Carly Simon, 1972 – “You’re So Vain”
Fleetwood Mac, 1976 – “Go Your Own Way”
Many consider this to be the greatest breakup song of all time. The song “Go Your Own Way” was written about the split up between bandmates Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Although it doesn’t exactly portray Stevie in a positive light, the song has stood up through the test of time and has become a highlight to Fleetwood Mac’s breakout album “Rumours.”
ABBA, 1980 – “The Winner Takes It All”
Even though Björn Ulvaeus claims the song “The Winner Takes It All” is about going through a divorce and has nothing to do with ending his marriage with bandmate Agnetha Fältskog who sings the lead, it’s still a nice sad pop tune. The Swedish quartet and this song earned the last top-10 single in the US. When performing together it’s hard to imagine how tough it must be for the one-time couple to play this song.
Phil Collins, 1984 – “Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now)”
It’s difficult to win back the love of an ex. It’s even more difficult to come to grips with the fact that it’s never going to happen. Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” soundtrack had the ’80s hit that was about feeling hopelessly in love. This can be heartbreaking but the song “Take a Look At Me Now” makes anyone feel more optimistic about their future love life.
Alanis Morissette, 1995 – “You Oughta Know”
From performing in shopping malls in Canada to becoming the most recognizable female voice of the ’90s, Alanis Morisette made her mark with the hit “You Oughta Know.” If Alanis isn’t doing well after a breakup, she lets her ex know. There are many questions around who she’s pointing her lyrics at though. A favorite theory is that the song is about “Full House” star Dave Coulier. He has denied this and some agree with him. I mean, Joey Gladstone? This can’t be!