10 Of The Best Songs For When Your Heart Gets Broken

I have always liked P!nk best when she is pissed off and angry at the patriarchy.

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Music can be cathartic for numerous reasons. Creating it can be a release of artistic tendencies, or something that keeps you from punching a hole through your wall. The same can be said for listening — it is good for you. Personally, what I use music to do is channel all the sad-gay-boy-feelings I have into words I may not have been able to articulate as well. Pack up all your exes things in a box and blast this playlist–tears don’t dry on their own, but these songs will help.

 Since U Been Gone

Who said breakups necessarily have to be a bad thing? Debatably the queen of “fuck-you” pop songs, Kelly Clarkson has been dominating the charts since before I discovered internet porn. This song is the least subtle middle finger to an ex and an infectious ear-worm. You’ll be dancing around your room burning pictures in an empowering fashion the moment this song hits it’s hook.

Someone Like You


Even writing about Adele brings a tear to my eye. This subdued and crushingly tender love letter to a lover who has moved on packs an emotional sucker-punch. Sometimes the perfect way to feel better about a break-up is to light a few candles and have a long cry. No song is more triggering for that release than this one.

Irreplaceable 

There is no one else like you. You’re a strong, independent person who don’t need no man/ woman. Take solace in the fact that you’re a smart, attractive catch who is mind-blowing in the sack, and any person who has you better be on their knees (thanking God of course).

Cry Me A River/What Goes Around… Comes Around

Although angry break-up ballads are usually female territory in pop, Justin Timberlake proves that boys can get in on the action and be just as vicious. “What Goes Around…” can be especially fitting if your brand new ex was a cheating asshole.

Fix A Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vIqho2Es4k

I have a soft spot for Demi Lovato and think she is one of the most underrated pop voices in the game. So, obviously, I had to include her on this list. However, this tender and heart-wrenching ballad is actually some solid break up music. Demi croons “I tried to sever ties and I ended up with wounds to bind, it’s like you’re pouring salt in my cuts,” which is one of the most eloquent description of a breakup i’ve heard in current pop music.

You Oughta Know 

Even i’m terrified of Alanis Morissette after this song, so I can’t imagine how scared anyone was to date her after this song shot up the charts. Striking fear in the hearts of men is a quality I respect so much in a person. You think Taylor Swift is good at breakup songs? This song could kick the ass of any TSwift song on any day of the week. You go, girl.

Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

I’ve always liked P!nk best when she is pissed off and angry at the patriarchy. It doesn’t get anymore angry and done-with-men than this song. P!nk represents everything that Miley Cyrus wishes she was. Hell, we all wish we could be so tough…

Fuck You

Because when a S.O breaks your heart for another person, no one says it better than my man Cee-Lo Green. Again, technically, he’s singing about a girl, but the language of anger and heatbreak is universal and transcends any sexuality.

Tonight I’m Getting Over You

You probably know my girl Carly Rae Jepsen for her song Call Me Maybe (which everytime I hear, it’s like being in my own American Horror Story) but her other music is incredibly fun. After you get to a place where you have dried your tears and you can think about letting the public see you, listen to this song. Go out and kiss a cutie. Be a little reckless with love, sometimes it feels really great.

What are your personal favorite ‘break-up’ songs? Let us know in the comment section!Thought Catalog Logo Mark

This essay first appeared on BoyFactor

image –YouTube


About the author

Shawn Binder

eBook ‘Everything Is Embarrassing’ out in 2014.