Cue saxophone in the background. Every chapter in my life has had a soundtrack—a set of songs that played in the background, whether I was aware of it or not, shaping my moods, my memories, and sometimes even my decisions. From the Sunday-morning gospel of my childhood to that one fateful night arguing in my friend’s car about whether Kendrick’s To Pimp A Butterfly was the best rap album of the last decade (spoiler: it is), music has been my unofficial co-pilot. And when it comes to love and relationships? The playlist is just as essential.

Let’s face it: some moments in life—especially the romantic ones—don’t really hit until there’s a well-curated soundtrack playing behind the scenes. Whether it’s the flirtation that starts with a shoulder shimmy at a house party, a slow dance that looks better in memory than it felt in real time, or that breakup road trip where you scream-sing into the void…music makes it all come alive. And so, I’m taking you through my Soundtrack of Love (and everything else along the way). Buckle up, press play, and let’s see if any of this sounds familiar.

Track 1: "Oh Happy Day" – The Edwin Hawkins Singers
Category: First Crushes & Sunday Bests

Picture it: South Side Chicago, 10-year-old DeAndre is wearing his stiffest pair of church shoes, waiting to rush out the door after service. My first “romantic encounter”? Passing notes during Sunday school while this gospel classic played on a loop in the background. Everyone at my church knew this song—it wasn’t just music to stomp your feet to; it was a reminder to show up in life and in faith—something my mom found endearing but that pre-teen me didn’t yet realize was low-key profound.

Even today, “Oh Happy Day” takes me back to simpler times—a dizzying cocktail of nerves, paper airplanes, and smudged crayons. But if you squint at the memories hard enough, there's a universal lesson: whether you're navigating a first crush or a new chapter, if the vibe doesn’t spark even a tiny “happy day,” what are you even doing?

Track 2: "A Love Supreme, Part 1: Acknowledgement" – John Coltrane
Category: The Art of the Slow Burn

Fast forward fifteen years, and I’m 25, halfway to broke, wondering if it’s finally time to take love seriously—or just keep pretending that brunch dates are doing the job. Enter this Coltrane masterpiece, a track I stumbled upon while trying to impress a girl who I later learned actually didn’t like jazz. (Yikes.) But while the attempt at romance fizzled, this song stayed with me. It taught me that love—real love—isn’t loud or brash. Sometimes it sneaks in quietly, like the easing tempo of a Coltrane solo, then latches on when you least expect it.

Pro-tip: If you’re out here trying to impress someone with your playlist, start with something universal. You don’t have to love jazz, but you do need to listen. Take John’s cue, because whether it’s riffing solos in a smoky room or learning your partner’s favorite coffee order, love is a series of improvisations—a slow dance you have to feel your way through.

Track 3: "Prototype" – OutKast
Category: The Almost-Love Story

Let me just say this upfront: falling in love halfway is painful. You want the commitment, the “this-is-it” clarity, but sometimes life hands you an almost. “Prototype” by OutKast is the anthem for every person who’s ever thought, You could’ve been the one—if we’d met at a slightly different time.

Relationships are often messy like this—not all fireworks and first kisses, but subtle collisions that burn out quietly. I remember playing this song on a date that started with potential and ended with us breaking into a deep-dive debate about aliens (shout out to André 3000’s futuristic vibes). Spoiler alert: there was no second date. But this song? It’s still a go-to when I’m in my feelings over roads not taken.

Takeaway: Not every love story becomes a novel. Some are just powerful, fleeting poems. Or, if we’re being honest, haikus. And that’s okay.

Track 4: "Ex Factor" – Lauryn Hill
Category: The Breakup Playlist Hall of Fame

If there is ever an Academy Award for Best Breakup Song, “Ex Factor” wins every. single. time. I dare you to sing along to this and not make it personal—even if you’re just breaking up with your DoorDash habit. (Relatable, right?) My own “Ex Factor” moment happened at 3 a.m., a week after a third breakup with the same person. It was one of those on-again, off-again rollercoasters where everyone around me was like, “It’s not that deep.” But Lauryn said otherwise.

“Tell me who I have to be / To get some reciprocity?” Those lyrics demanded that I get real about what love shouldn’t feel like. Relationships should flow—not twist you into knots. Breaking ties was hard, but when you realize that “availability” is the greatest gift someone can give, the healing begins.

And for the record: If your go-to breakup song isn’t from the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, we can’t date.

Track 5: "Love's Train" – Con Funk Shun
Category: The Love You Earn

This one’s for the grown-ups in the room—the crew that understands that love isn’t just about spark but also grit. Quick story: When my parents celebrated their 35th anniversary, “Love’s Train” was their selection. My dad, ever the romantic, still swears this song sums up their dynamic—loyalty, late-night kitchen arguments, and the occasional dance beneath a half-burned-out porch light.

This isn’t beginner love; this is advanced placement love. Con Funk Shun reminds us that patience and forgiveness are as sexy as candlelight dinners. Love that lasts means finding ways to grow together, especially when life doesn’t make it easy. For me, hearing this song is a personal reminder that connection takes work—but it’s worth it when both of you get on board.

Track 6: "The Light" – Common
Category: Hopeful Beginnings

I couldn’t write this piece without bringing in some Chicago vibes, right? Common’s “The Light” manages to balance earnestness and swag, proving that vulnerability doesn’t need to be soft-edged. This track became my personal anthem after I decided dating wasn’t about “finding the one” but rather “finding myself first.” Call it cliché—but nothing hits harder than a clear sense of purpose paired with a smooth beat. Also, bonus points to Common for teaching us that romance doesn’t need to be shiny—it just needs to feel real.

There you have it: my life, in musical interludes. These songs remind me that relationships are less about perfect endings and more about learning the rhythm—when to slow things down, when to speed them up, and when to let the music speak for itself.

If your love story were an album, what would the playlist look like? Whether you’re harmonizing or going solo, lean into the melodies. Because if you’re paying attention—not just to the notes but to what’s between them—you’ll always find your groove.