FEBRUARY 12, 2009
We Love You!
Nat Geo Music scours the globe in search of the best love songs.
Nat Geo Music scoured the globe in search of the best love songs. From the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to the rolling hills of Senegal, the search hasn't been easy, but we're happy to send this special Valentine's Day playlist to you!
1. Flight Of The Conchords: "Ladies Of The World"
This video by Kiwi stars Flight of the Conchords might make you laugh, but you can't argue with lines like this: "If every soldier in the world, put down his weapon and picked up a woman, what a peaceful world this world would be."
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2. Bob Marley Ft. Lauryn Hill: "Turn Your Lights Down Low"
No one knew how to set the mood for love better than Bob Marley. On this posthumous "duet" he gets help from Lauryn Hill.
3. Gotan Project: "Diferente"
The melancholy and intrigue of tango suggests romance more than love. This sultry video from Gotan Project demonstrates the seductive beauty of the dance that one cannot separate from the music.
4. Tribalistas: "Ja Sei Namorar"
Brazilian supergroup Tribalistas scored an international hit with this song whose title means "I know how to date."
5. Ibrahim Ferrer & Omara Portuondo: "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas"
Famous from their work with Buena Vista Social Club, Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo duet on this classic Latin bolero once recorded by Nat King Cole.
6. Ismael Lo: "L'Amour A Tous Les Droits"
In this song Senegalese singer Ismael Lo changes a French proverb, "Love has all the rights but none of the duties," to "Love has all the rights but we have the duties."
7. Caetano Veloso: "Mimar Voce"
Caetano Veloso sings a Brazilian love song that by hearing the audience reaction in this live video you understand is hugely popular in Brazil.
8. Sean Kingston: "Beautiful Girls"
Jamaican-American singer Sean Kingston scored a cross-over hit in 2007 with this r&b inflected battle-of-the-sexes throwdown.
9. Bob Marley: "Stir It Up"
Jamaican reggae legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer were at the height of their creative partnership when they recorded this sexy, slow-burning roots classic in 1972.
10. Omara Portuondo : "Flor De Amor"
In this song Omara Portuondo sings of the power of a simple flower in winning love. Did you remember to order your significant other flowers for Valentine's Day?!
11: Marisa Monte: "Beija Eu"
This song by Brazilian singer Marisa Monte is perfect for Valentine's Day with a title that means "kiss me."
12. Federico Aubele: "Ante Tus Ojos"
Argentine musician Federico Aubele blends tango and electronic music. In this song the female singer asks her lover what she looks like in his eyes.
13. Juan Luis Guerra: "La Llave De Mi Corazon"
In this Latin dance tune Juan Luis Guerra sings about people seeking help for their romantic difficulties on a call-in radio show.
14. Trio Mocoto: "Voltei Amor"
In this video by samba-rock group Trio Mocoto a Brazilian soccer star leaves his love for fame and money in Italy, but soon regrets what he left behind.
15. Ismael Lo: "La Femme Sans Haine"
Senegalese singer and bandleader Ismael Lo is a superstar and a pioneer of the mbalax sound.
16. Aventura: "Un Beso"
Based in the Bronx, Aventura is one of the most successful young Dominican bachata groups of the last decade. In this 2005 ballad they sing about falling in love from just one kiss.