Most people have experienced heartbreak in some form or another. Sometimes it’s a fleeting pain; sometimes it’s an agony to last a lifetime. Either way, sometimes we need to just blast some music to heal our broken souls. We need to hear that other people hurt, that someone out there feels the way we do. Sometimes the words just make us feel a little stronger. Here’s a list of some of my favorite songs to listen to when I’m depressed, moody, having a bad day, really going through some issues, or just angry at the world.
- "Kissing You" - Des'ree (1998) album "Supernatural"
Now, this song isn’t really sad per se, but its got soul to it that speaks to lovers for sure.
Des’ree’s voice is smoky and beautiful and hits you right in the feels. I first heard this song in one of my favorite moments of "Romeo & Juliet" (1996) and am not ashamed to say I started to tear up right then.
2. "Someone like You" - Adele (2011) album "21"
I’m sure this song will make it on to nearly every angst-filled playlist for decades, and it's because its so raw and beautiful. Adele pours her heart out in this song, knowing all she wants is for her love to be happy. I would say the same, but that’s not possible because I know the best was me.
3. "Almost Doesn't Count" - Brandy (1998) album "Never say Never"
This song almost doesn’t need an explanation because its lyrics are so straightforward and real. This song speaks to anyone who has felt so close to his or her dream and suddenly had it snatched away.
4. "Unkiss Me" - Maroon 5 (2014) album "V"
This song is relatively new to me, but I still love it. The song speaks to those who have been strung along by someone, given the runaround, or treated like total sh*t. Everyone will encounter a person or two in the course of their lives who does this kind of thing and its all we can do to wish we could go back and undo everything they did to us. Sadly, life has no rewind button.
5. "For Everything a Reason" - Carina Round (2009) album "Things you Should Know"
The mood and soul in this piece alone can reach out to any hurting soul, but it also gives a new meaning to “everything happens…”, even if that tired, worn-out phrase can be hard to believe in at times. Truly, a beautiful song.
6. "Human" - Christina Perri (2014) album "Head or Heart"
I love this song for its simple yet raw lyrics. It speaks to the fact that we, as humans, are pushed and pulled and bent as far as we can go until we break. Sometimes, the world needs to be reminded that each of us is just one human and we can only take so much. It's sad that the world needs to be reminded of that, I think.
7. "She Ain't You" - New Hollow (2012)
This song is for those times you try to find a rebound after your breakup (never a good idea, by the way), and all you can think about is how this person is not who you really want. You’ll find yourself making comparisons and it will drive you crazy. Moral of the story: never make someone a rebound.
8. "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" - Alicia Keys (2009) album "Element of Freedom"
This is the song for any broken heart anywhere. Alicia Keys is always full of soul and this song is no different. Her lyrics inspire the listener to find a way to get on with their lives on their own. The line “have you ever tried sleeping with a broken heart?” will always get to me, though.
9. "Remembering Sunday" - All Time Low ft. Juliet Simms (2007) album "So Wrong, Its Right"
While the lyrics to this song may not be literally relatable like some others, Alex sings to hearts across the world nonetheless. This is a type of “the one who got away” song, which I think a lot of people have experienced, but this particular song will forever remind me of eighth grade and first loves.
10. "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" - John Mayer (2006) album "Continuum"
For anyone who’s ever been in a failing relationship but too afraid to leave, proceed with caution. This song will always give me chills when I really think of the lyrics. Its hard to leave when you still love someone, but its even harder to stay when they’re the reason you’re hurting.
11. "You be the anchors that keep my feet on the ground, and I'll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds" -Mayday Parade (2007) album "A Lesson in Romantics"
Ever have those days where you can’t help but question why you’re even here and if there is any out there who even understands you? Here is that song. I could listen to it every day, I swear. “Does this deafening silence mean nothing to no one but me?”
12. "Gravity" - Sara Bareilles (2004) album "Careful Confessions"
When you really love someone, even when you know they’re not the best for you, it's so hard not to fall back into their arms every time you get the chance. We wish there was anything we could do to stop ourselves, but so long as they’ll let us, we’ll keep falling. Like she says, its gravity.
13. "I Wish I Could Break Your Heart"- Cassadee Pope (2013) album "Frame by Frame"
This is for those of us who wish someone could feel the pain they put us through. Many of us would love the feeling of knowing that person is somewhere out there missing you as much as you miss them. She says she wouldn’t do it if she could… I think I would.
14. "Go to Hell" - Go Radio (2012) album "Close the Distance"
This was and will always be one of my all time favorite bands. Every song they’ve ever put out has been wonderful (Go listen!). I almost put my favorite song on this list but it speaks more to a tender, less painful kind of love so I'll save it for another time. This song is the absolute perfect anthem to scream out to anyone who hurt you. Angry at someone? Send them this song.
