Breaking Up in 2017

No matter what background, everybody has experienced heartbreak. This is a list of songs that make you feel better by empathy. The link to the playlist on Spotify is below.

Track One: "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

Although this is probably not what you were expecting, there are a few happy songs on this list. This Ed Sheeran track may cause an overwhelming amount of feelings, but there is no better way to get over love than by reminiscence. Another option is the newly-released Beyoncé adaptation.

Track Two: "Santa Monica & La Brea" by Blackbear

This song is a 180-degree turn from the last. The rapper slows down his normal pace to sing about a love that is losing its lustre, and wondering if it would have been better if they wouldn't have met.

Track Three: "Prozac" by Danny Worsnop

Although you may recognize the singer from his time in the hardcore band Asking Alexandria, his solo material has a completely different vibe to offer. In this track, Worsnop brings a near-country rendition to the AA-common subject matter of drug addiction in love.

Track Four: "Talk Me Down" by Troye Sivan

The hardest part of losing someone you love is letting go of their embrace. No words, no thoughts, just two intertwined. However, the line of "I'd rather fuel a fantasy than deal with this alone" brings the unhealthy tendencies to the surface when he says that he'd rather pretend nothing happened than let go.

Track Five: "I Hate U, I Love U" by Gnash ft. Olivia O'Brien

This now-popular song features what appears to be a couple who have broken up, but are still yearning for each other. The buildup of slow piano shows only one of them moving on. The heartbreak can only be replicated in song.

Track Six: "Skinny Love" by Birdy

This cover of the 2007 Bon Iver hit has brought the idea of unrequited love back into the spotlight. Toxic relationships are becoming a focus in the generation of today. The somber track shows her realizing that no matter what she may do, she cannot change who her lover is.

Track Seven: "When" by Dodie

In another heartbreak tale, the YouTuber sings of being unable to recognize her emotions. In lyrics like "I'd rather date an idea / Something I'll never find" she shows her unrealistic expectations of a partner, and how she will be disappointed in anybody who doesn't meet them.

Track Eight: "Wake Me up When September Ends" by Green Day

A classic sad song from a classic punk band. This song is open to varied interpretations, from grieving lost ones to mourning heartbreak. No matter what you believe it is about, it is gut-wrenchingly painful.

Track Nine: "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green

This Pulp Fiction theme is known for its sensuality. No matter how rough the loss, there were always good times before the storm. A severe turn back into romantics from the other tracks, this song brings unconditional love to the centre. No matter what the other may bring to the table they are able to work through it.

Track Ten: "Liability" by Lorde

In a final goodbye to her lover, Lorde pulls on the dramatic emotions that come with abandonment. To be a liability is to be a burden to others. Although you may feel like a burden, it does not go on forever.