Turn down the top 40 and listen up: here are 8 of 2014’s best indie songs about love and relationships. Whether you’re going through an emotional breakup, falling in love, or just have a crush on your cute neighbor, these tunes are sure to get you through.

1. Cavalier, James Vincent McMorrow

In this dreamy track, the Irish musician produces a sound that is simultaneously seductive and ethereal. His haunting refrain “I remember my first love,” will cause intense nostalgia, and probable cravings for a rainy afternoon in bed with your current snuggle-buddy.

2. Like Real People Do, Hozier

A sweet, slightly twangy song about craving a kiss from the girl that caught your eye. For some reason, this song brings to mind summer days and swing sets. If you don’t fall in love with this song just by listening, be sure to check out the So You Think You Can Dance choreography that brought this song to the masses (myself included). If that doesn’t melt your heart, no one can help you.

3.  Angus and Julia Stone, Grizzly Bear

One of the latest songs using delay loopers from this brother-sister duo, Grizzly Bear paints a sweet picture of simply wanting to be around the girl you like. Why is it called Grizzly Bear? Beats me. Confusing titles aside, the groovy instrumentals and infectious refrains are worthy of any tale of charming infatuation.

4. Melt, Chet Faker (feat. Kilo Kish)

Less about love and more about desire, Australian music producer Chet Faker collaborated with dreamy vocalist Kilo Kish to represent both sides of playing “hard to get.” This lyrics of this song are relatable anyone who has tried to resist a relationship that is inevitably damaging, but eventually gives in. Besides that, the soulful electronic pulse will have you playing “Melt” on repeat.

5. Flaws, Vancouver Sleep Clinic

In Flaws, 17 year old Tim Bettinson presents listeners with a creeping nostalgia for the throes of a lost relationship.  The wintry Bon Iver vibe of this song will, similar to Cavalier, have you reaching for a cozy blanket, and maybe a loved one.

6. Bound, Laura Welsh

We’ve all seen Kanye’s bizarre video for Bound 2, featuring the mother of his child, Kim K. And if you haven’t, you really should. West’s creative oddities aside, British songbird Laura Welsh gives the hyped up hip-hop track a stripped down and emotional redux. With her own soulful rendition, she gives truer meaning to his refrain, “I know you’re tired of loving, with nobody to love.”

7. Ben Howard, End of the Affair

Another sad one, but really, are any love songs truly happy? End of the Affair laments just that; the end of a relationship and eventually watching your old partner move on, signifying the finality of a break-up. In typical Howard fashion, the song is mellow and folk-y, with occasional bursts of anguish. It makes for easy listening, and easy relatability.

8.  Fall In Love, Phantogram

Let’s end it on a fun note, shall we? Possibly the catchiest and most pop-esque song on this list, Fall in Love laments the struggle of being on the receiving end of unrequited love. While your heart will go out to the guy lead vocalist Sarah Barthel is singing about, you can’t help but hum along and twitch your shoulders to this synthesized hit.
Enjoy this playlist? Then be sure to check out our article about Getting Over a Breakup With Calvin Harris. 

About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a dating app designed with women in mind. Founded by 3 sisters in 2012 in NYC, CMB aims to deliver a fun, safe, and quality dating experience that results in meaningful relationships.