I know I’m not the first to say this, but breakups suck. They’re emotionally and mentally draining, and at the end of the day they generally just make people feel like shit. Not much can help the negative feelings brought on by a breakup, but knowing that someone has felt the same way as you before somehow typically does help. Music is a great example of this, and breakup albums are an even better example. Making these kinds of albums is almost expected of singer-songwriters at some point in their career, which is great for anyone in the world who has gone through a breakup. These albums range from Carole King’s Tapestry to Taylor Swift’s Red, but the best one so far is undoubtedly Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. If you’re going through a breakup, listen to the following songs from this album during each stage of this generally crappy time:
The “Verge of the Breakup” Stage: "Dreams"
Your relationship just isn’t working anymore. It’s getting pretty clear that your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to call it quits, which is heartbreaking.
The “Accepting the Breakup” Stage: "Go Your Own Way"
You’ve been reluctant to break up because you’ve wanted to hold onto the other person so badly. They’ve changed, though, and you’re starting to see that this might be the best thing to do right now. You’re finally letting them go and telling them to get lost if that’s what they want to do.
The “Your Ex Has Briefly Changed Their Mind” Stage: "I Don’t Want to Know"
So your ex says they miss you, or insists that they want you back. At this point you’re just annoyed with them for being so wishy-washy and playing with your feelings.
The "Officially Not Getting Back Together” Stage: "Never Going Back Again"
Your ex is still talking to you because they don’t want you to move on from them, but you’re officially ready to end the relationship completely. You’re not someone they can just go back to every time they’re sad or lonely.
The “Pissed Off” Stage: "Second Hand News", "The Chain"
This stage lasts the longest, so two songs are needed for it. Even though you’ve officially ended things with your ex, you at least thought they might take some time alone to mourn the breakup (like you were planning on doing). Instead, they’ve totally focused their attention on someone new.
The “Sad/Crying” Stage: "Songbird"
This stage kind of comes in waves throughout the breakup. Every now and then you get really sad about your breakup, look through old pictures of you and your ex, and listen to the music they introduced you to. I highly recommend skipping this stage as much as possible, but I also know that it’s good to just let it out every now and then. Reminisce briefly, and then go back to the “Not Getting Back Together” or “Pissed Off” stage.
The “Lowest Point of the Breakup” Stage: "Don’t Stop"
So you’ve wasted more tears or energy than you’d like to admit on your ex, and you’re finally ready to move on. Really, you can only go up from here. It’s time to focus on a brighter and better future without the person that you aren’t supposed to end up with in the end.
(Songs not listed from the album: "You Make Loving Fun", "Oh Daddy", "Gold Dust Woman")
Good luck, readers, and here’s hoping you get to the last stage sooner rather than later.