You know what time it is y’all... cuffing szn. Oh yeah. That time of year where we all have that slight inkling for a bae we don’t have. Where every song has us feeling some type away about a past lover that may or may not exist. SO you know what I do? I listen to some bops… but they’re for sure sad and depressing regardless. My musical aesthetic is jamming out to songs that simply beak your heart.
Here are eight of them for your listening enjoyment… have fun crying while simultaneously bobbing your head.
1. "Blood Bank" by Bon Iver
Yeah… you know it, I know it. Bon Iver… honestly you could listen to any of his music and all you’ll want to do is lay on the ground and contemplate the meaning of love. So naturally he had to be on this list. With his haunting voice and insanely beautiful lyrics, he really nails it out of the park with this existential jam. Want to see a dramatic montage of your life flash before your eyes? Sit back and put this tune on and you’ll be well on your way.
2. "Say It First" by Sam Smith
SAM SMITH IS A GENIUS. This song is off of his newest album which is LIT so definitely listen to the whole thing. Yup this is the one where you secretly long for that nonexistent S.O. to confess their love for you. Merry Christmas, you’re still single. Or maybe you’re not. Either way, this song will keep you up at night wondering when you’re gonna find love.
3. "Will He" by Joji
OOOoooOOOooh. This song is groovy to be honest. A little sexy. But still has that hint of melancholy that makes it oh so perfect for this list. A perfect song for those look-out-the-car-window-wondering-what-went-wrong moments… with a hint of seduction. The singer’s raspy and nonchalant voice adds to its sex appeal and depressing qualities simultaneously which honestly, what more could you ask for.
4. "Easier" by Masionair
With EDM vibes and a chilling piano melody, this song is for sure a jam that has you questioning if you’ll ever find love. I especially like this one on nighttime walks across campus wondering if my love life (or lack thereof) will ever get Easier. Heh.
5. "Coaster" by Khalid
Anything Khalid writes is hella relatable, probably due to the fact that he’s the same age as me and makes me feel like we are definitely best friends from afar. Nah but to be real with you, this song destroyed me when I was getting over my ex (YIKES) and of course, and even better, it has such a catchy rhythm that it gets stuck in your head so you can constantly be reminded of your pain!
6. "End Credits" by Eden
These lyrics will screw you up. I guarantee it. “All we ever wanted was sunlight and honesty…” like, are you kidding me? This banger leaves you wishing for a springtime road trip with a mans. This song touches on the idea that love and life are temporary so we might as well live it big and unapologetically… a somewhat pleasant reminder when the cold weather gets you down.
7. "Your Shirt" by Chelsea Cutler
More EDM chill vibes with this one, but with simple, sad lyrics and the catchiest chorus, this song definitely lands a spot on this list. Another song that’ll leave you with tears running down your cheeks but will get stuck in your head all the same.
8. "Robbers" by the 1975
I mean... c’mon. If you know anything about The 1975 you know that all their songs rock the hell out… but when you actually listen to the words, it’s like the saddest poetry you’ve ever heard. This song is kind of an ode to relationships where people are so intoxicated with one another that they forget the consequences of their actions and just DESTROY EACH OTHER’S LIVES. The oddest combination of heartbreak and a beautiful melody that’ll ruin your soul.
All in all, remember that love does exist, just maybe not for you right now. But fear not, these songs will recreate all the shitty feelings that love creates so you won’t feel like you’re missing out! You’re welcome in advance. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) and a fricking Happy New Year my friends, and I hope this playlist gets you through all those times where your relatives ask if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend. Cheers!