Country and blues music tends to have the best breakup songs you can come up with. However, alternative rock has produced quite a few excellent songs to lament a broken relationship. Let’s take a look at just four of our favorite alternative rock songs!
1. “The One I Love” by REM
This famous REM hit is often misunderstood. Due to the title, many listeners think the song is a dedication to the people we love. In fact, quite a few couples over the years have used this song as their “first dance” tune at weddings.
Unfortunately for them, this song isn’t about budding new love at all. The song is actually about the people we left in the dust and the partners who were used to entertain a fantasy trip instead of a serious commitment. This idea isn’t exactly comforting, but a song like “The One I Love” can help you deal with a particularly bad breakup.
2. “Black” by Pearl Jam
Who doesn’t love a little grunge when they’re feeling down? This Pearl Jam classic is a particularly angry and vindictive song about a breakup and the confusion that follows. If you’re feeling particularly bitter at this stage of a breakup, listen to this. The MTV Unplugged The release is also very nice.
3. “Pictures of You” by The Cure
Robert Smith is a master at writing love songs. He has been with his wife in one form or another since they were 14 years old. No one knows long love quite like him. However, he is a dynamic songwriter who can also write a sad song about lost love or two as well. “Pictures Of You” isn’t exactly a breakup song, but a mysterious and moody tune that can soothe your soul if you’re mourning the loss of a relationship.
4. “Nobody’s Baby Now” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
When it comes to alternative rock songs, some may not see this one as particularly alternative. However, “Nobody’s Child Now” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, as well as the entire 1994 album Let Love Inare excellent pieces of post-punk gothic rock that definitely lean towards alternative rock. This particular song is a breakup gem about losing the person you love and staying stuck in the question “Why?”
Photo by Michelle Lenssen/Redferns
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