Seven perfect albums to listen to during a breakup

Lily Allen’s bombshell new album, “West-End Girl,” has caused a sensation for its depiction of a marriage torn apart. Though the singer has described it as a blend of fact and fiction, fans have taken it to be an account of her breakup with “Stranger Things” actor David Harbour.

West-End Girl is a vulnerable account of divorce, with accusations of infidelity and betrayal. The album feels confessional, with lyrical details such as the retelling of personal phone calls and private messages. This is likely why it has received such admiration — it gives space for the listener to relate it to their own breakups.

Heartbreak has inspired countless artists to channel their emotions into their creative outlets. Here are six more that stand out.

‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac (1977)

“Rumours” is perhaps the most famous breakup album, not least because the breakups were occurring within the band itself. At the time of recording, drummer Mick Fleetwood had discovered his wife’s affair, and bass player John McVie and singer/keyboardist Christine McVie were going through a divorce after eight years of marriage.

Most notably, the songs “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way” and the B-side “Silver Springs” detail the relationship breakdown between front-woman Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. All these personal tensions created one of the bestselling albums of all time.

“Rumours” is a great listen for anyone going through a breakup and wanting to feel hopeful for the future.

Best lyric (“Dreams”): But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness/Like a heartbeat drives you mad in the stillness of remembering what you had and what you lost.

’21’ by Adele (2011)

Adele’s second studio album, “21,” is a heart-wrenching tale of a painful breakup. It so resonated with listeners that it became the longest-running number one album by a female solo artist in the US and UK charts.

The album explores the juxtaposed emotions of anger and sadness that come with the ending of a significant relationship, particularly a first love. It concludes with the cathartic ballad “Someone Like You,” which presents Adele coming to terms with her ex finding new love and having the optimism to move on too. It’s the perfect breakup album for listeners who want to let their feelings out and bring all of their emotions to the surface.

Best lyric (“Rolling in the Deep”): The scars of your love remind me of us/They keep me thinking that we almost had it all.

‘Here, My Dear’ by Marvin Gaye (1978)

Described by critics as an ‘ode to divorce,’ “Here, My Dear” was created as part of Gaye’s alimony and child support negotiations during his divorce from his wife, Anna.

Gaye had intended for this album to be simple and quick, but it turned into his first double-album once he had found passion in writing about his relationship and its end. Here, My Dear is painful and at times petty, dedicating the album to Anna in the first line of the title track and ending with the song “Falling In Love Again,” to celebrate falling in love with someone new. The album is a great listen for those who are still trying to find closure.

Best lyric (“When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You”): Memories of the things we did/Some we’re proud of/Some we hid/So when two people have to part — sometimes it makes them stronger.

‘Back To Black’ by Amy Winehouse (2006)

The songs featured on “Back to Black” detail Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with long-term partner Blake Fielder-Civil and explore themes of grief and forgiveness.

“Back to Black” is a complicated reflection on breakups. Its lyrics describe turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms and returning to old flames. The ballad Love is a Losing Game details the loneliness that comes from losing love, paired with the acceptance that a relationship is truly over.

This album gives a refreshingly human portrayal of breakups and has been praised as one of the most influential albums of the 21st century. “Back to Black” is a great choice for anyone not wanting to feel alone in their emotions after a breakup.

Best lyric (“Wake Up Alone”): He’s fierce in my dreams, seizes my guts/He floods me with dread/Soaked in soul/He swims in my eyes by the bed/Pour myself over him/Moon spilling in/And I wake up alone.

‘IGOR’ by Tyler, the Creator (2019)

Many of Tyler, the Creator’s songs point to themes of unrequited love, but it underpins the entirety of his album “IGOR.” Lyrics throughout imply hurt and lost love in different kinds of relationships, not just romantic.

The song “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” points to not wanting to lose a friend, potentially after expressing loving feelings for them. “IGOR” perfectly captures the pain of confusing breakups, where there are still things left unsaid and questions that need answers. “IGOR” is a top choice for anyone going through a complicated relationship ending, perhaps with a close friend or family member.

Best lyric (“GONE GONE/THANK YOU”): You never lived in your truth/I’m just happy I lived in it/But I finally found peace, so peace.

‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ by Bon Iver (2007)

“For Emma, Forever Ago” was the first album Justin Vernon released under his moniker Bon Iver. It’s a beautifully melancholy take on loss and heartbreak. The album was composed after Vernon had experienced a difficult year, which included a relationship breakup and being asked to leave his previous band.

The songs on “Emma, Forever Ago” are emotionally haunting, and its candid storytelling makes listeners feel that they are mourning a loss alongside Vernon. The lyrical transparency on tracks such as “Blindsided” expresses the sorrow of having a long-term relationship fall apart and the pain of wondering what went wrong.

This album is for anyone wanting to process the grief and sadness of losing someone they wanted to spend forever with.

Best lyric (“The Wolves Act I & II”): And the story’s all over you/In the morning, I’ll call you/Can’t you find a clue/When your eyes are all painted Sinatra blue?

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