Valentine's Day playlist

You've got the card, the dinner and a gift taken care of. But how 'bout the music for tonight's romantic evening with that special someone?

For years, we've swooned to Al Green, Luther Vandross and Sade. Put on a greatest hits disc by any one of them (or Marvin Gaye, Prince or Barry White) and ooo, baby, baby. But enough with the old-school romancers.

Let's fill up your iPod with some more modern romantics. Here is one person's list of today's most romantic music-makers, with some recommended downloads for your smooching, cuddling and, ah, press shuffle.

1. Diana Krall. Piano jazz that's sophisticated, sexy, seductive. Download: "Peel Me a Grape," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "The Look of Love" and "A Case of You" for starters.

2. R. Kelly. Of course, he's been guilty of bad judgment in his personal life, but he makes tantalizing baby-making music. "Ignition," "I'm Your Angel" (with Celine Dion), "Your Body's Callin'," "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)" and the more blatant "Sex Me" and "Bump n' Grind."

3. Usher. Enticingly smooth R&B. "Nice and Slow" and "You Make Me Wanna."

4. Michael Bublé. The new standard for a man who croons standards and more. "Everything," "Me and Mrs. Jones," "Crazy Love," "All of Me," the Latin-flavored "Sway" and the swinging "It Had Better Be Tonight."

6. Maxwell. If Barry White and Ronald Isley somehow had a son, he'd sound like this dreamy R&B lover man. "Sumthin Sumthin," "Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)," "Matrimony (Maybe You)" and "Fortunate."

7. Faith Hill. The arrangements can be more syrupy than steamy, but her heart is full of sweetness. "Breathe," "Let's Make Love" (with Tim McGraw) and "Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me" (with McGraw).

8. Mariah Carey. The lyrics have the right romantic vibe, even if her vocalizing is often about gymnastics, not emotion. Still, she's hugely popular. "Always Be My Baby," "We Belong Together" and "Touch My Body."

9. Ne-Yo. He might be more slick than smooth but he's got the well-worded messages. "Sexy Love" and "Because of You."

10. Josh Groban. Although his arrangements can be overly dramatic, his voice, words and fervor connect with women. "When You Say You Love Me," "You Are Loved" and maybe "You Raise Me Up."