Martina McBride – “Valentine”
Martina McBride’s “Valentine” has become a favorite at weddings, anniversaries and romantic celebrations, but the song originally began as a collaboration with pianist and composer Jim Brickman.
Brickman co-wrote “Valentine” with songwriter Jack Kugell after recognizing that there were surprisingly few contemporary songs written specifically for Valentine’s Day. His goal was to create a simple, timeless love song that someone could share with the most important person in their life. Known primarily for his romantic piano instrumentals, Brickman needed a singer who could give the song both tenderness and emotional power. McBride was an ideal choice.
The recording placed McBride’s clear, expressive voice over Brickman’s understated piano, with strings and restrained instrumentation adding warmth without overwhelming the lyrics. The session also featured respected Nashville musicians, including guitarist Dann Huff, bassist Mike Brignardello and the Nashville String Machine. Dan Shea produced the track.
“Valentine” first appeared on Brickman’s 1997 album Picture This. It was also included on McBride’s fourth studio album, Evolution, released that same year. The song initially found its biggest audience outside traditional country radio, climbing to No. 3 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and reaching No. 50 on the all-genre Hot 100. After it was promoted to country radio in 1998, it reached No. 9 on the country chart.
That crossover success was important for McBride. Although she was already an established country star, “Valentine” introduced her voice to listeners who followed adult contemporary and pop radio. It also showed a softer side of the singer, whose biggest performances often relied on soaring, powerhouse vocals.
The song’s lasting strength comes from its simplicity. Instead of telling a complicated story, “Valentine” describes a love so deep that it would survive without words, tears or even sunlight. Brickman wanted to write a song that could serve as a personal valentine for someone you care about.
Nearly three decades later, “Valentine” remains one of McBride’s most beloved romantic recordings—a graceful combination of Brickman’s piano and a voice capable of making a simple declaration of love feel unforgettable.
