When NRT’s mastermind Kevin McNeese asked me to write our annual Valentine’s article, my first thought was to compile the latest and greatest love songs of the year. My Valentine’s article last year, a great read, followed this formula. But, this year I want to take a different approach.
A large part of our faith is marriage, a God-blessed bond between a man and a woman. Then, I thought how about an article about wedding anniversaries.
My wife and I recently celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary. Every year, she and I choose a special song to add to our anniversary soundtrack. This year, I’d like to share these songs with you. It gives you some love songs to stream for this Valentine’s Day (and it’s a gift I can surprise my wife with). Enjoy.
Natasha Bedingfield “Try”
In the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, Natasha wrote songs for the Hillsong London Church in England. Shortly thereafter, she embarked on a solo career. In 2010, Natasha released “Try.” The song was never dropped as a single. But, my wife and I thought it was a fitting choice for our first wedding anniversary. The song is about never giving up on a relationship during difficult times.
Don't throw it away just because it's broken/‘Cause anything can mend/Don't call it a day just because the road's blocked/Doesn't mean we're at the end
SafetySuit “Never Stop”
The Tulsa-based pop-rock band, SafetySuit, formed in the early 2000s at the Pentecostal Christian college Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And, my wife and I chose their song, “Never Stop,” from their 2012 album, These Times, as the theme song for our second wedding anniversary.
This heavy guitar power ballad is what I call a love song from husband to wife or vice versa. If you’re looking for something softer, SafetySuit also released a wedding version. It’s just as good as the original.
And with this love song to you/It's not a momentary phase/You are my life, I don't deserve you/But you love me just the same/And as the mirror says we're older/I want to look the other way/You are my life, my love, my only/And that's the one thing that won't change
Marianas Trench “Beside You”
Marianas Trench is a Canadian pop-rock band. Their music never had much of an impact on U.S. charts. But, their heartfelt hit song, “Beside You” charted well on Billboard’s Canadian charts. We chose this song for anniversary number three.
When you try to speak/But you make no sound/And the words you want are out of reach/But they've never been so loud/And if your heart wears thin/I will hold you up/And I will hide you/When it gets too much/I’ll be right beside you
Alex & Sierra - “Gravity (The X Factor USA Performance)”
Duo and couple Alex & Sierra performed this Sara Bareilles song, “Gravity,” as contestants on the X-Factor US. Mentored by legendary music producer Simon Cowell, the duo won the third and final season of the show. Unfortunately, Alex and Sierra parted ways in 2017. But, they left behind a heart-melting love song that’s sugar for the ears. A song that became our 4th-year anniversary anthem.
Something always brings me back to you/It never takes too long/No matter what I say or do I'll still feel you here/‘Till the moment I'm gone
Ed Sheeran “Photograph”
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is today’s maestro of love songs. “Photograph” is one of his more popular ballads—even in the Christian music industry. Contemporary Christian artist Jordan Feliz recorded a version for his debut album, Beloved. And, fellow artist Cory Asbury released his version on YouTube. According to MTV, the song’s lyrics chronicle a long-distance relationship. This acoustic pop ballad was our choice for anniversary number five.
We keep this love in a photograph/We made these memories for ourselves/Where our eyes are never closing/Hearts are never broken/And time's forever frozen, still
Ruelle “I Get to Love You”
Singer-songwriter Ruelle has collaborated with Christian artists Tommee Profitt, NF, and Owl City. She was also co-writer for “Fearless,” a song featured on Newsboys’ 2019 album, United. My wife and I chose her song, “I Get to Love You,” for our 6th wedding anniversary. The song has a message of gratitude, thanking God for the love of her life.
I get to love you/It's the best thing that I'll ever do/I get to love you/It's a promise I'm making to you/Whatever may come your heart I will choose/Forever I'm yours, forever I do
Ed Sheeran “Perfect”
Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is a picture-perfect definition of a wedding song. Cleverly, Christian Contemporary artist Beckah Shae turned “Perfect” into a worship song on YouTube. And, Christian boy band Anthem Lights added the song to one of their ever-so-famous medleys. But, besides the ever-so-many covers released, my wife and I prefer the original as our 7th year wedding anniversary anthem.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms/Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song/When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath/But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
Cory Asbury “Reckless Love”
It wasn’t until near the end of 2020 did I truly appreciate Contemporary Christian singer Cory Asbury’s mega-hit, “Reckless Love.” Beforehand, I thought it was overplayed and over covered (which it has been). But, hearing the song now makes me appreciate my wife's and my 8th wedding anniversary.
There's no shadow You won't light up/Mountain You won't climb up/Coming after me/There's no wall You won't kick down/Lie You won't tear down/Coming after me
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper “Shallow”
Similar to “Perfect,” “Shallow” is one of those love songs that many mainstream and Christian bands love to cover. Christian artist Tommee Profitt, as well as Christian pop duo Caleb + Kelsey, released a quality version. Myself, I still prefer the vocal stylings of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s version (that is, the original)—our 9th year wedding anniversary song.
I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in/I’ll never meet the ground/Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us/We're far from the shallow now
Lifehouse (feat. Natasha Bedingfield) “Between the Raindrops”
Lifehouse started out as the Christian band, Blyss. Over the years, the band has released many songs, such as “Everything” and “Storm,” with strong Christian messages. “Between the Raindrops,” featuring Natasha Bedingfield, was their last successful radio hit. It’s an older song. But, we found it the perfect fit to commemorate our 10 years together.
Off into the sunset/Living like there's nothing left to lose/Chasing after gold mines/Crossing the fine lines we knew/Hold on and take a breath/I’ll be here every step/Walking between the raindrops with you
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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