Reflection 7: All By Myself—About Heartbreak Songs

At one time or another, all of us will feel the sting of a heartbreak, be it from a break up or loneliness or unrequited love. And when we're in the grips of such pain, we most often turn to music for comfort. Yet, it's not usually cheerful, uplifting music that gets us through our darkest moments. Instead, it's sad songs that routinely makes us feel better. Why? Why do we take comfort in maudlin songs when we hurt?  What is it about hearing about other people's misery that makes us somehow feel better? Are there certain elements that make up a perfect heartbreak song? And if you've ever found yourself at the mercy of a heartache, what music got you through the pain?

Write about one of the following classic heartbreak songs AND one of your own choice (instrumentals are okay, too):

1. Toni Braxton, "Un-Break My Heart"
2. Bonnie Raitt, "I Can't Make You Love Me" 
3. Bill Withers, "Ain't No Sunshine"
4. ABBA, "The Winner Takes it All"
5. Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me"
6. Candace Glover, "I Who Have Nothing" [Tom Jones cover]
7. Jim Croce, "Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels)"
8. Patsy Cline, "She's Got You" 
9. Elvis Presley, "You Were Always on My Mind"
10. Roy Orbison, "Crying" 
11. Eric Carmen, "All By Myself"
12. Sinéad O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U" [Prince cover]
13. Elton John, "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word"
14. Bee Gees, "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart" 
15. Adele, "Someone Like You"
16. Hank Williams, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” 
17. Carole King, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"
18. Dusty Springfield, "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me"
19. Gloria Estefan, "The Words Get in the Way"
20. Barbra Streisand, "The Way We Were"
21. Journey, "Open Arms"
22. Mariah Carey, "I'll Be There" [Jackson Five cover]
23. George Michael, "Careless Whisper" 
24. The Platters, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
25. Frank Sinatra, "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning"

Include at least one of the following in your discussion:

• "Five Scientific Reasons Why Breakups are Devastating" (Huffington Post)
• "Seventeen Songs for Every Stage of a Bad Break-Up" (Buzzfeed)
• "Anatomy of a Tear-Jerker" (Wall Street Journal)
• "Why Sad Songs Make Us Happy" (Popular Science)
• "Couple Announces Their Breakup With an Extremely Touching Music Video" (Jezebel)
• "Why Do We Need Breakup Songs? Aren't We Suffering Enough?" (NPR)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be 1.5 pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Wed. 11.16