10 Filipino R&B Love Songs to Set the Mood This Valentine’s Day
By Niko Del Rey
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching which means we need to check off all the boxes for a perfect night out. Reservations? *check* Flowers? *check* Outfit picked? *check* Music for the car ride??? I bet you haven’t thought that far ahead but hey, the music sets the tone of the night and can really take you from the friendzone to the endzone. So if you need help picking out some fresh new(ish) Fil and FilAm R&B to impress your date, look no further because KH has got you covered with our top 10 FilAm songs to serenade your Valentine.
RUSSELL! - LADY
This is the type of song you can play after the date, for those late night car talks, parked looking over the city lights. Although I think this song can be played on a first date without scaring off your date, I think this is more appropriately used for later dates / talking stages. Subtly leading on that you want your valentine to be your “lady”.
2. Concepcion - WITH U
This banger comes out swinging, sampling Jojo’s - Baby It’s You. This song is ear candy to millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, everybody, you name it! The premise of the song “as long as I’m with you” will really show your special someone that every night spent with them is your favorite thing to do. Concepcion is very reminiscent of Chris Brown. And I know Concepcion is Filipino Canadian and not FilAm, but a banger is a banger, so his song made the list.
3. Jaime Ave - Say Less
We find ourselves with our first more promiscuous song, Say Less by Jaime Ave (aka Jaime Boy). Talking about what the two of them can do behind closed doors, no matter what time of day “Say Less” and he’ll be there. Of course this type of song is to be played only if you’re there in your relationship but it definitely reminds me of Usher / Craig David.
4. The Filharmonic - Side Effects
And to contrast Say Less, we have this sweet original song from The Filharmonic - Side Effects. Talking about the early stages of dating when your heartbeat is racing and highlighting all the side effects of experiencing new love. The Filharmonic have been complimented to resemble Boyz II Men, and with their tight harmonies and sweet lyrics about love, I can totally see it *wink*.
5. Nieman, Concepcion - BEEN ON U
Filipino American singer / songwriter Nieman brings that Justin Timberlake, 20/20 vision vibe on this track. Collabing with Concepcion on this track, BEEN ON U talks about only having one person on your mind and always having “been on” that special someone. Nieman is an upcoming artist that you should definitely keep your eye on in 2025.
6. Dionela, Jay R - sining
Pivoting to some OPM music, I have been seeing Dionela blowing up all over Tik Tok and I totally get it! Dionela is known to write sweet / heartfelt music and this song in particular reminds of the moment when your favorite k-drama couple finally has that meet-cute moment. That first time they lock eyes and capture the hope of love in an instant. That’s what this song sounds exactly like to me and if you don’t believe me, just check it out for yourself!
7. DEMI, slimedemidemisline, Madman Stan - hombdy
You don’t even have to understand tagalog to grasp the meaning of this song. From the production, to the duet of male / female, this song truly paints a picture of what both parties are “trying to get into”. This is very reminiscent of Kehlani from the beat, melody, and storytelling. If you’re into that bay area R&B, this might be the track for you!
8. Maki - Dilaw
Breaking records with this hit, Maki became the most listened to OPM artist with 6.5M listeners a month. The indie alternative track released under Tarsier Records likens the hope and happiness to the yellow color as it captures the experience of finding love after overcoming a painful past. It’s giving Jonas Brothers / One Direction, something that resonates with any fan of pop music.
9. Arthur Nery - I Gotchu
From the first note that leaves his lips, Arthur Nery immediately brought me to another world. Effortlessly pouring his heart out, professing his affection for his Valentine, this might be my favorite song on the list. Such a velvety tone, I get both Teddy Swims and John Splithoff from his voice. This music is best enjoyed with a bottle of wine, on the couch, dim lighting and a few candles.
10. Denise Julia - thinkin’ bout u
If maybe you’re the girl and your date just isn’t getting the hint, this is the song to play right before you make your move. Very Arianna Grande in its sound, thinkin’ bout you doesn’t tip toe and conveys exactly what the title says and wants. This song can be played right after dinner on the way home to help subtly drop clues for your date before you go in for that first kiss.
Here’s the full playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!