For as much crap as Taylor Swift gets on the internet about writing breakup music, there is something really special about it. To me, breakup songs are some of the best and most sincere pieces of music out there. Conversely, love songs (which is probably the umbrella category for breakup songs) also manage to evoke an emotion that a lot of other genres can’t conjure.

When listening to breakup music (especially while going through a breakup), no one understands the depth of your sadness as much as the person who penned that song.

So why is breakup music the best for pampering your shattered ego? Because everyone has been there. It sucks, but there is nothing like wailing out the lyrics to some of your favorite bands. The lyrics embody that resentment you now have for that special person.

You may ask yourself, “Where do I start?” Well, I am here to help you out.

My favorite breakup song of all time comes from my favorite band of all time. You may recognize the voice, and that is because you have probably heard it. Nate Ruess, is now the singer of a small band called fun., but he used to front a band called The Format. This song is, in my honest opinion, a perfect metaphor for the emotional roller coaster that is a breakup.

With lyrics like, “Can you hear me? Are you listening? This is the sound of my heart breaking. I hope it’s entertaining, because for me it’s a bitch,” and “Was it worth it when you slept with him? Did you get it all out of your system,” there is not much else that better explains all the confusion of your post-breakup self.

So be indulgent, my friends. This is the only time you will get to do it.

“Dog Problems” by The Format

Contact CU Independent Entertainment Editor Patrick Fort at Patrick.fort@colorado.edu.