Indie rock love songs are perfect for a special someone or a special occasion. Because independent music is all about self-expression, there’s likely to be an artist for everyone; perhaps you’ll find your match in this list.
Anyone who appreciates music in general or indie music especially will benefit from this list. We’ve compiled a list of the best love songs from indie rock and alternative genres. Bright Eyes’ “The First Day of My Life” and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ “Home” are two fantastic love songs, and we’ve found a few more that we hope you’ll adore as much as we do.
1) “Something Good Can Work” by Two Door Cinema Club
With humorous undertones, this song depicts how a real love works. A story about a boy who fell in love with an insecure girl and encouraged her to work on improving herself. It illustrates how, as she matured, the boy faded into the background. In the song, he expresses his self-worth by declaring that no one should invest their own true essence into a relationship for someone they care about to treat them how she does.
Next: The best love songs from any genre ever (our top romance hits)
2) “Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance
The song is part reality, part fiction, according to Clemens Rehbein’s own assessment. This is how he sees spending time with the addressee if and when they reunite after being separated. He might not even be referring to actual dancing; rather, it’s more than likely a metaphor for their joyful times together. It serves as a reminder to people to treasure the time they have with their loved ones.
Next: The best songs about reunited love of all time (a list of our favorites)
3) “Always Together” by Cults
It’ll be much better if you’re thinking of someone special while listening to this music. It turns our imaginations into unpleasant realities, illustrating that crushes are often more concerned with our wants than with our needs. Love isn’t usually accompanied by powerful emotions. Explaining that individuals should concentrate more on themselves and that love will find them rather than looking for it.
Next: The best songs about crushing on someone (crush tracks)
4) “We Fell in Love in October” by Girl in Red
This song symbolizes lesbians in the LGBT community, with a teenage girl admitting falling in love with another in October. She insists that she is in this relationship for the foreseeable future and is proud to be with her. “That’s why I love fall,” she says, emphasizing that she recognizes how they began. It’s a song that encourages individuals who are just coming out that they aren’t alone.
Next: The best songs about fall and Autumn of all time (a list of our picks)
5) “Electric Love” by BORNS
The vocalist falls in love with someone who is mesmerizing in this indie rock love song. While being anchored, the addressee fulfills all of his senses. She should love him as much as he loves her because she is far too valuable for him to let go. The entire soundtrack is titled dopamine, and all of the songs are about him proclaiming his love for her. As if she’s a narcotic to him.
Next: The top songs about falling in love with someone deeply (our list)
6) “Day 1” by Honne
It commemorates a partnership that has been true from the start. A tale of a group pushing their distinctive sound into more confident, beat-driven territory. It’s about how the addressee has remained with him since the beginning and continues to be his strongest supporter. Giving hope to people that they will find their number one ally, that everyone has one.
Next: The best upbeat love songs for a wedding
7) “Yours” by Ella Anderson
She describes the feeling of being in love with her spouse but is unable to vocalize it. She can’t seem to get beyond a stumbling block, so the song is the matter of letting her partner know she’s his. She expresses how her relationship makes her feel love in ways she’s never experienced before, and how she aspires to be everything he’s ever wanted and more if that is even possible.
Next: Our list of the best indie songs of all time
8) “Turning Pages” by Sleeping at Last
This song is featured in Twilight’s New Moon and is sure to tug at your heartstrings. Ideal for devoting to that special someone you envision wanting to spend the rest of your life with. It emphasizes the overwhelming yet incredible feelings you have when you find the right partner for you.
Next: Top love at first sight songs ever made
9) “Holocene” by Bon Iver
The song is titled partly after a tavern where the vocalist had a bad day and partly after a geological epoch. It’s a song about redemption and recognizing that everyone has significance. Everyone is unique, but not in the same sense. But about how he had insecurities before creating the song, but eventually discovered his worth.
10) “Turn” by The Wombats
This track is about how a relationship has its good days and bad days, but with those trials and tribulations comes passion. With highs and lows, this vibrant song illustrates the ambivalence of a relationship. It offers a unique outlook on how a relationship works. Without acknowledging both the highs and lows that a partnership will bring into their lives, no relationship will ever thrive.
11) “Pretty Girl” by Clairo
Claire Cottril’s first song to really go viral. It describes how she felt she had to dress and act a certain way in order to make a relationship work. Discussing how sacrificing who you are for the sake of pleasing others is never a wise idea. It acts as a reminder to everyone who hears it that you are valued. That there’s no one worth changing everything about.
12) “These Days” by The Wallows
This is about a person who is interested in a girl, but is she interested in him? He doesn’t want to feel like chasing her is a waste of time. Even when they were inebriated, she made sure he slept on his side of the bed to ensure he remained comfortable throughout the night. She still cared for him, even though they don’t know where the other stands on the perspective of their relationship yet.
13) “Corduroy Dreams” by Rex Orange County
Despite his loneliness, the singer adores his special spouse. His partner becomes aware that he is having lonely thoughts, placing their relationship in jeopardy. “Let’s Dream of Corduroy,” his verse, is about reminiscing about how relaxed and wonderful they were together.
Next: The best songs about loneliness, being lonely and alienation
14) “Tinder Song” by Victor Internet
He regularly dates girls, and he confesses his anxiety about the feelings he has for a boy. He blocked the boy before he could discover if there were more of them. By allowing his heart to take control of his thoughts, he is losing control of his mind.
Next: The top songs about being 17 of all time (our list)
15) “Small Talk” by Postcard Boy
Small Talk is about him reflecting about the night he spent with a special someone waiting for the light to rise. After that night, he will never forget how much he loves them. Passionately screaming at the top of their lungs. About their youth and the first time they fell in love. Always thinking back on the good old days.
Next: The top songs about waiting for something or someone of all time
16) “I Think You’re Really Cool” by Guardin
A man who is in love with someone yet can’t seem to get over his ex. He adores her, but she does not return his feelings. He discusses love and how it is based on lies because things don’t always go as planned. Despite the fact that he knows she isn’t good for him, he can’t help but care for her.
Next: The best songs about lies and lying to someone
17) “C.U. Girl” by Steve Lacy
He’s singing about how much he misses and want to see his fiancée again. He tells her she’s stunning and that he adores her for who she is, knowing she’ll be listening to the song. Their love for one another is clear, even though she’s off to college and he’s preparing to embark on a tour.
Next: Best indie bands of all time
18) “Cool With You” by Her’s
Singing about how he had a better time than he expected with someone he thought would only be around for one night. He now wants to spend time with them to see if they are experiencing similar feelings. They declare that they don’t need anyone else as long as they have each other.
19) “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” by 1975
1975 is known for its different take on indie rock love songs. The song is about Matt Healy’s substance addiction and his attempts to overcome it, according to him. If he hadn’t been clean, he wouldn’t have written about it, and he would not have been able to overcome his addiction without losing everything.
Next: The best songs about drugs of all time (a list of our favorites)
20) “Sugar” by Brockhampton
Four of the band’s six vocalists are included, and part of the songs are inspired by their personal experiences. Some musicians talk about how hollow their adolescent loves were. Others tell of past drug use and the need to be with their companion. It assists persons who have just had a breakup, as well as those who have previously taken narcotics without assistance.
Next: The greatest bands of all time
21) “DROWN” by Cuco x Clairo
With the energy of young lovers, the duet sings about wallowing in heartbreak. Cuco starts off with sarcasm and a pleading for pardon. Clairo is discussing how the girl won’t be able to return, and the two are complimenting each other verbally. Despite her desire to forgive the man, the girl recognizes that they are not compatible.
22) “My Kind of Woman” by Mac Demarco
Mac implies that there is some tension in the relationship in the first chorus. He wants to spend the rest of his life with her, despite the difficulties. He begs her to stick by his side during the terrible moments she has stood with him through in the song. This helps others believe that there is a particular someone out there who will stand by them during their difficult times.
Next: The best songs about supporting & helping other people
23) “505” by Artic Monkeys
The number 505 represents the hotel room significant to his relationship. The song is about being stuck in a love/hate situation. Despite the fact that their romance has been beneficial to both of them, the negative aspects of their relationship have gained precedence. Resulting in the song’s anguish.
24) “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens
Stevens, like in the film “Call Me By Your Name,” generates a mythological sense of closeness. In terms of communication, it highlights the superiority of touch over visual. Everything you see in the movie is ultimately about complete freedom and transcendence. Encouraging folks in picturing what it was like to be in love. While listening to it, causing them to feel treasured.
25) “Out Like a Light” by The Honeysticks
This track is about being in love with someone and being unable to accept the fact that it has ended. Your aspirations, memories, and regrets are all mixed up. Their loved one’s reality and their hopes are so mixed up that they can’t tell which is which. It demonstrates the effects of being utterly enamored with someone on your mind.
Next: The top songs about memories of all time (our list of picks)
26) “Remember Me” by U.M.I.
The phrase “remember me” relates to a previous encounter. She made blunders at first, but she has grown and changed since then. Capturing the image of moving on from a relationship in a natural, intimate way helps those who are just recovering from a new heartbreak by demonstrating that they can grow into a better version of themselves.
Next: The top songs about growing up of all time (a list of our favs)
27) “The Woods” by Hollow Coves
Escapism and a lack of fear of change. People must take a break, take a breather, and relish life’s simple joys. It implies that when things change, people’s sense of belonging changes with them. They talk about taking their addressee to a comfortable home tucked in the woods.
Next: The best songs about change of all time (a list of our favs)
28) “Sit Next To Me” by Foster the People
After their relationship has ended, the lead singer reaches out to an old lover to see if they can be friends. It talks about how he still thinks about her even if they are no longer together. He wants to be a part of her life, even if it’s just as a companion. He demonstrates that you can maintain friendships with ex-lovers and that a part of you will always care about them.
29) “You’ve Got the Love” by Florence + the Machine
Everyone goes through different kinds of difficulties, but knowing that someone is rooting for you makes it easier to keep going. She had lost everything, with the exception of one special person in her life who stood by her side. She had someone by her side throughout all of her difficult times, which is why she wants to inspire others who are looking for someone to accompany them throughout their lives.
30) “Angels” by The XX
This track is about how she is totally over heels in love with someone special, but before committing, she wants to be sure their feelings are reciprocated. It’s about the fear of making a commitment just to discover that they don’t share your feelings. It helps to convey the genuine terror that anyone feels when contemplating a commitment.
Next: The best emo songs ever made (our list)
31) “Can’t Get Over You” by Joji
The performer wishes to revive a previous romance that ended. They’re so smitten with someone that they’re willing to go to any length to win them over. They try to catch their attention by reminiscing about all of the fantastic times they had with that special someone in the song.
It makes you feel completely enamored, happy, and thoughtful of your partner. You recollect joyful times you spent with your lover while listening to music. A song you’d want to dance to while making memories with your special someone. Even though some of the best love songs are about heartbreak, they nonetheless provide hope to people who are going through a breakup.
Read Next:
The best songs about self love of all time
The best rock songs from the 2000s (’00s rock tracks list)
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.