TOP 10 INDIE ACOUSTIC LOVE SONGS FOR YOUR DATE AT HOME

Are you stuck inside trying to plan a killer date-night-in? If yes, grab the wine, cook something romantic (my go-tos are pasta or paella), maybe pick some flowers, and definitely put on these romantic, indie acoustic love songs. Separated from your partner? No worries- Postmates dinner and a bottle of wine to their place, and text these songs in a playlist.

BRIGHT EYES - FIRST DAY OF MY LIFE

What would this post be without this CLASSIC acoustic love song? “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes is about that special someone who makes you feel like a brand new person. Sometimes, the rough moments in a relationship can help us to remember what we love about the person to begin with! With a gentle, but intricate fingerstyle guitar part, and lyrics that reminisce upon happier moments, this song is a must listen.

CITY AND COLOUR - NORTHERN WIND

Doesn’t get more peaceful than the romantic musings of City and Colour on “Northern Wind.” On this song Dallas Green (City and Colour, see what he did there?!) compares his wife to some of the best things in life like autumn leaves. With acoustic guitar, velvety vocals, and lyrics filled with nature, this song is perfect for a date night in.

THE AVETT BROTHERS - I AND LOVE AND YOU

Ok, I know this might not *actually* be a love song, and rather a song about personal growth and difficulties falling in love, but we’re gonna roll with it because I said so. On “I and Love and You,” the Avett Brothers move to Brooklyn, New York and grow cold. But look, if you light some candles and get to the bridge, you could create some serious movie-magic romance.

IRON & WINE - FLIGHTLESS BIRD, AMERICAN MOUTH

Is this a love song, or have we just been convinced that it’s a love song thanks to the modern vampire, romance blueprint, Twilight? We may never know, but hinging on that line “Have I found you?” it definitely has that searching-for-a-lost-love vibe! Fun fact: Bella and Edward dance to this song at prom AND at their wedding!

PHOEBE BRIDGERS - STEAMROLLER

Folks, romance can be complicated and a young Phoebe Bridgers was certainly aware of this. On one of her first songs released, “Steamroller,” Bridgers talks about falling in love with a friend and being afraid of ruining the relationship. In the chorus, she sings “Part of me wants you / but most of me needs you / so I won’t fall unless you ask me to.”

RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE - ALL THAT AND MORE

The most upbeat song on this list, “All That and More” is a wholesome, acoustic bop. Filled with metaphors, claps, acoustic instruments, unison vocals, and easy going vibes, “All That and More” is SO catchy. While the song is tinged with a bit of sadness at the end, I think it still counts as an acoustic love song. I mean, you did come here looking for indie acoustic love songs, which means everyone’s at least *a little* sad.

THE PAPER KITES - BLOOM

If that finger picking pattern doesn’t draw you in, I don’t know what will! “Bloom” by the Paper Kites is so mushy without being cheesy. It sounds like a spring day and is filled with sweet lyrics for that special someone. I love these lyrics because they aren't over complicated. The chorus beautifully states: “Can I be close to you?”

SOCCER MOMMY - BLOSSOM

“Blossom” is about finding someone who makes you feel wanted. “It’s like the stars aligned for you, and it feels like you’re finally getting what you needed from love,” said Sophie Allison (Soccer Mommy) in an interview with Consequence of Sound. While the first part of “Blossom” discusses a relationship that felt like a waste of time, the second half of the song talks about finding someone who you could see “blossom in the future.”

MOTHER FALCON - MARIGOLD

With swirling strings, We Are: The Guard’s very own Mother Falcon questions the meaning of love. The strings create perfect prosody (hello my songwriting degree) with the ups and downs of the relationship described in the lyrics. “Is this love? / I don’t know / But tonight I’m gonna find out.”

CAT POWER - SEA OF LOVE

Cat Power’s cover of “Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips features soft smoky vocals and shimmering autoharp. Released in 2000, the cover made it into the film Juno. “Sea of Love” is filled with those classic lovey lyrics and both versions are totally timeless (except maybe the word pet, lol).

Well there you have it, our top 10 indie acoustic love songs. If you’re looking for even more indie love songs, check out our Best Modern Love Songs, Top 10 Indie Wedding Songs, and Top 10 Alternative Rock Love Songs!

Photo by Tomáš Vydržal CC0

Arielle Tindel is a Berklee College of Music student from Cleveland, OH. She will graduate in December with degrees in Music Business Marketing and Songwriting. In her free time, Arielle can be found gardening or playing bass.