Breakup songs tend to be either melancholy or angry, although the women seem to sing the best angry songs (Pat Benatar built a career on them).
The titles are also links to a sound byte or two.
All By Myself-Eric Carmen
Built around a a theme from Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, this one is a “drown your sorrows in your beer while looping a rope over the rafters” classic.
Don’t do the rope thing. A beer or two is ok.
Can We Still Be Friends-Todd Rundgren
Hey Todd-isn’t it the girl who always wants to be friends?
Like all my other lists, did you think you could escape without at least one Todd number?
Don’t Think About Her When You’re Trying To Drive-Little Village
One listen, and you’ll know why this was far too dangerous to be on the driving songs list!
This was a great album that went unnoticed, with Ry Cooder, John Hiatt, Nick Lowe and Jim Keltner (the four had previously recorded together on Hiatt’s “Bring The Family.”
Harden My Heart-Quarterflash
The women in 80’s rock had it all over the men when it came to breakup songs.
Pat Benatar with her famous pout ruled MTV, but this song really raised a finger to us heartless men!
Love Stinks-J. Geils Band
This may be the most empowering man breakup song ever! Sorry ladies-love really does stink!
Missing You-John Waite
I’ve always loved John Waite-he was always good for one perfect song per album. Still is, and he’s working on something new for a late fall release.
Only The Lonely-The Motels
Another great eighties melancholy song-“Take The L” from the same LP was another good one.
For this one, it’s not clear whether it is reminiscing a failed relationship or a post-breakup affair, but it’s a great song so it made the cut.
She’s Gone-Daryl Hall & John Oates
“I'm worn as her tooth brush hanging in the stand” What a great line!
A couple of Philly boyz who learnt a thing or two from Gamble & Huff.
Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad-Meat Loaf
Jim Steinman is a master at taking a cliché and building a song around it. Production by that Rundgren chap, how can you go wrong?
You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go-Bob Dylan
This whole album, as Lonesome McDogg sez, is a breakup song. This song was my pick of the litter.
These songs just weren’t pathetic enough for the list….
“Take The L”The Motels
“Hello It’s Me”-Todd Rundgren
“Just Another Fire” Heaven’s Edge
“Broke Down Piece Of Man”-Southside Johnny
“Move It Over”-George Thorogood
There's some great ones here that I totally forgot about. "Missing You" used to be one of my favorite songs. I have the Little Village album on cassette somewhere--it's one of those albums I never listened to to get familiar enough with. Great breaking up song list.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
A good list and I know a few,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit much appreciated, I have 2 cds/dvd of Dr. Hook and I chose the one I did because I liked it the best, I remember Sylvia's Mother very well and play it often on my IPOD,
Take care.
Yvonne,
"Love Stinks-J. Geils Band
ReplyDelete"This may be the most empowering man breakup song ever! Sorry ladies-love really does stink!"
Actually, Brotherman, I gotta go with one of my own Breakup Songs selections in the "Male Empowerment" category: "PUT ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE" by Tompall Glaser from "Wanted! The Outlaws" - the first Country music album to sell one million copies.
But you (and J.) are SO RIGHT:
LOVE STINKS!
~ Lonesome McDogg
Stephen-
ReplyDeleteI'll bet when you play "Put Another Log" on a bar jukebox, it does not prompt every guy in the place to sing along.
Try it sometime with "Love Stinks" and you'll see what I mean...
L.C. ~
ReplyDeleteIf "Put Another Log On The Fire" could even be found on a jukebox, I'd probably be the only guy in the bar who would know the song.
But... if the other guys DID know it, I'll flat-out guarantee you that they would sing along! LOUDLY! :O)
~ "Lonesome Dogg" McMe