Indie Rock Love Songs

Not all indie rock songs are about anger or boredom. In fact, we think love songs are what indie bands do best. Once the L-word comes up, some of our favorite bands cast away their slacker exteriors and get down to business. Consider the White Stripes' tender, hushed "We're Going to Be Friends" and the soaring, euphoric chorus of the Pixies' "Gigantic."

Indie rock love songs show a full range of complex emotions. Sometimes love, indie-style, does mean having to say you're sorry, as in Elliott Smith's "Say Yes" or Grandaddy's "Nature Anthem." But not every song is tinged with regret: PJ Harvey's "Ecstacy" and Catherine Wheel's "I Want to Touch You" show that indie bands can be just as lusty as a slow jam.

A few of indie rock's lesser-known bands pack the biggest emotional punches. Songs like the 6ths' "You You You You You," Kicking Giant's "She's Real," and Bobby Birdman's "I Must Admit That I Love You" are eloquent tributes to new love that are sure to delight your latest crush.

Not all indie rock songs are about anger or boredom. In fact, we think love songs are what indie bands do best. Once the L-word comes up, some of our favorite bands cast away their slacker exteriors and get down to business. Indie rock love songs show a full range of complex emotions, including love, lust, loss, and everything in between. These songs will remind you that love may feel dreamy, obsessive, or even a bit painful, but it's always heartfelt.