Before anyone could toast to the new year, stores were already drowning in pink and red, screaming that Valentine’s Day was coming. February snuck up on everyone, and now love fills the air — unless you left it behind in 2024. This season, if you’re embracing the single life, reeling from heartache or just not into the lovey-dovey stuff, here are some songs for you and a few to dedicate to your ex.

“10 Things I Hate About You” – Leah Kate

Leah Kate crafted the best anti-Valentine’s Day anthem for anyone looking to throw some shade at an ex. While the song takes its name from the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You, it resembles Miley Cyrus’ “7 Things,” with the chorus similarly composed of a list of things Kate hates about her ex. The last lyric hits hard: “One, I hate the fact that you made me love you.”

“10 Things I Hate About You” is the perfect guitar-heavy, pop-punk song that screams “screw you” in 10 different ways. On a more relatable note, Kate admits that she sometimes misses her ex but quickly remembers the reasons for her disdain as she lists their faults.

Though I was over my ex by the time I first heard this song, it dragged back all the negativity I had tried to leave behind. Kate yelling at me in the song was one of my first experiences with female rage. It was honestly healing to hear someone else sing all the things I felt, solidifying music as a therapeutic outlet.

“Bloodsucker” – Cil

Cil’s vocal tone in “Bloodsucker” is too good. With a touch of raspiness and edge, she sings to someone who drains the life out of her. The song gives major main character energy — she knows her worth and isn’t about to settle for a “bloodsucker” when she can get a “real man” who’ll know how to treat her right.

It’s not so much a break-up anthem as it is a rejection, making it an even bigger power move. It’s an unapologetic affirmation that love should not feel like a chore. We’ve all experienced someone who’s all take but no give. This song is a fierce reminder that being alone is better than being with someone who isn’t ready to give you the love you deserve. Toxic energy has no room here.

“No Te Deseo el Mal” – Eladio Carrión and Karol G

I had to throw in a Spanish song because, honestly, no one writes break-up and love songs like we do. “No Te Deseo el Mal” is definitely the perfect example of moving on with no hard feelings … right?

Wrong. Though the title translates to “I don’t wish you any harm,” the chorus tells a different story. The singers get creative with their lines against their exes, such as when both Carrión and Karol G wish their exes light a cigarette while filling up their cars’ gas tanks.

The art of moving on at its finest and prettiest.

[Cafes are historical literary hubs, not modern ‘third spaces’]

“In My Bag” – Flo ft. GloRilla

We’ve all heard it’s important to love yourself before you love anyone else. “In My Bag” is the perfect anthem to vibe to and boost your confidence. The trio and GloRilla sing and rap about being that bitch and manifesting all the good things in life. We’re all here at this university to get our degrees and our bags, so pop off, be confident and lock in this semester.

Focus on yourself and let everyone know you’re on your shit, just like Stella Quaresma and Jorja Douglas sing.

“SITTING IN TRAFFIC” – Ruel

This one isn’t dedicated to an ex but speaks to those who feel their relationship slowly declining. It’s a depressing, pessimistic take on romance, with Ruel sitting in traffic, assuming his partner will eventually fall out of love.

This is one of my favorite songs because while you can be in a healthy relationship, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. There’s a lot of insecurity that comes with love. It’s beautifully haunting, especially in the chorus when Ruel sings, “Darling, don’t hate me when you’re not in love / Darling, don’t break me when it’s all too much.”

[Kendrick Lamar defied ‘nightmare venue’ with innovative halftime performance]

“Cupid (Twin Version)” – Fifty Fifty

A song titled “Cupid” might seem too on-brand, but it’s anything but. The “Twin Version” is the English version of the original, sung only by two of the group’s members. It manages to keep the charm of bubblegum pop vibes while presenting petty lyrics about Cupid screwing them over and making them feel like a fool for falling in love.

Despite the cutesy, feel-good vocals, “Cupid” is another perfect anti-Valentine’s Day anthem. Instead of celebrating love, the song pokes at the idea that love just might not be for them as they sing, “Surrounded by couples all the time / I guess I should take it as a sign.”