By now, we’ve all endured a breakup at least once, which has compelled us to seek out R&B heartbreak songs to cope. Whether this is Aretha Franklin’s “It Hurts Like Hell” or Jagged Edge’s “Goodbye” that gets you through the weeks of tears, there is no shortage of vocalists with the perfect contributions to the breakup playlist. Music serves as an auditory companion through such difficult times. A 2014 study conducted by the University of Kent found that listening to sad music while unhappy can improve one’s mood. On the flip side, Board Certified Music Therapist Roger Botello, MMT, MT-BC, explained that continuously listening to gloomy records may induce negative feelings and worsen your mood over time. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to step away from the slow songs if any of the following feelings begin to plague you.
If you have the urge to reach back out to a toxic ex for any reason after the split
No amount of Betty Wright’s “No Pain, No Gain” should prompt you to text your toxic ex or attempt to reconcile after a painful split. In fact, it may be time to step away from love songs altogether and seek out Jeezy, specifically the Snowman era.
If you have the urge to “pull up” after having too many mimosas during brunch
Despite what Summer Walker told us we need in the hook of “Girl Needs Love,” do not text that man after leaving brunch sis. Sleep it off.
If you have the urge to stand up a new person to spend time with the ex
In moments such as these, you may want to turn to Usher’s “You Don’t Have to Call” as motivation to have a good time with a new potential suitor. Furthermore, blocking future blessings over a soured romance that didn’t pan out is probably not a good idea.
If you have the urge to reach out after your ex has moved on
If you’ve caught wind that your former boo has found love elsewhere after splitting from you, allow them to do so peacefully. While you were at home listening to Anthony Hamilton’s “Can’t Let Go,” your ex was somewhere blasting Mya’s “Moving On.” Accept this L and keep it pushing.
No matter which playlist you gravitate to during your breakup, as a best practice, listen to these tunes in moderation.
