Playlistology: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
August 26, 2010 in everything, girls, music by SoulMinister
Rock these joints while you facebook stalk your ex and flavor your Rocky Road Ice Cream with your tears.
1. Hope She’ll Be Happier – Bill Withers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9dCl4FJIuw)
Probably the saddest song you’ll ever hear. A broken and bruised Withers sings about not only los
ing a lover, but losing a life partner. His tearful and shocking delivery puts you exactly where he is.
“I can’t believe she don’t wanna see me/we lived and loved together for so long…./but she’s gone.”
2. She’s Gone – PJ Morton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aXxWzxD1kE)
This song makes me imagine someone standing in the driveway as their lover drives away. Morton is shocked in his delivery and seems just at the edge of screaming as he sings, “She’s gone/She’s gone/She’s gone and I believe she’s serious this time.”
3. When Did You Stop Loving Me/When Did I Stop Loving You – Marvin Gaye (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ERYkXoOZg)
Taken from Marvin’s examination of a broken marriage, this song serves as a centerpiece on an album that is the grandfather of Usher’s “Confessions”. The passion of Marvin Gaye’s voice mix with the pain of realizing it’s over on this classic cut.
4. These Eyes – The Guess Who (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw8nXCx5qgo)
Imortalized by Michael Cera in “Superbad”, this song still carries alot of emotional weight. It says what most people think after the break-up of a serious relationship: “These eyes have seen alotta love/but they’re never gonna see another one like I had with you.”
5. Anyone Who Had A Heart – Luther Vandross (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHYH8qy-WOQ)
A remake of the Dionne Warrick/Burt Bacharach classic, Luther’s version is like listening to a piece of leather being ripped apart. His butter-smooth delivery only makes the words that much more heartbreaking.
6. I Don’t Love You Anymore – Teddy Pendergrass
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEtVdJwLHxc)
Put this one on when you think you’re over it. This has to be the most exciting, upbeat break-up song ever. Teddy bounces and grooves while singing the demise of his relationship. Crank this while you ride past his apartment.
7. My Whole World Ended The Moment You Left Me – David Ruffin/What Becomes of The Broken Hearted – Jimmy Ruffin
I wanted to include both these songs by the Ruffin Brothers because they could be a two-sided single. “Whole World Ended” being the bruised first-thought, with “What Becomes” being the devastating question that comes after.
8. Please Stay – Anthony Hamilton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8CD774iTmc)
Producer Jack Splash begins this goregeous ballad with light horns, which seems underscore that deep sadness of Hamilton’s vocal. The melancholy cousin of his breakout hit, “Charlene”, “Please Stay” is a mournful and heartfelt plea for a lover to stick around. Hamilton shows why he’s this generations’ Al Green. Pull out the boombox and play this in front of her window. Tonight.
9. Blame It On The Sun – Stevie Wonder (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqJLTCxaehc)
Play this to underscore your post break-up question game. Stevie Wonder constructed these lyrics to reflect the finger-pointing that happens after a break-up and the ultimate conclusion that the fault lies with you. Haunting. Heartbreaking.
10. I’m Gonna Find Me Another You – John Mayer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aGW422nkWY)
This song wraps up the break-up mixtape because it’s about closure. You realize it’s over, and you realize you’re hurt. But you’re preparing for a comeback and when you find somebody, you want her to be just like the one who left you; expect (like John says) nicer and cuter.
