Sometimes you cannot find the right words to perfectly describe how you’re feeling after a breakup — that’s where songs come into play.
Music has a way of taking us on the journey we most need. It may begin with the songs that make you break out the wine and tissues and grieve the loss of this broken relationship. But then you’re going to need the songs that say goodbye to being a victim, and hello to feeling empowered.
So, turn up those jams and get in touch with your warrior side. Soon you’ll be saying, “To the left, to the left” like it’s nobody’s business. Here is Spotify playlist so you can take these songs anywhere.
1. "Tears Dry On Their Own," Amy Winehouse
Your tears will for sure dry on their own after listening to this song. Actually, what tears? You won’t even cry over him or her anymore!
2. "Best Thing I Never Had," Beyoncé
This empowering song is perfect for when you’re truly ready to say goodbye to your ex. Beyoncé would never let a man do her wrong, and now, neither will you.
3. "Break Free," Ariana Grande, Zedd
You’re breaking free from this toxic relationship and boy, does it feel good. Ariana Grande’s got you girl, along with a killer ponytail.
4. "You Don’t Own Me," Lesley Gore
Go on and have yourself an “Old Wives Club” moment. You deserve it. You’ve been through enough. Let this song show who’s boss now — you.
5. "Shake It Off," Taylor Swift
Shake it off girl, along with all of those icky feelings about your ex. Haters gonna hate, and right now your ex is probably hating how wonderful your life is without him or her.
6. "I Knew You Were Trouble," Taylor Swift
Hindsight is 20/20, huh? Taylor Swift got this one right.
7. "Cry Me A River," Justin Timberlake
You won’t be crying yourself a river after listening to this classic jam by Justin. If he could get over Britney Spears, you can get over your ex. And look at where Justin is now….
8. "Survivor," Destiny’s Child
You will get over this breakup because you can survive anything. Sing along with this threesome, and know you’re a survivor.
9. "Roar," Katy Perry
Let Katy Perry’s anger post-breakup anger show you you’re a lion who can roar. And I mean R-O-A-R.
10. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," Taylor Swift
The title says it all.
11. "Problem," Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea
Ariana says you “have one less problem” without your ex. And she couldn’t be more right.
12. "Titanium," David Guetta, Sia
Did you ex think he or she could hurt you? No, because “you are titanium.” Things can only hurt you if you let them.
13. "Shake It Out," Florence + The Machine
Shake it out girl. Shake out all of those resentments, awful feelings, and bad vibes. You are on a better path now. And just remember, "It's always darkest before the dawn."
14. "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor
Who doesn’t need this song after a breakup? It should be your number one go-to as your ex is walking out that door.
15. "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson
Ah, Kelly Clarkson. She always seems to understand us. Let this song be your anthem when you want to get in touch with your powerful and “better off” side.
16. "Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)," Kelly Clarkson
She does it again. Seriously, though, what doesn’t kill you does make you stronger. And stronger you shall be (after listening to this song).
17. "Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood
Raise your hand if you have done karaoke to this song before. You should be a pro at singing this one by now. Feel your anger with Carrie as she slashes those tires. (But maybe don’t follow her advice.)
18. "Irreplaceable," Beyoncé
You’re irreplaceable and you should know it. Don’t let any man or woman tell you otherwise. And if he or she does, just say, “To the left, to the left.”
19. "You Oughta Know," Alanis Morissette
You didn’t think I was going to make an empowering breakup playlist without adding this, did you? There couldn’t be an angrier song out there. And we love Alanis for that.
20. "You’re So Vain," Carly Simon
Your ex probably thinks this song is about him/her. Well, it is. Lucky for you, you don't have to deal with that anymore. Just turn up this tune and think about never having to handle that vanity.
21. "Wrecking Ball," Miley Cyrus
Your love came in like a wrecking ball and so did Miley Cyrus’s naked body. So basically, this song is a win/win.
22. "Somebody That I Used To Know," Gotye, Kimbra
I know, I know, this song is sooo overplayed. But, step aside haters. When you’re feeling down, you’re going to want to listen to this song and play it over and over and over again.
23. "Mama’s Broken Heart," Miranda Lambert
Get out your country spirit and cowboy boots and put on this Miranda Lambert song. It’s a funny and catchy number that will have you saying this ain’t no “Mama’s Broken Heart.”
24. "Bulletproof," La Roux
You’ll be sure to feel better after listening to this English synthpop duo. No man or woman can hurt you anymore because baby, you’re bulletproof.
25. "F*ck You," Lily Allen
Sometimes you just want to throw that middle finger up and say, “F*ck you” to your ex. Well, here, Lily Allen does it for you.
26. "No Scrubs," TLC
This threesome knew exactly what they were talking about with this classic hit. Sing along to this one and remind yourself of how you never want to deal with a scrub like that again. Also, should we bring back this term? Just a thought….
27. "Part Of Me," Katy Perry
Part of me likes this song, while the other part loves it. Katy Perry will easily remind you why you never want to give a part of yourself to your ex-lover again. Sing it, Katy!
28. "Stronger," Britney Spears
Britney has been through a lot — am I right? Well, she’s stronger than ever right now and so are you. Just think, if she could get through the year 2007, you can get through anything.
29. "I Want To Break Free," Queen
After not being in a toxic relationship anymore, you'll have this new sense of feeling free. What better way to tap into that emotion than by listening to the finest band on earth, Queen.
30. "Fighter," Christina Aguilera
Let this 2002 song and black-haired Christina Aguilera remind you that you’re a fighter. Soon you’ll be saying “thank you” to your ex for you making you this strong. He or she never saw it coming.
Images: Sascha Kohlmann /Flickr
