Thursday, February 7, 2013

Anti-Love Songs


Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and that means one thing for music: love songs, lots of ‘em. Compilation CDs at checkouts, iTunes discounts and themes, themes on whatever reality singing show is in season. I’m not a big fan of love songs.

Love songs are incredibly easy to write and require no firsthand experience to be decent. Diane Warren is a well known lyricist and song writer but her love life makes my dysfunctional relationships look like Harlequin novels. I could probably bang out a radio friendly love song in about an hour, feelings sold separately.

I’ve always favored songs about heartbreak because the best ones require authenticity. The pain is almost tangible. Country music is great for the songs that just rip your heart out because it’s all too much.

I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt

Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood (The music video adds another level.)

Over You by Miranda Lambert

Without a Sound by SHeDAISY

You’re Not Sorry by Taylor Swift

Letting Go by Jessica Harp

Wanted You More by Lady Antebellum

Tomorrow by Chris Young (It’s a happier goodbye song)

Other genres have some pretty good break-your-heart songs too. These are personal favorites for other genres.

I Can’t Make You Love Me by ADELE

Wreck of the Day by Anna Nalick

Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

Morbid Romantic by Rachael Sage

Symphony of the Blasé by Anberlin

All I Wanted by Paramore

Mouth Shut & Heavily Broken by The Veronicas

Inside of Love by Nada Surf

The Harold Song by Ke$ha (Listen before you judge)

Winter Winds by Mumford & Sons (It seems upbeat until you read the lyrics)

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