The letter “V” may not be the most commonly used letter in the English language, but it has certainly been the inspiration for many great songs over the years. From classic rock anthems to modern pop hits, there is no shortage of memorable tunes that start with the letter “V.” This list of the best songs that start with the letter “V” includes a wide range of genres, each showcasing the versatility of this oft-overlooked letter. From the smooth vocals of David Bowie’s “Valentine’s Day” to the high-energy beats of Nicki Minaj’s “Va Va Voom,” there is something for everyone on this list. The iconic “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles remains a fan favorite, while “Violet Hill” by Coldplay showcases the band’s signature sound. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic ballad or a catchy dance tune, this list has got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best songs that start with the letter “V.”
1. Vacation – Dirty Heads
“Vacation” by Dirty Heads is an upbeat and catchy song that was released in 2017 as part of their album “Swim Team”. The song features a unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop elements that are signature to the band’s sound.
The song’s opening guitar riff sets the tone for the energetic and lively tempo that follows. The lyrics of the song describe the band’s desire to escape from the pressures and stresses of daily life and go on a vacation. The catchy chorus encourages listeners to let go of their worries and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, making it a popular song for summertime road trips and beach vacations.
2. Valley Girl – Frank Zappa and Moon Zappa
“Valley Girl” is a quirky and iconic song by American musician Frank Zappa and his daughter Moon Zappa. Released in 1982, the song is a satirical take on the stereotypical “Valley Girl” culture that was popular in Southern California at the time.
The song’s opening synth riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the tongue-in-cheek lyrics that follow. Moon Zappa’s spoken-word vocals perfectly capture the exaggerated accent and slang of the Valley Girl culture, while Frank Zappa’s guitar playing adds a rock and roll edge to the song.
The lyrics of the song poke fun at the superficiality and materialism of the Valley Girl lifestyle, as well as the obsession with pop culture and consumerism. The catchy chorus features Moon Zappa’s iconic refrain of “Gag me with a spoon”, which has since become a popular catchphrase.
3. Valentine’s Day – David Bowie
“Valentine’s Day” is a hauntingly beautiful song by the legendary British musician David Bowie. Released in 2013 as part of his album “The Next Day”, the song features Bowie’s signature blend of rock, pop, and art rock elements.
The song’s opening guitar riff is immediately captivating, drawing listeners into the melancholic and introspective mood of the song. Bowie’s emotive vocals perfectly convey the song’s bittersweet lyrics, which describe a person’s struggle to find meaning and connection on Valentine’s Day.
The lyrics of the song touch on themes of loneliness, isolation, and the longing for human connection. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Valentine, Valentine”, adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the song, highlighting the desire for love and affection that many people experience on this day.
4. Valerie – Amy Winehouse feat. Mark Ronson
“Valerie” is a soulful and upbeat song by the late British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, featuring Mark Ronson. Released in 2007, the song became an instant hit and has since become a beloved classic.
The song’s opening chords immediately set the tone for the energetic and lively tempo that follows. Winehouse’s powerful and soulful vocals are perfectly complemented by the catchy horns and infectious rhythm, creating an upbeat and joyful atmosphere.
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a person’s longing for their ex-lover, Valerie, and the memories and feelings that come flooding back when they hear her name. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Valerie”, has become an iconic hook that is instantly recognizable and sing-along worthy.
5. Violet Hill – Coldplay
“Violet Hill” is a politically charged song by the British rock band Coldplay, released in 2008 as part of their album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends”. The song features a powerful blend of rock and pop elements, with Chris Martin’s distinct vocals leading the way.
The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the urgent and impassioned lyrics that follow. The song’s lyrics address issues of war and conflict, with Martin’s emotive vocals conveying a sense of frustration and anger at the world’s political situation.
6. Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley
“Viva Las Vegas” is a classic and iconic song by the legendary American musician Elvis Presley. Released in 1964 as part of the film of the same name, the song features Presley’s signature blend of rock and roll and pop elements.
The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the upbeat and lively tempo that follows. Presley’s dynamic vocals are perfectly suited to the song’s energetic and joyful melody, creating a sense of excitement and fun.
The lyrics of the song celebrate the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas, with Presley singing about the city’s bright lights, casinos, and endless possibilities. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Viva Las Vegas”, has become an iconic catchphrase and a symbol of the city’s spirit and energy.
7. Video Phone – Beyoncé feat. Lady Gaga
“Video Phone” is a catchy and upbeat song by the American singer Beyoncé, featuring Lady Gaga. Released in 2009, the song features a blend of pop and R&B elements, with both Beyoncé and Lady Gaga showcasing their exceptional vocal talents.
The song’s opening beats and synth hooks immediately set the tone for the energetic and playful melody that follows. Beyoncé’s dynamic vocals are perfectly complemented by Lady Gaga’s unique and distinctive singing style, creating a sense of fun and excitement.
The lyrics of the song play with the concept of long-distance relationships and the use of technology, with both Beyoncé and Lady Gaga singing about the power of video phones to connect people across distance and time.
8. Vanilla Twilight – Owl City
“Vanilla Twilight” is a dreamy and romantic song by the American electronic music project Owl City. Released in 2009, the song features a blend of pop and electronic elements, with Adam Young’s distinctive vocals leading the way.
The song’s opening synth chords immediately create a sense of wonder and magic, setting the tone for the song’s emotive and heartfelt lyrics. Young’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, as he sings about the beauty of the night sky and the power of love to connect people across distance and time.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Cause if my dreams would come to life, would you come and see me?” adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the song, highlighting the importance of connection and understanding in relationships.
9. Ventura Highway – America
“Ventura Highway” is a classic song by the American rock band America, released in 1972. The song features a blend of folk, rock, and pop elements, with its signature acoustic guitar riff and harmonies immediately setting the tone for the song’s laid-back and carefree melody.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of freedom and exploration, with its references to the open road and the beauty of nature. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Ventura Highway in the sunshine, where the days are longer, the nights are stronger than moonshine”, adds an extra layer of emotional resonance and captures the sense of adventure and possibility that the song embodies.
10. Valentine – 5 Seconds of Summer
“Valentine” is a catchy and upbeat song by the Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer. Released in 2018, the song features a blend of pop and rock elements, with its infectious guitar riffs and energetic vocals immediately setting the tone for the song’s fun and upbeat melody.
The song’s lyrics play with the concept of love and relationships, with its references to Valentine’s Day and the power of attraction adding an extra layer of emotional resonance. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “My my, my, my Valentine”, perfectly captures the playful and flirtatious tone of the song, making it a popular choice for romantic moments and parties alike.
11. Video Killed the Radio Star – The Buggles
“Video Killed the Radio Star” is a classic new wave song by the British band The Buggles, released in 1979. The song features a blend of electronic and pop elements, with its distinctive synth riff and catchy chorus immediately setting the tone for the song’s infectious melody.
The song’s lyrics explore the impact of television and music videos on the music industry, with its references to the decline of traditional radio and the rise of new media capturing the changing landscape of the music industry in the late 1970s.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Video killed the radio star”, has become iconic and is often cited as a cultural touchstone for the impact of new media on popular culture.
12. Valleys of Neptune – Jimi Hendrix
“Valleys of Neptune” is a posthumously released song by the legendary American guitarist and songwriter Jimi Hendrix. The song was released in 2010, and features a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic elements, with its signature guitar riffs and Hendrix’s iconic vocals immediately setting the tone for the song’s haunting melody.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, with its references to the mysteries of the universe and the power of nature adding an extra layer of emotional resonance. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “In the valleys of Neptune, where the oceans meet the sky”, captures the song’s ethereal and dreamlike quality, making it a poignant reminder of Hendrix’s exceptional talent and enduring legacy.
13. Vasoline – Stone Temple Pilots
“Vasoline” is a classic alternative rock song by the American band Stone Temple Pilots. Released in 1994, the song features a blend of grunge and hard rock elements, with its driving guitar riffs and edgy vocals immediately setting the tone for the song’s powerful melody.
The song’s lyrics explore the darker aspects of fame and success, with its references to addiction and the perils of the rock and roll lifestyle adding an extra layer of emotional depth. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “One time a thing, that scratched and made me itch, a scratch that wouldn’t go away”, perfectly captures the song’s sense of restless energy and emotional intensity.
14. Velcro Fly – ZZ Top
“Velcro Fly” is a classic blues rock song by the American band ZZ Top. Released in 1985, the song features a blend of blues and rock elements, with its signature guitar riffs and catchy chorus immediately setting the tone for the song’s infectious melody.
The song’s lyrics explore the idea of seduction and the power of attraction, with its references to velcro and zippers adding an extra layer of playful sexuality. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Velcro fly, undun”, perfectly captures the song’s sense of fun and flirtatious energy.
Overall, “Velcro Fly” is a fun and upbeat song that perfectly captures ZZ Top’s unique musical style and sensibility. The song’s blend of blues and rock elements, along with its playful lyrics, have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences to this day. The song remains a testament to ZZ Top’s exceptional musical talent and their enduring legacy as one of the most iconic blues rock bands of all time.
15. Vincent Price – Deep Purple
“Vincent Price” is a haunting and atmospheric song by the British hard rock band Deep Purple. Released in 2013, the song features a blend of classic rock and heavy metal elements, with its signature guitar riffs and powerful vocals immediately setting the tone for the song’s dark and brooding melody.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of horror and the supernatural, with its references to iconic horror actor Vincent Price adding an extra layer of eerie intensity. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Vincent Price, Vincent Price, the one and only master of the macabre”, perfectly captures the song’s sense of foreboding and suspense.
16. Veronica – Elvis Costello
“Veronica” is a poignant and introspective song by the British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello. Released in 1989, the song features a blend of pop and rock elements, with its gentle guitar melody and heartfelt vocals immediately capturing the listener’s attention.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of memory and loss, with its references to an aging woman named Veronica and her fading memories adding an extra layer of emotional depth. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “What happened to the wonders that we planned?”, perfectly captures the song’s sense of wistful nostalgia and regret.
17. Valley Of Lost Souls – Poison
“Valley of Lost Souls” is a powerful and hard-hitting song by the American glam metal band Poison. Released in 1990, the song features a blend of heavy metal and rock elements, with its driving guitar riffs and explosive vocals immediately capturing the listener’s attention.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of desperation and hopelessness, with its references to a desolate valley and the lost souls who dwell there adding an extra layer of emotional intensity. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Welcome to the valley of lost souls”, perfectly captures the song’s sense of despair and resignation.
18. Va Va Voom – Nicki Minaj
“Va Va Voom” is an upbeat and catchy song by the Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj. Released in 2012, the song features a blend of pop and hip-hop elements, with its infectious beat and playful lyrics immediately capturing the listener’s attention.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of attraction and desire, with its references to a love interest and their irresistible “va va voom” adding an extra layer of flirtatious charm. The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “She got that boom boom pow, that va va voom”, perfectly captures the song’s sense of playful sexuality and fun.
19. Vigilante Man – Bruce Springsteen
“Vigilante Man” is a powerful and socially conscious song by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. Originally written by Woody Guthrie in the 1940s, Springsteen’s cover of the song was released in 2006 on his album “We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions”.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of social justice and protest, with its references to a “vigilante man” who takes the law into his own hands in the face of injustice adding an extra layer of emotional intensity. Springsteen’s passionate vocals, along with the rousing instrumentation of the Seeger Sessions band, perfectly capture the song’s sense of urgency and outrage.
20. Vacancy – Neil Young
“Vacancy” is a haunting and introspective song by the Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young. Released in 2017 on his album “Hitchhiker”, the song features Young’s signature acoustic guitar and emotive vocals, creating a sense of raw vulnerability and emotional depth.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of loneliness and isolation, with its references to a “vacancy” and a sense of emptiness adding an extra layer of emotional complexity. Young’s vocals perfectly capture the song’s sense of melancholy and sadness, with his raw and emotional delivery adding an extra layer of depth and poignancy.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
