The best songs for a broken heart will depend very much on how you want to proceed with the mending process. There are times when you want to be cosseted by thoughts of a bright future looking for new love, there are times when you want to simply wallow in self pity, and there are the deep black times when nothing but thoughts of revenge will do. It is highly probable that if you’re going through a break up, you will experience the whole roller coaster of emotions, so you need a playlist of the best songs for a broken heart to cover the range of feelings.
This is one of the best songs for a broken heart if you’re still in that ‘can’t forget him/her’ stage. Ms Keys laments that bedtime is usually the time when you think most about your lost love. Her song is a message of hope though, because as she says “I’m gonna find a way to make it without you.”
If you want to remain thoroughly and totally ensconced in the misery of depression of a lost love, this absolute classic surely cannot be beaten. If you have never seen the video of this stunningly simple yet ultimately moving ballad, check it out –no-one can fail to be moved. It's one of the most beautiful songs for the brokenhearted – ever.
If anything is going to give the previous one a run for its money it’s this one from British diva extraordinaire Adele. If you need to shed some tears, grab the box of tissues, curl up and crank up the volume.
If you feel like the tears are on the way, stem them with the thought of the delicious Mr. Timberlake. This is one of those rare songs about a broken heart that thanks to the gorgeous lyrics and soulful tune, can wrap you in cotton wool and make you feel just a little better for the few moments it plays for, despite its mournful subject. (You get two for one with this too – save the video until you’re over the crying stage and enjoy the revenge ending.)
So they’ve gone, you’re all alone and acceptance of singlehood is some way off. Need something to sum up how you’re feeling? Cue Sting and his buddies. The kinda’ cheeky little rhythm belies that this is one of those best songs for a broken heart that has some pretty dark lyrics (check them out here - sing365.com), so you can fool yourself into thinking you’re doing no harm with these thoughts.
There are times when you are going to realize your lost love was never good for you and really you should be saying good riddance. Forget pining over what could have been. One of the best songs to get over a broken heart you don’t deserve (or need) is Karma Killer. If you ever want justification why you shouldn’t be mooning, it’s all in here. (No Regrets is on the same album too!)
One of the common stages of a break up is bargaining. You can’t accept that the romance is over and you refuse to accept that a broken heart is on its way. Not that I want to encourage you in the pursuit of a Lady Gaga-esque bad romance, but The Jacksons classic will sum up your feelings perfectly.
Revenge isn’t sweet, but if you’ve been cheated on or treated very badly, the best songs for a broken heart are not going to be ones of sweet memories, lost love and tears. But beware – there are some very dark ditties about revenge out there – Man Down by Rihanna, and Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood to name but two. I’ve picked out something altogether more gentle but still worthy.
Alanis Morissette's song "You Oughta Know" is a great pick for a broken heart. Released in 1995, the song was a huge hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving two Grammy Award nominations. It was the lead single from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill.
The song is a powerful anthem of revenge and betrayal, with Morissette singing about being wronged by a former lover. The lyrics are full of pain and anger, and the song has become a classic of the alternative rock genre. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Avril Lavigne and Garbage, and has been featured in several films and television shows.
The song is a great choice for anyone who has had their heart broken, as it gives voice to the hurt and anger that can come with being wronged. It's a reminder that you don't have to stay silent in the face of betrayal. It's also a reminder that revenge isn't always the answer, and that sometimes the best way to get through a broken heart is to move on and find something better.
If you’ve reached that stage where you’re ready to move on, Ms Gaynor’s karaoke classic needs to be top of your playlist of best songs for the brokenhearted. The bouncy disco beat is everything you need to motivate you to forget who broke your heart.
Another of the great songs to get over a broken heart if you’re ready to move on, the American Idol winner belts out all the good things to look forward to.
The best songs for a broken heart really depend on where you are in the cycle. You don’t have to look very far to find one for every emotion, in every phase. I’m lucky – I’ve only ever had a broken heart once and my song choice – Army of Me by Bjork – worked basically because I never stopped being angry. What’s your choice and why?