Updated mood music
Marvin Gaye may be the obvious choice for a Valentine’s Day soundtrack, but it’s time to think outside of your vinyl record collection. Here’s a list of some songs that have an updated beat but the same smooth melody you’d expect at a romantic meal for two.

Rock
If you love a good power ballad, like Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”…
Then try Grammy-winning Kings of Leon. Tracks like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody” have romance with a hard-rock edge.

Jazz
If you like smooth jazz like Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me”…
Then try the soothing voice of Amos Lee. If “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight” doesn’t get you in the mood, I’m not sure what will.

Pop
If you still sigh when you hear Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You”…
Then try the more pop-inspired “If This Isn’t Love,” by Jennifer Hudson.

Country
If you hear Garth Brooks “The Dance” and start to two-step…
Then try the twangy but tender “Alabama” by Cross Canadian Ragweed. If that’s too upbeat, I promise you’ll want to slow dance to “When the Stars Go Blue” by Ryan Adams.

Disco
If you bring out the Bee Gees on date nights…
Then try MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” It may not have the disco-fabulous quality, but it’s definitely something you can groove to. Or slow it down with “Woman” by Maroon 5.

Classics
If you still have a death grip on your seal-the-deal playlist…
Then try some of these remakes of your favorite love songs:

• Sarah Bareilles brings her rich voice to Peter Gabriel’s “Your Eyes.”
• Vampire Weekend adds a little indie rock to Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere.”
• Deathcab for Cutie does more than respectable job with the Cure’s “Love Song.”
• Three Days Grace’s version of “Wicked Game” may not replicate Chris Isaak’s eerie vocals, but it’s a great version of the ultimate love song.

Have fun, get cozy, and enjoy each other, feeling smug that you’re not shelling out a fortune for an overcooked, overpriced meal.