Erma FranklinIf record-store people were smart, they would file breakup music in a separate section. Because even though breakup songs cross almost every genre, it’s a very distinct kind of music. We’ve chosen five Breakup Music Hall of Fame first-ballot inductees to accompany this article, and none of them is simply a love song. They’re all about getting dumped and getting even. In the best breakup music, the song is actually an instrument of vengeance.

5. ¨Cry Me A River¨ – Justin Timberlake (2002)

Classic breakup line: “Girl I refuse, you must have me confused/ with some other guy/ Your bridges were burned, and now it’s your turn to cry.”

The fact that Justin Timberlake wrote this for Britney Spears makes it legendary in its own right. This bittersweet song captured the heart of thousands of fans, and was a staple item in the beginning of Timberlake´s career. Bet he´s glad everything worked out the way it did.

4. ¨Piece Of My Heart¨ – Erma Franklin (1967)

Classic breakup line: “You’re out on the streets looking good/ And baby deep down in your heart I guess you know that it ain’t right/ Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night/ Babe, I cry all the time!”

This is an iconic breakup song. All breakup music must be judged by it (and most likely pale in comparison). The intensity of Franklin´s voice is intimidating, and time has not worn down this classic story of angst.

3. ¨Gives You Hell¨¨- All American Rejects (2008)

Classic breakup line: ¨If you find a man that’s worth the damn and treats you well/ Then he’s a fool/You’re just as well/ Hope it gives you hell.¨

Not only is it catchy, it gets the message across rather clearly. This song captures a token transistion after the breakup where you smugly prove that you are better off without your ex. Though a tad overplayed on the radio, bitter single citizens can appreciate what the Rejects are promoting.

2. ¨You Oughta Know¨ – Alanis Morissette (1995)

Classic breakup line: “Every time I scratch my nails down someone else’s back/ I hope you feel it/ Can you feel it?”

This is the most anger-packed breakup song ever. Even Amy Winehouse wouldn’t think to write a song this crazy. Let´s hope that the government put Morissette´s ex-flames into witness protection after this release.

1. ¨I Will Survive¨ – Gloria Gaynor (1978)

Classic breakup line:  “I should have changed my stupid lock/ I should have made you leave your key/ If I had known for just one second/ You’d be back to bother me.”

It starts off with one of the best openings in songwriting history (“First I was afraid, I was petrified”) and rapidly accelerates from there. What’s especially great about the song  is the way the narrator grows from a timid wallflower to a self-assured take-no-prisoners love Terminator. Modern medicine will never come up with a better breakup cure than “I Will Survive.”






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