“Ok, so I LOVE the song”.
So a letter from a friend started after sending her a sample from my current playlist. I was trying to encourage her to get back into listening to music after a breakup, as she put it; “I stayed away from it for a long time due to past experiences.”
Her terrible breakup with a boy she met online at Loveawake dating site had played a big role in the negative emotions she was experiencing because she related much of what she heard with the unfortunate situation she now felt inside.
“But new music is new territory, isn’t it?” she finished. And to all the readers this is my full intention.
As we progress through our recoveries at different levels it is wonderful to discover new music after a breakup that inspires us, music we identify with now and moving forward. Timeless and current classics that deliver a message that is undeniable. What is more, songs can be affirmations you sing to remind you of what is good in our lives.
For those recovering from a painful breakup there is real value and benefit to listening to this playlist.
Take for instance the title track This is who I am.
As you reflect on the things you hold dear, can you say that you proudly share these with others? That the pictures (real or figurative) that you hang on your wall accurately describe you and all of your passions and creativity?
This song really helps us take a look inside and evaluate just who we are.
Who do you want to be…the choice is yours. Remember the people and things we surround ourselves with tell our story.
Make it a good one!
“Alone doesn’t have to be lonely”.
Do you feel that way?
In going through the trauma of a breakup we may face this situation and feel we must be with someone to feel happy and fulfilled. The truth is after we have recovered we will learn that alone can be a pretty good place to be. We work on ourselves, explore hobbies, travel, music and many things we could not enjoy if our time was split with another, at least to the degree we have as a single person.
Treasure this time in your recovery and in your life, when the time is right you will be in a healthy relationship by choice and not by need.
Second Chances is a wonderful tune that tells us how we don’t get just one shot in life, we get many and it takes many to get things right sometimes. Never give up hope and think your last chance lies with only one person and if you don’t make it work with them you won’t ever find happiness.
It’s just not true!
There are endless possibilities out there for us and the more we are ourselves and become confident in the new person that has survived this storm the more we will attract positive, enchanting people to our lives.
Do you feel loved?
She tells the story of a man who has been affected greatly by the love of a woman. It is a wonderful example of how we can feel when another helps to elevate us beyond what we seemingly can accomplish alone. ALL of us can feel this way about another. Feeling the warmth of love coming home is a wonderful and exclusive privilege we can experience as humans.
Keep an open mind and don’t rush, love will find you.
All of these songs in the playlist invoke a state of mind that is positive, infectious and reassuring. You owe it to yourself to give them all a listen. Even if some of the genres may not be your cup of tea or you have not heard the artist before. I guarantee you will find something inspiring and enduring here.
So give it a try, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Think about it, as you look in the mirror, can you say: “This Is Who I Am” and really identify with who you are, or perhaps who you are becoming?
The process of recovering from life’s challenges tempers us and makes us stronger. If we choose to take the journey and learn about ourselves and how to become better and stronger people, well then it becomes the class we never graduate from. We will always choose growth and progress, adapt and become strong for ourselves, friends and loved ones as well.
Your decisions today will define who you are tomorrow. Choose wisely, embrace the challenges and stop to look in the mirror and proudly say: “This IS Who I Am”.
So without further delay here is the playlist I created for ALL of YOU.
I hope you enjoy reading a bit about each of the songs and why I chose them.
Music After A Breakup Recovery Playlist: “This Is Who I Am”
1. This Is Who I Am – Cause & Effect
This song from Synth Pop Band Cause & Effects newest EP “Artificial Construct Part 1″ became the catalyst for this article. As we reflect on the things that make “us” who we are, have you decided which pieces you will share with another to tell your story? What would the posters on your wall look like, could they tell your story to someone? Do they define
2. After You’ve Gone – Toto
Timeless lyrics remind us that even after we may have lost someone we don’t have to be lonely – Fantastic Guitar work by Steve Lukather who still makes music as a solo artist. Lyrics here:
Your just a mile away
One thousand five tiny steps from here
But if I brought you near
Would you believe when I say,
It seems like yesterday
That I could reach out and touch your face,
But as I fall from grace
Into whose arms can I lay
Its always much too late
We get the signs
We can’t communicate
Or turn back time
So what will be now, do you feel somehow
Not so together and not quite as strong
Now I believe
Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely, after you’ve gone
If it’s a healing wind
That cools the flame burning in my sight
It must accelerate
For two wrongs they don’t make a right
And all these solitaires, lone victories
Wars fought in isolation, with none to please
The futures still uncertain, the past is done
So what will be now, do you feel somehow
Not so together and not quite as strong
Now I believe
Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely, after you’ve gone
3. Every Story Told – Kip Winger
Kip Winger is a multi talented singer, songwriter and composer who’s most recent work saw him compose classical pieces for the ballet and were recently performed by the San Francisco Ballet Company through April of 2011. “From the Moon to the Sun” is an epic release that covers as much musical territory as one might imagine and then some. Check out this promo video for the CD:
4. Angels – Robbie Williams
This song really needs no introduction. It is one of RW’s best songs and conveys such hope and emotion; you cannot help but feel better after a listen.
5. Second Chances – Oliver The Penguin
This song from Tommy Walter and Rie Sinclair rings perfectly true with a nice pop tempo. The song writing on this album reads like poetry and is filled with hope and reflection. Check out the lyrics here on their website:
6. Trial By Fire – Journey
This was Journey’s last recording with Steve Perry as the lead singer (1996) and one of their most beautiful songs featuring a smooth jazz style influenced by Neil Schon on Guitar and Jonathan Cain on Keys. The lyrics contain a nice message of hope and endurance.
7. Shining – Kristian Leontiou
Originally from London, Kristian released this single in 2004 which then appeared in the American film soundtrack; “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton” that same year. It received limited US airplay but climbed to #13 on the UK charts. “Don’t take things lying down” and “never give up” are messages promoted in this catchy tune.
8. Unputdownable – De/Vision
De/Vision formed in 1988 as a 4 piece band from Germany (though most of their songs are in English) they have a large worldwide following and their lyrics run the full range from Rage to Love/Dark to Light. In this song Thomas Adam sings about a state of mind wherein one feels hopeful, full of love and fulfilled.
9. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
This song from now Glasgow based Snow Patrol made this playlist late after a recent listen and a test fitting which found both lyrically and musically it fit so nicely…… and it is simply a great love song.
10. Let Go – Frou Frou
Frou Frou features one of my favorite female artists (Imogen Heap). The duo features both Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth who both write, produce and play instruments on the recording while Imogen handles the vocals as well. This song starts with the following lyrics that pierce right to the heart of the subject…
Drink up baby doll
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
‘Cause it’s all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you’re writing your tragedy
These mishaps
You bubble-wrap
When you’ve no idea what you’re like
CHORUS
So, let go, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It’s all right
‘Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown
11. Amazing – George Michael
I have received songs and suggestions from friends around the world and this cut is no exception. I found this song deeply touching and universal in its message. Love is out there for everyone and it is truly amazing when we re-discover it.
CHORUS
“Tell me, I guess that cupid was in disguise
The day you walked in and changed my life
I think it’s amazing,
The way that love can set you free
So now I walk in the midday sun
I never thought that my saviour would come
I think it’s amazing
I think you’re amazing”
12. She – Rick Springfield
Born Richard Lewis Springthorpe Aug 23rd, 1949 Rick Springfield has proven to be much more than a foregone conclusion at 61 yrs old he still performs regularly and writes fantastic songs about real life and real love. This song from his last studio release of original material (Venus in Overdrive, his 14thAlbum to date) creates a wall of harmony and poignancy that really sticks with you.
13. The thought Of Losing You – Dredg
American Rock Group Dredg formed in 1993 in Los Gatos California. “Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy” is their latest release and has been well received and reviewed although more pop/rock than previous efforts. The emphasis seems to be on more mature song writing with themes we can easily relate to and a melodic quality throughout that is easily refreshing in a world of “sounds like” copycats. I completely agree with the recent statement online that it is a; “Great song, especially after several listens”. Enjoy!
14. All You Need Is Now – Duran Duran
Duran recently had this to say about the song; “It’s a message from us to us – and to the fans. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve come, it’s the bit your on now that really matters.”
15. How Long – Mesh
Mesh, who formed in 1991 are from Bristol. England. They feature catchy (and edgy) dance oriented tunes with guitars, synths and most certainly are a great band to see live (firsthand experience) with tons of energy. This song taken from 2009’s “A Perfect Solution”. The topic is indeed a question many of us should ask ourselves…
CHORUS
And how long?
And how much pain?
Do we need to feel?
Before we start again
16. Uprising – Muse
Well last but certainly not least are Muse. They are an English Rock band from Teighnmouth, Devon. Defining their style is an exercise in futility as one song may remind you of Queen then another of a beautiful Movie theme score. They are simply amazing and this release taken from (The Resistance) spent 17 weeks at #1 on Billboards Alternative Songs Chart. For me it is a triumphant song that can mean many things, any way you slice it, sounds like victory!
