Oh hey. It's been a while.
So this doesn't have anything to do with Dublin, and I've been back in the States for quite some time now. But I wanted to write a blog (and you wanted to read one, right?) so...Here. It. Is.
Top 10 Non-Depressing Break Up Songs
I don't know about you, but if I have to listen to 'Somebody That I Used to Know' one more time, I'm going to rip out my eyeballs and stuff them in my ears. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely song and Gotye and his lady friend are very talented. But it makes me want to wallow in a pit of tears and despair, and no one wants to see that. (Don't even get me started on 'Someone Like You'. Adele. You slay me.)
[If you haven't heard these songs because you live under a rock or something, listen to them here and here]
So instead of wallowing, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite non-depressing break up songs to end funks and remind the listener that hey, that sucked and you're ten times more awesome now.
1. Go It Alone- Beck
I'm not going to pretend that I'm abstract enough to fully understand any Beck song, but just based on the chorus and the awesome beat, this one's a winner. Try to listen to it walking down the street wearing a pair of dark sunglasses without feeling like a total badass. You can't.
'Looking back and the sky is burning, in my rear-view mirror, I better go it alone.'
2. Better Off Alone- The Black Angels
Again, not entirely sure what this song is about, other than acute alcoholism. But the Black Angels are one of my favorite bands and this song is awesome. If I had to guess, I'd say it's about a person who keeps making the same bad decisions over and over again and living a reckless, potentially harmful lifestyle. I don't know anything about that...
'Open up that box girl, all that whiskey is gone, I'm better off alone.'
3. Back to Black- Amy Winehouse
Oh Amy. This one's a little sad, but is good for the 'yeah, he is a d-bag' sentiment. Aside from the drug references, it's got great lyrics, Winehouse was an amazing singer, and it's really fun to belt in the shower/car/wherever you enjoy singing.
'I tread a troubled track, my odds are stacked, I go back to black.'
4. Single Ladies- Beyonce
This is where you guys stop taking me seriously, right? "Really, Beth, Beyonce?"
Yes. Really. Not only did I get this song stuck in my head as of late, other people mentioned it in conversations. No, I didn't want a ring on it. Yes, it's an overplayed club anthem. But it's definitely one of the catchiest damn songs out there, and it's all about deserving better.
'If you like then you should've put a ring on it.'
5. True Affection- The Blow
This adorable indie gem is a catchy, light-hearted reminder that sometimes things just don't work out.
'You were out of my league at a distance that I didn't want to see.'
6. Breakin' Up- Rilo Kiley
An
upbeat song that discredits revenge, jealousy, bad wishes and general
break up shenanigans and just reminds the listener that sometimes being
single is a good thing.
'Did my heart break enough, did it break enough this time, Ooh it feels good to be free.'
7. Hang Me Up to Dry- Cold War Kids
Beneath the shouted chorus and awesome steel guitar runs deep resentment and regret, maybe. But ain't it fun to listen to.
'Now hang me up to dry, you wrung me out too, too, too many times.'
8. Shake It Out- Florence + The Machine
Don't beat the dead horse. Bury it. This song also doubles as a dance anthem (see Beyonce).
'And I am done with my graceless heart, so tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart, cause I like to keep my issues drawn, it's always darkest before the dawn.'
9. Missing Pieces- Jack White
This one, from Jack White's first solo album, and not too long after his own break-up, has some good choices for this list, but this is one of my favorites. Sometimes relationships go bad. Sometimes the other person takes something with them when they leave...like your body parts. Metaphorically, right Jack?
'And when they tell you that they just can't live without you, They ain't lying, they'll take pieces of you.'
10. DNA- The Kills
Not really a break-up, but pretty badass reminder to keep your skin tough and your heart carefree, courtesy of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince (aka Mr. Kate Moss).
'Dance dance dance if you've got no love around you.'
Honorable Mentions:
Shut Up- The Black Eyed Peas
Sink- Brand New
Titanium- Sia and David Guetta
Times Like These- Foo Fighters
Since You Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers- Irving
99 Problems- Jay-Z
Ex-Girlfriend- No Doubt
Don't Look Back in Anger- Oasis
I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself- The White Stripes
BONUS: the most bittersweet break-up song ever:
I'll Be Seeing You- Billie Holliday
Because sometimes break-ups aren't all about anger. This song is so beautiful.
