Top 5 Alternative Break-Up Songs

2/4/2021

Hello fans and listeners of WLTL! I am Nati, Co-Director of the Music Department at WLTL and in the spirit of Saint Valentine and in true teen-angst fashion, I will be ranking the top 5 best alternative break-up songs for you to blast on February 14th whether you are in a relationship or not. We can all easily play some sort of sad and depressing song but all of these songs come down to one thing: empowerment and acceptance.

#5 - Michael A. Grammar by Broadcast

This ambient-pop rock band formed in 1995 in Birmingham, England brings a mixture of electronic, jazzy, and psychedelic noises to the table to ensure you have the most fun possible when trying to move on and feel good about it. This song specifically is very gripping because we can see ourselves as both the subject of the song, Michael, and the singer.

“I'll change my hair but inside I'll stay the same / Michael, Michael, Michael / I'll draw my lips around my lipstick”. Many of us have dealt with relationships where we have either changed ourselves or felt the need to change and I think we can all agree that that’s not the best feeling. In addition, when she sings “See, if you're feeling like you're looking for a chance to let go / And if you're feeling like you're looking for that chance, then let go."

Many of us have resonate knowing that many of us have stayed in a relationship knowing it is doomed while not wanting to hurt the other person or just not wanting to let go because we are attached. Most of the time though, letting go is the best decision one can make.

#4 - Love Song for Haters by Fleece

This psychedelic rock band released their single ‘Love Song for the Haters’ last year and the lyrics are perfect for reminding yourself that the only person you need to love you is yourself!

This song validates any sort of feelings of missing someone from your past who may have hurt you while encouraging you to keep it in the past, and learn to be okay with yourself.

Their lyrics,“You're not the reason for this song / It's to remind me that the trauma you caused / Was just your insecurities playing tricks on my mind / I'm done and through with toxic love,” can be difficult to hear if you are still wrapped up in the past, but it is also what we must hear.

If you ever want some encouragement and motivation to move forward and heal, Fleece has got your back.

#3 - Doll Parts by Hole

Anyone who is familiar with frontwoman Courtney Love is also familiar with the power she holds. Regardless of how you feel about Courtney, one thing is for sure: she can immediately boost anyone’s confidence in a matter of seconds with her incredibly powerful voice and energy. Despite being one of Hole’s slower songs, Doll Parts’ message of playing tough in order to be loved and revenge can be interpreted as both cryptic as well as encouraging.

Her lyrics “And someday you will ache like I ache” can be interpreted as telling someone they will feel for her, but she’ll be long gone by then – or she can be referring to other people; saying that they will realize how special she is and suffer the same pain as her. Regardless, listening to this song is a quick and easy way to channel your inner “bad-ass-ness” for when you need to.

#2 - I Don't Wanna Be In Love by Good Charlotte

There is absolutely nothing that I love more than a good 2000’s pop-punk song that sounds like it could have been featured in ‘John Tucker Must Die’. ‘I Don’t Wanna Be In Love’ by Good Charlotte achieves this vibe with their perfect sound and impeccable lyrics. “Everybody, put up your hands / Say ‘I don’t want to be in love, I don’t want to be in love / Back it up now, you’ve got a reason to live / Say, ‘I don't want to be in love, I don't want to be in love.’"

These lyrics repeat many times in different variations but ultimately, it comes down to lead singer Joel Madden encouraging you to live more for yourself rather than someone else. There is more to life than pleasing someone you think you are in love with. Not only will the mantra “I don’t want to be in love” be stuck in your head, allowing you to start to really believe it, but the song itself will have you jumping and screaming and having the time of your life (especially if you are singing along with your homies).

# 1 - Ignorance by Paramore

Last but not least, no break-up list would be complete without a mention of Paramore. In this case, ‘Ignorance’ by Paramore is the ULTIMATE song for feeling empowered and liberated. The entire song is one long, energetic, and melodic rant about independence and not wanting to be taken control of anymore.

Hayley Williams’ lyrics, “Well you treat me just like another stranger / Well it’s nice to meet you, sir / I guess I’ll go / I’d best be on my way out” is a concept many of us can learn from. If the person in your past relationship judges you and doesn’t care for you, why should you care about them? We should all be thankful we are no longer associating with someone who doesn’t deserve us and be glad we are growing stronger.

In the end, Hayley’s powerful vocals mixed with the band’s classic upbeat emo/pop-punk sound and lyrics will certainly have you feeling the most confident and strong that you have in a while.

Honorable Mentions

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