-songs-by-black-women-artists-for-your-ideal-valentines-day\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"18 Sweet (and Sultry) Songs by Black Women Artists For Your Ideal Valentine\u2019s Day\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Whatever your V-Day vibe, these 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