From Miley Cyrus’ Flowers to Tegan and Sara’s Walking With A Ghost, these tracks make for the ultimate playlist
BY NIC CROSARA, SCREENSHOT VIA YOUTUBE
The past few months could also be referred to as break-up season. Towards the end of 2022 I saw the end of my longest relationship and many of those around me experienced the end of their own. It seems that heartbreak is in the air. But, thankfully, music has always provided great medicine and catharsis. Whether you’re looking to dance the bad vibes away or hold space for the hurt by having a little cry, I’ve compiled a playlist full of songs by LGBTQIA artists to see you through this transitional time. And hey, even if you’re in a happy relationship, these bops can still offer you some sweet emotional release.
Flowers by Miley Cyrus
The iconic musician, who has been open about her relationships with people of different genders, recently broke the internet with her latest single release, Flowers. Fans are convinced that the song is a direct message to her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.
Firstly, Flowers was released on 13 January. Which also happens to be her ex-hubby’s birthday. A coincidence? Probably not. Rumours have been circulating that Liam previously dedicated Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man to Miley, while they were still together. Bruno’s song is all about the failings of an ex-boyfriend and all the things he would have done differently. When comparing the lyrics side by side, Miley appears to be saying that these failings don’t matter, cause “I can buy myself flowers” and “I can take myself dancing and I can hold my own hand.”
The music video for Flowers adds to the empowering vibes of the song. We see Miley strutting around in the sun, happy and content. She is later seen dancing around wearing a vintage Yves Saint Laurent suit – which fans have theorised is another reference to her ex-husband. Flowers is the perfect bop for those wanting to channel their inner baddie after a breakup.
Miley’s single release is notably not the only time the star has broken the internet in recent weeks. Her Midnight Sky performance with FLETCHER for Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party on NBC had many LGBTQIA folks screaming “I’m so gay” at our screens.
Miley’s upcoming album, Endless Summer Vacation, releases on 10 March.
Here are some more queer songs to add to your breakup playlist…
Green Eyes by Arlo Parks
This track might just be my favourite from the trailblazing musician, Arlo Parks. Filled with their signature mesmerising vocals, Green Eyes will strike a chord with anyone whose queer relationship has been through the trials and tribulations of our heteronormative society or intolerant family members.
“Of course I know why we lasted two months / Could not hold my hand in public / Felt their eyes judgin’ our love and beggin’ for blood / I could never blame you darlin’.”
This song is full of both Arlo’s heartache, but also, the pain her ex-partner experienced when it came to navigating their own identity.
Undrunk by FLETCHER
Like Miley, FLETCHER’s album, Girl Of My Dreams, became a viral sensation. The project reflected on her breakup and and self-love journey – and it broke lesbian TikTok for a multitude of reasons.
While Girl Of My Dreams deserves a spot on any queer breakup playlist, I want to throw it back for a second to her 2019 song, Undrunk. This brutally honest breakup song is crude and witty in its exploration of heartbreak and regret.
“I wish I could unkiss the room full of strangers / So I could unspite you, unlose my temper / But some things you can’t undo / And one of them’s you.”
Nights Like This by Kehlani ft. Ty Dolla $ign
If you’re hungry for more Kehlani after her guest appearances in the latest season of The L Word: Generation Q, why not kick back and let yourself feel some feels to this laid-back song which explores the realities of having mixed feelings for a fickle lover. In the song, Kehlani sings about missing the past relationship, but with the repeated “You gon’ get my hopes high, girl” it’s clear that she’s very much aware that a do-over is not in the cards.
“On some nights like this, shawty, I can’t help but think of us / I’ve been reminiscin’, sippin’, missin’ ya / Can you tell me what’s with all this distant love?”
Guard Down by Claud
Are you someone who struggles with emotional vulnerability? This one’s for you. In this song, the non-binary singer-songwriter reflects on the sudden end of a summer fling and reminds themself, and the listener, to not open up or let their guard down the next time around.
“I miss your room and your best friends / Running my hands on your necklace / I need to sit out need to take a break now / Before I have to walk out.”
Sad by Tayla Parx
Tayla Parx is no stranger to penning moving breakup songs, but this one is a favourite of mine. In Sad, the bisexual musician sings about the bitterness that can come with heartbreak as she attempts to nurture coping mechanisms after the split.
“Cry me a river / Fill up the tub, make a bubble bath for me tonight / There’s something your tears will help my ego sleep, alright.”
Care by beabadoobee
The bisexual artist gained a huge following last year after her songs appeared on Netflix’s Heartstopper. In this song, beabadoobee provides listeners with the ultimate angry anthem. The 90s sound provides a perfect listening experience for those wanting to sing all their post-breakup frustrations out in the shower.
“I don’t want your sympathy / Stop saying you give a shit / ‘Cause you don’t really / Care, care, care, yeah.”
Talia by King Princess
Over the span of her career, the genderqueer musician has provided us with intoxicating songs covering a range of topics from queer love to self-discovery. Grab the tissues because King Princess’ Talia is a beautifully poignant track about queer yearning and turning to alcohol to cope with a broken heart.
“If I drink enough / I can see you dancing, I can lay down next to you / At the foot of my bed / If I drink enough / I can taste your lipstick, I can lay down next to you / But it’s all in my head.”
Another One by Kim Petras
It’s been a big year for Kim Petras, she recently made history with Sam Smith, as they became the first trans and non-binary performers to reach number one on the Billboard 100. It was also recently announced that she will be headlining the stage at Rainbow Republic 2023.
In her emotional and vulnerable ballad, Another One, the musician expresses the jealousy she still feels after parting ways with a past love.
“I don’t wanna know if / You’re kissing on another one / You’re falling for another one / You’re loving with another one.”
Walking With A Ghost by Tegan and Sara
Yes, yes, I know. How could I pick just one song from Tegan and Sara’s So Jealous album? Granted, every track from the album could be listed here, so add them to your breakup playlists with wild abandon. For me, Walking With A Ghost provides people with the perfect listening experience for those wanting to find the determination to let go of someone who broke their heart, wasn’t good for them or who they really shouldn’t be with.
“No matter which way you go / No matter which way you stay / You’re out of my mind, out of my mind / Out of my mind, out of my mind.”
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