Sad Girl Spring is in full bloom, and these albums held my hand through it all
BY AMELIA JONES, IMAGE BY @ISHASHAHPHOTOGRAPHY
Breakups are never graceful. Mine was a full-body sob in the shower, asking ChatGPT for advice, and eating chocolate ice cream like it was fine cuisine. But through every tear-soaked pillow and self-doubt spiral, music was there – specifically, these seven queer albums that didn’t just soundtrack my heartbreak, they helped me survive it.
Whether you’re healing, hurting, or writing morbid poems in your Notes app, this list has a little something for everyone: sapphic softness, trans rage, R&B catharsis, and electro-chaos. Consider this your musical life raft.
Boygenius – the record
For when your feelings need an indie-folk funeral.
Starting you off with a classic. When Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus join forces, it’s like being wrapped in a blanket of heartbreak. The record moves from defiant (Not Strong Enough) to devastating (Letter To An Old Poet) with gut-punch precision. It’s a mix of sorrow and solidarity – whether you’re crying on the floor or contemplating your life choices.
Kehlani – Blue Water Road
For the romantics who still believe, even when it hurts.
Kehlani’s Blue Water Road is breakup music for soul-healers and hopeless romantics. Tracks like Altar are like prayers whispered to your wounded heart. The album meditates on love and loss, delivering emotional catharsis that feels like a warm hug even as it shreds your heart. Bring the tissues.
Arlo Parks – Collapsed In Sunbeams
For the overthinkers who reread texts and replay conversations like it’s a sport.
Arlo Parks‘ Collapsed In Sunbeams is soft, poetic, and comforting –like your emotionally intelligent friend guiding you through your heartache. Tracks like Black Dog and Eugene hit you right in the feels, while Hope keeps you from texting your ex “for closure.”
Leith Ross – To Learn
For when you’re heartbroken, hungover and lying on the floor.
Leith Ross writes the kind of songs you put on when you’re processing five years of feelings in 45 minutes. It’s soft, devastating, and real in that painfully honest way. Tracks like We’ll Never Have Sex and (You) On My Arm will have you lying on your bedroom floor, staring at the ceiling like it holds the answers. It’s lo-fi heartbreak for when you’re deep in your feelings, but at least you’re not crying on public transport (again).
King Princess – Cheap Queen
For when you need to feel powerful and broken all at once.
King Princess brings the sass, the vulnerability, and enough fiery energy to make you question all your past relationship choices. Cheap Queen is like a masterclass in self-worth, identity, and love – perfect for when you’re crying over an ex but still planning your glow-up.
MUNA – MUNA
For dancing through a breakdown
Pop with heart, but make it unapologetically queer. MUNA’s self-titled album is the soundtrack to getting over someone, even when you’re not sure you’re actually over them (fake it ’til you make it). Anything But Me is for realising your worth, while What I Want is the perfect track for when you’re pretending you’re fine, even though your heart is still recovering. It’s music for letting go – while dancing.
Brandi Carlile – By the Way, I Forgive You
For those who turn their emotional chaos into acoustic guitar solos.
For when you need to cry in a way that feels deeply meaningful, like you’re the main character in an emotional film montage. By The Way, I Forgive You is perfect for when you’re deep in your feelings, but you also want to look like you’re having an existential moment that will inspire Instagram captions later.
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