From the first day of February until the fifteenth of the month, we are inundated with commercials, television shows, and films full of inspiring, love-filled moments in celebration of the Valentine’s Day “holiday”. With this so-called special occasion looming, we’re all on romance overload and in need of some sort of reprieve from the typical love scenarios. As a result, we thought it would only be right to pay homage, not to the love song, but to the antithesis of it.
Fueled with tainted love, infatuation, and passion, the anti-love song can often be more inspiring than the average, uplifting sentimental ditty. Whether it be a ballad to a love unrequited or a bitter, hateful tune for an ex, anti-long songs impact us more because they are easier to relate to as we’ve all gotten our hearts broken (or have broken some hearts) at one point or another. Although they may seem negative and dismal to some, the anti-love song provides support and healing for those with relationship trauma or drama. Here we’ve compiled a list of the best anti-love songs from various genres: perhaps they’ll inspire you to create your own mix of anti-romance ballads to include with some candy and flowers from Marks and Spencer as a gift for the love of your life, a family member, friend, or yourself.
Rock Hits That Sink Your Heart Like a Stone
Rock music is known for being expressive when it comes to displaying emotions, especially those dealing with the heart. What group knows more about tumultuous relationships than a band like Fleetwood Mac. Although they have a multitude of love ballads, Fleetwood Mac is popular because of songs like “Dreams” and “Little Lies”&emdash;records that are the opposite of customary songs about relationships and are quite a contradiction from those meant for Valentine’s Day. “Go Your Own Way” is probably the most well-known Fleetwood Mac hit, and a stand-out anti-love song. Our favourite line: Loving you, is it the right thing to do?.
Pop Songs That Punch Back
When most of us think about pop music and love, only awful, trite romantic melodies come to mind. We fail to consider how we rocked out to Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” at some point in our lives. Sure it was a big hit with teens in 2005 and Clarkson is a winner of American Idol, but the song resonates with many who’ve had their hearts mutilated by a significant other. Our favourite line: But since you been gone, I can breathe for the first time.
Hip-hop With a Dark Heart
Hip-hop is a genre that is very in touch with its emotions, and the artists in this musical caste are not afraid to illustrate how they feel through their lyrics and beats. No other female hip-hopper is more expressive and open as Kelis; especially when dealing with unfaithful men. Her powerful anthem “Caught Out There” is a bold statement of her refusal to endure her man’s infidelity and an exposition of her independence. Not only are the lyrics potent and harsh, but the rock-heavy instrumentals make this tune brass and brazen. Our favourite line: I hate you so much right now, of course.
