Love & Listening: How Gen Z & Millennials Use Music to Set the Valentine’s Day Mood
In partnership with Regency Hampers
The clearest signal from a new UK survey of Gen Z and Millennial listeners comes through the music itself. Asked to name the songs that define the ideal Valentine’s Day atmosphere, respondents consistently returned to a core group of romantic staples, effectively forming a shared “top 10” soundtrack for the holiday.
According to the data, tracks such as “Perfect” and “Thinking of You” by Ed Sheeran, “All of Me” by John Legend, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, and “Careless Whisper” by George Michael appear most frequently across respondents’ playlists. These sit alongside enduring love songs from Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, and Marvin Gaye, as well as newer favourites from Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, and Mitski.
Ed Sheeran emerges as the most frequently mentioned artist overall, followed by Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd. Taken together, the rankings suggest a preference for emotionally expressive, melody-driven songs that prioritise intimacy over spectacle, blending nostalgia with contemporary romance rather than favouring one era over another.
When Music Becomes the Moment
Valentine’s Day often brings to mind flowers, candlelight, and carefully chosen gifts. Yet for many people, the most meaningful part of the celebration is something you cannot wrap. Music quietly shapes the emotional tone of the day. It fills the background of romantic dinners, relaxed evenings at home, and thoughtful moments shared between partners.
According to this new UK survey of Gen Z and Millennial respondents, music plays a central role in how people experience and express love on Valentine’s Day. Beyond individual song choices, the findings point to clear patterns in mood, meaning, and ritual that define the “perfect” Valentine’s playlist across both generations. The survey, conducted on January 30, 2026, offers insight into how sound has become a modern love language alongside traditional Valentine’s Day gifts.
How Celebrations Influence the Soundtrack
How people mark the day appears to influence what they listen to. According to the survey, 61% of respondents usually spend Valentine’s Day with a partner, while 12% are in early-stage relationships and 10% celebrate with friends. Another 14% report that they do not celebrate Valentine’s Day at all.
According to respondents, these different settings shape listening choices. A romantic dinner calls for something soft and intimate. A Galentine’s gathering leans toward playful or nostalgic tracks. Survey responses suggest that the setting often determines the tone of the playlist.
Quality time ranks highest among what matters most on Valentine’s Day, selected by 69% of respondents. Thoughtfulness, according to the survey, comes next at 53%, followed by romance or intimacy at 47%. Music fits naturally into all three, adding atmosphere without demanding attention.
Music as a Modern Love Language
When asked whether music counts as a love language, 84% of respondents answered yes, either strongly or somewhat, according to the data.
The way people use music supports this. The data also suggests that 33% say making someone a playlist feels like the most romantic musical gesture. Another 29% prefer dedicating a song. Others value shared experiences, such as attending a concert or slow dancing at home.
When someone shares music, 43% of respondents interpret it as “this reminds me of us,” while 29% read it as “I’m thinking about you.” Very few see it as casual. The survey message seems clear: sharing a song carries personal meaning.
The Mood of the Perfect Playlist
Respondents show strong agreement about the mood a Valentine’s playlist should create. According to the survey, 69% choose “soft and romantic” as the ideal vibe. “Sexy and intimate” comes next at 31%, followed by “fun and playful” at 24% and “chill and cosy” at 18%. No one selected “sad or heartbroken.”
The findings suggest that people prefer music that deepens warmth and connection rather than distracts from the moment.
Songs and Artists That Set the Tone
Certain songs appear again and again in respondents’ playlists. According to the survey data, tracks such as “Perfect” and “Thinking of You” by Ed Sheeran, “All of Me” by John Legend, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, and “Careless Whisper” by George Michael reflect a strong preference for expressive ballads. Classic love songs from Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, and Marvin Gaye sit comfortably alongside newer artists such as Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, and Mitski.
Ed Sheeran stands out as the most frequently mentioned artist overall by respondents, joined by Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd. The range of responses suggests how nostalgia and modern romance share the same space on Valentine’s playlists.
Where Music and Gifts Meet
While playlists may vary, Valentine’s Day gifts remain a reliable way to show care. According to the survey, thoughtful gestures such as handwritten notes, small meaningful gifts, and planned experiences rank far above expensive displays.
This creates a natural link between music and physical gifts. A carefully chosen hamper shared over dinner or during a quiet evening gains emotional depth when paired with a personalised playlist.
While everyone might want something different on their Valentine’s Day playlist, Valentine’s Day gifts are tried-and-true for showing you care. Regency Hampers’ survey of Gen Z and Millennial respondents across the UK explores how music shapes modern expressions of love.
Curate Your Own Experience
According to survey results, music helps people say what they sometimes struggle to put into words. When you pair a playlist with a thoughtful gift, you create an experience that engages sound, taste, and atmosphere.
This Valentine’s Day, respondents suggest the most meaningful gesture may be as simple as pressing play at the right moment and sharing it with someone who understands why that song matters.