Playlist “15 Breaking & Broken Songs features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Lecrae, Steve Angello and SZA among many others.

BREAKING NEWS: All songs on this playlist, “15 Breaking & Broken Songs,”feature some form of the word break.  The songs are divided into five uneven sections: break (four songs), breaking (two songs), breakdown (two songs), broke (three songs), and broken  (four songs).  Got it? This playlist features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Lecrae, Steve Angello, and SZA among many others.

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Break: Part I

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1. Cole Swindell, “Break Up in the End”

Break Up in the End – Single • Warner Bros. • 2018

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Georgia country artist Cole Swindell delivered a beautiful, well-performed new single at the end of February 2018, “Break Up in the End”. Acoustic guitar, bass drum thud serves as the primary accompaniment during the first verse, where Swindell sings:

“I still walk in that bar a little drunk

I still ask you what you’re drinking, what’s your name

I still kiss you by the shuffleboard, last call at 2am

Even though we break up in the end.”

It doesn’t take much to figure out where Swindell is going. If the verses don’t do the trick, the chorus does.

“Even if I knew you’d be the one that got away

I’d still go back and get you

Even if I knew you’d be my best and worst mistake

Oh, I’d still make it with you

Over and over, again and again

Even though we break up in the end.”

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2. Ed Sheeran, “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here”

÷ • Atlantic • 2017

“Hearts Don’t Break Around Here” slows the tempo on ÷, the Grammy-winning third album by Ed Sheeran.  The song isn’t completely restrained but doesn’t quite reach the soaring energy level of preceding gem, “New Man.” “New Man” finds Sheeran describing his ex’s new man with fresh lyrics and agile, hip-hop-infused melodic lines. Nonetheless, on “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here,” Sheeran concocts a thoughtful portrait of love.

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3. Ariana Grande, “Break Free”

Ft. Zedd

My Everything • Republic • 2014

“I only wanna die alive / Never by the hands of a broken heart / I don’t wanna hear you lie tonight / Now that I’ve become who I really am.” “Break Free” marks a highlight from My Everything, the sophomore album by Ariana Grande. Assisted by Zedd on this electro-pop cut, Grande “breaks free” from her present relationship.

“This is the part when I say I don’t want ya

I’m stronger than I’ve been before

This is the part when I break free

‘Cause I can’t resist it no more.”

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4. The Chainsmokers, “Break Up Every Night”

Memories…Do Not Open • Columbia • 2017

“Break Up Every Night” is something like The Chainsmokers’ version of Katy Perry hit, “Hot N Cold.”  This up-tempo, enthusiastic gem finds Andrew Taggart detailing a love-hate relationship. It’s oversimplified mind you but give Drew credit for exhibiting a smidge of personality.

“She wants to break up every night…

Don’t wanna wait until she finally decides to feel it

She wants to break up every night

Then tries to fuck me back to life

How can I help it if I like the way she makes me feel it?”

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Breaking: Part II

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5. Backstreet Boys, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart • K-Bahn / RCA • 2018

Iconic 90s boy band Backstreet Boys returned in 2018 with a catchy, fun, and soundly executed new single, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” sounds fresh and modern, clearly updating the sounds of old for the band.  No longer are they boys, but men, with  “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” giving them a more mature sound. Perhaps the tenor of Nick Carter (first verse/bridge) isn’t as boyish as it was in the 90s, but he still sounds youthful and vibrant.  Likewise, AJ McLean (second verse) and the rest of the boys continue to compel, particularly fueled by the bright piano and synths of the backdrop, and terrific vocal production.  The chorus is clearly the centerpiece.

“Baby, don’t go breaking my heart, breaking my heart
Cause it’s the only one I got.”

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6. Steve Angello, “Breaking Kind”

Ft. Paul Meany

HUMAN • Size • 2018

“Breaking Kind” represents one of the standouts from HUMAN, the 2018 album from Greek-Swedish DJ Steve Angello. Here, Angello is assisted by MUTEMATH frontman Paul Meany. On paper, the collaboration between Angello and Meany seems unlikely, sometimes, opposites attract. Meany showcases his exceptional pipes, particularly his upper register on the chorus.  Throughout the course of the song, he’s locked in and on-point, particularly on the chorus.

“‘Cause if you want the stars

We can turn the night into heaven’s light

But if you want this heart / Don’t waste your time

If that heart of yours is the breaking kind.”

From Angello’s end of things, “Breaking Kind” is superbly produced, with slick synths and an electrifying groove anchoring it down. The peak is the chorus, which is chocked full of intensity.

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Breakdown: Part III

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7. Ryan Adams, “Breakdown”

Prisoner • PaxAmericana / Blue Note • 2017

“Feel like I’m headed for a breakdown.” On “Breakdown,” seven-time Grammy nominated artist Ryan Adams continues the excellence of Prisoner. Even though Prisoner is something of an ‘easy-going’ album, it does serve the role as Adams’ post-divorce album to Mandy Moore. As for “Breakdown” itself, it’s emotional, but impressively, Adams eschews ornate language in favor of simplicity. Would a few more poetic words amplify the intensity? Perhaps, but listeners shouldn’t have the least bit of problems getting it.

“Was I dreaming did I lose something in, in the night?

Did I lose you? Did I lose you?

Maybe I’m sleeping and, in the morning, I will only see the sunshine

Did I lose you? Did I lose my mind?”

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8. Prince, “Breakdown”

Art Official Age • Warner Bros. • 2014

“Keep breaking me down, down, down.” “Breakdown” ranks among the clear-cut highlights of Art Official Age, one of two Prince studio albums released in 2014.  Furthermore, this is one of The Purple One’s strongest performances released two years prior to his shocking death.  “Breakdown” gives the late musician a nuanced ballad showing off his vocal versatility, particularly his masterful falsetto.

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Broke: Part IV

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9. Khalid, “Young Dumb & Broke”

American Teen • RCA • 2017

“Young Dumb & Broke” arrives as the second track on American Teen, the debut album from R&B singer Khalid.  In the context of the album, “Young Dumb & Broke” keeps the momentum rolling. Khalid’s vocals are robust, characterized by utter distinctiveness – who sounds like this kid?  Where Khalid didn’t sound as thick on opener, “American Teen,” he contrasts here with a more biting, grittier sound.  “Young Dumb & Broke” superbly balances old- and new-school, featuring production cues from both.  This record is infectious from the jump.

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10. Walker Hayes, “You Broke Up with Me”

Boom. • Monument • 2017

Underrated country singer/songwriter Walker Hayes made an impressive comeback (or career restart) with his sophomore album, boom. No, boom. didn’t sell particularly well, but gave Hayes a moderate hit with the single, “You Broke Up with Me”. Unique in sound, Hayes doesn’t feel ‘tied down’ to the country music, exhibiting eclecticism and some quirk.  He exhibits tons of charm, with heaping dosages of tongue-n-cheek and novel. The vocals are crisp and clear, while the melody is light and rhythmic. The chorus is the crowning achievement.  Notably, this break-up anthem captures his break-up with Nashville.

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11. Lecrae, “Broke”

All Things Work Together • Reach • 2017 

“Being broke made me rich.” That serves as the key lyric on “Broke,” a highlight from Lecrae’s 2017 album, All Things Work Together.  Notably, it’s not Lecrae who delivers the aforementioned lyric, but rather, an uncredited Perfekt. As usual, nothing about the production or the intensity of the flow suggests that Lecrae is a Christian rapper.  This has always been and continues to be part of his charm. Many other Christian rappers have followed suit.  That said, the message Lecrae delivers is wise – he gained and learned more in life from being without.

“Never had the door kicked in by the feds while I’m laying in the bed on the bred that I’m gon’ blow

But I do know what it feel like to go to school with the knock off shoes

Eating free lunch trying to act all cool

Boy, you better know that we paid our dues

Never would I trade that, ‘cause it made me better…”

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Broken: Part V

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12. Zak Abel, “Broken”

Only When We’re Naked • Atlantic UK • 2017

Zak Abel shows off the smoothness of his voice on the verses of “Broken,” a song from his 2017 debut album, Only When We’re Naked. His great performance is further accentuated by excellent vocal production. Soulful choruses contrast the poise of the verses.  Additionally, great vocal harmonization appears on the pre-chorus, with more harmonies arriving on the bridge. “Broken” also shines thanks to its electro-pop production touches. For the most part, Sky Adams keeps the production captivating without being overdone or covering up Abel. Perhaps the sole quibble – “Broken” could stand even more punch on the chorus.

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13. SZA, “Broken Clocks”

Ctrl • RCA • 2017

Grammy-nominated R&B singer SZA slays on the soulfully-sampled “Broken Clocks.” “Broken Clocks.” SZA has moved on from love.  She still has place for him in her heart, but as he dwells on the past, she’s looking towards the future.

“All I got is these broken clocks

I ain’t got no time

Just burning daylight

Still love and it’s still love, and it’s still love…

Nothin’ but love.”

SZA continues to share various feelings, thoughts, and snippets about herself, all of which are brilliant.

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14. Chris Stapleton, “Broken Halos”

From a Room: Vol. 1 • Mercury • 2017

Chris Stapleton gets off to a quick start on From a Room: Vol. 1 with the Grammy-winning country performance “Broken Halos.”  Here, Stapleton showcases the sheer power of his voice.  His tone is rich and robust, packing a punch from the get-go.  In addition to a sensational vocal, he delivers authentic country music. Clearly, Stapleton is a throwback, and that’s part of his charm.

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15. Vivian Green, “I’m Not Broken”

Vivid • Make Noise • 2015 

Vivian Green – one of the most under-appreciated and underrated R&B artists of them all.  Regardless, she shines on the sensational “I’m Not Broken,” one of the gems from her 2015 album, Vivid. From the opening showcasing a throwback soulful groove, there’s clearly the sense that Green is absolutely “going for the kill.”

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, Atlantic UK, Blue Note, Columbia, Make Noise, Mercury, Monument, PaxAmericana,RCA, Reach, Republic, Size, Warner Bros.

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