Journal 4: All By Myself—About Heartbreak Songs

At one time or another, all of us will feel the sting of a heartbreak, be it from a break up or loneliness or unrequited love. And when we're in the grips of such pain, we most often turn to music for comfort. Yet, it's not usually cheerful, uplifting music that gets us through our darkest moments. Instead, it's sad songs that routinely makes us feel better. Why? Why do we take comfort in maudlin songs when we hurt? What is it about hearing about other people's misery that makes us somehow feel better? Are there certain elements that make up a perfect heartbreak song? And if you've ever found yourself at the mercy of a heartache, what music got you through the pain?

Write about two of the following classic heartbreak songs AND one of your own choice (instrumentals are okay, too):

1. Toni Braxton, "Un-Break My Heart"
2. Bonnie Raitt, "I Can't Make You Love Me" 
3. Bill Withers, "Ain't No Sunshine"
4. ABBA, "The Winner Takes it All" 
5. Olivia Newton-John, "Hoplessly Devoted to You" [from Grease]
6. Roxette, "It Must Have Been Love"
7. Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me"
8. "Rod Stewart, "Maggie May"
9. Candace Glover, "I Who Have Nothing" [Tom Jones cover]
10. Jim Croce, "Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels)"
11. Patsy Cline, "She's Got You" 
12. Beyoncé, "Irreplaceable"
13. Everything But The Girl, "Missing"
14. Elvis Presley, "You Were Always on My Mind"
15. Roy Orbison, "Crying" 
16. Eric Carmen, "All By Myself"
17. Dolly Parton, "Jolene"
18. Sinéad O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U" [Prince cover]
19. Lea Michele, 'What I Did For Love" [from A Chorus Line] 
20. Elton John, "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word"
21. Bee Gees, "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart" 
22. Adele, "Someone Like You"
23. Boyz II Men, "End of the Road"
24. Chris Isaak, "Somebody's Crying" 
25. Vikki Carr, "It Must Be Him"
26. Hank Williams, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” 
27. Carole King, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"  
28. Des'ree, "I'm Kissing You"
29. ZZ Ward, "Last Love Song"
30. Dusty Springfield, "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me"
31. Gloria Estefan, "The Words Get in the Way" 
32. The Beatles, "Yesterday"
33. Barbra Streisand, "The Way We Were"
34. Journey, "Open Arms"
35. Mariah Carey, "I'll Be There" [Jackson Five cover]
36. Brenda Lee, "I'm Sorry"
37. Samantha Banks, "On My Own [from Les Miserables]
38. George Michael, "Careless Whisper" 
39. The Platters, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
40. Frank Sinatra, "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning"

Required:

• MLA Style
• 2 pages in length

Due: Wed 11.15/Thu 11.16