The Relationship Soundtrack

When my brother and sister-in-law first started dating, he would make mixed tapes for her each month filled with his favorite songs, or songs he knew she liked, or songs that just reminded him of her. This was pre-CD burning, but that makes it just a bit more special because he took the time to pick out the songs, space them appropriately on the tape and carefully write the order on the tape sleeve.

It's such a sweet and thoughtful idea, and my sister-in-law still has them to this day, even though cassettes are a bit outdated. One of my ex-boyfriends made me amixed tape, and I liked getting it, because in a way, it is a good way to see how the person feels or felt about you at that time. (Luckily, there were no, "I hate myself for loving you" type songs on there!)

Music is always the easiest way to express how you are feeling, and I know that I have songs that fit certain moods — especially when it comes to a relationship. So, in no particular order, or mood, here would be a sample of songs I would put on a tape (or CD!) : )

1. Wild Horses — Only by the Rolling Stones, anything else makes me want to seizure.
2. As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson. From Casablanca, one of the greatest movies ever.
3. If I Should Fall Behind — Bruce Springsteen. If and when I get married, this song will be at the top of my list for wedding dance songs.
4. The Ship Song — Concrete Blonde....I listened to this song on repeat for two hours — no joke. It's that good.
5. Power of Two — Indigo Girls...I know, guys go running in the opposite direction of anything Indigo Girls, or other girl-oriented bands, but this is a song all should embrace!
6. She's got a way — Billy Joel..Note to guys — this song will make any girl melt.
7. In Your Eyes — Peter Gabriel. An obvious class. And if you want to do it right, hold a boom box over your head while playing it for your special someone.
8. Lay Lady Lay — Bob Dylan. Love him or hate him, he can write. And if you want to hear a good break-up song listen to Susan Tedeschi's cover of his "Don't think Twice." It's fantastic.
9. I love you — Sarah McLachlan. Let's be honest, with the exception of her first two albums, everything she has done is good.
10. Here with me — Dido...I loved this song the first time I heard it, and it never gets old for me.
11. Crazy Love — Van Morrison...His whole Moondance record is one to listen to over and over again.
12. Faithfully — Journey...I love Journey — I'm not ashamed. And this is by far my favorite song by them.
13. Songbird — Eva Cassidy...This is a cover of a Fleetwood Mac song, but Eva Cassidy has one of the prettiest voices ever.
14. Feels like Home — Chantal Kreviazuk or Bonnie Raitt...any version of this song doesn't change how sweet it is.
15. Making Memories of Us — Keith Urban...this is SUCH a guilty pleasure song, but I had to put it on here...even if it is country! (Which I'll admit, some songs are growing on me!)

I know there are so many good songs out there, so let us know — if you were making a relationship soundtrack, which songs would make the cut? Or even, what songs help cope with a break-up?