Jonas Brothers fans, we feel your pain. Your beloved band’s breakup has left you feeling broken, hopeless. You probably watched their interview curled up in bed, a pint of Ben and Jerry’s between your knees.
You can’t believe it’s over, that, after nearly a decade together, all you have to show for your relationship are memories (and some sweet merch). You’re angry, probably hurt, and yet, deep down, you just want the best for Nick, Kevin and Joe. You had some great times together, after all. But time marches on. People change. Life can be cruel.
10 ways to cope with the Jonas Brothers’ breakup.
We’d like to tell you that things will get easier … because, trust us, they will. It’s just going to take a while to mend that broken heart. So to help you put the pieces back together, we’ve put together a soundtrack to your sorrows: some of the greatest breakup albums (and songs) in recent memory. With all due respect to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours or Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, this is a very millennial situation, and as such, requires only the most millennial of music. And while we know nothing can take the place of “Pom Poms,” but the healing’s got to begin sometime. It might as well be today.
Adele, 21: Chances are — given the fact it’s sold more than 26 million copies worldwide— you probably already own this one … and may very well be listening to it right now. If not, what’s wrong with you?!? Full of songs both shattering () and snarling (“Rolling in the Deep”) 21 is undoubtedly the breakup album of our generation. Take it from us, its powers are real.
Ashanti, “Foolish”: It’s her signature song, with good reason. “Foolish” is all about the perils of being trapped in a relationship gone bad, knowing you should leave and yet, unable to do so, because the thought of being alone is just too terrifying. In other words, it’s pretty apt way to sum up the feelings of every Jonas Brothers fan since Nick started The Administration.
Beck, Sea Change: Beck was a guy who was famous before you were born, and this is considered by many to be his crowning achievement; an album that ditched his sonic shtick and focused on real, genuine heartbreak, solitude and sorrow It’s about the ending of his longtime relationship with girlfriend Leigh Limon, and a quickie rebound with Winona Ryder, who, like Beck, was also famous before you were born. Beyoncé, “Irreplaceable”: One of these days, you’ll be ready to move on from the Jonas Brothers … and when you are, there’s nothing more gratifying than telling them, in no uncertain terms, to pack up their s— and exit “To the left, to the left …” Trust us on this one.
Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago: Don’t be weirded out by the beard … Justin Vernon’s breakout album is all about a breakup, one that left him so shook up that he disappeared to a cabin in the wilds of Wisconsin to make this collection of fragile, bare-bones songs. If you’re asking us which one of the Jonas Brothers will attempt something like this, our money’s on Joe. He always seemed the most “beardy.”
Cee Lo Green, “F— You”: Kind of like “Irreplaceable,” this one’s a kiss-off to an ex. But unlike Bey, Cee Lo doesn’t mince words … when he sees his former flame riding around town with someone new, he’s not happy for her; he’s like “F— you.” Hey, whatever helps get you through.
Kanye West, 808s and Heartbreak: Before he was Yeezus, Kanye was unafraid to get emotional … or rock a shag. At the time, his peers mocked West for baring his broken heart — and singing — on 808s, but in the years since this album was first released, ‘Ye got the last laugh, as the album’s basically become a blueprint for the likes of Drake and Frank Ocean.
Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone”: Make no mistake about it, this is the breakup anthem of the ‘aughts, one that every heartbroken girl (and guy) has belted out at least once in their life. Or attempted to, anyway … because, while its “I’m movin’ on” sentiments are universal, its soaring vocals could only be pulled off by Clarkson. Still, don’t let that stop you from trying to match her. It’s cathartic.
Nas, Life is Good: The Nasty One’s most mature album, written after his down-and-dirty divorce from Kelis. But rather than sink to her level, Nas takes the high road, getting nostalgic about better times … both for him and the couple. You probably won’t be able to understand this one just yet, but give it a while, and its themes will definitely sink in.
Usher, “Burn”: When a relationship just isn’t working, perhaps it’s time to let it burn, no matter what the other person thinks. That’s the kind of wisdom only Usher could provide … after all, the dude’s got some experience when it comes to angry exes.
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