Whether it’s your freshman year of high school or your freshman year of college, first love can completely rock your world and make you feel like everything around you has come crashing down all at the same time. When the latter occurs, music can often be the best therapy. At this time in our lives, many of us are trying to figure ourselves out while also balancing school and work responsibilities. When always on the go both mentally and physically, a good playlist may be your only salvation when your mind starts roaming aimlessly in public about “you-know-who.” 

“Time” by Snoh Aalegra 

First things first, let’s go ahead and cry out anything that needs to be cried out. Your heart keeps sliding onto your sleeve and you want to just avoid the feeling altogether. However, although it may not seem evident immediately, it’s going to take time to truly feel confident after losing half of a heart. From Snoh Aalagra’s appropriately titled new album “Feels,” give it up to time to wash the pain away with this smooth R&B vibe.

“Touch XXX” by Phebe Starr

Losing the physical presence of that person can be the hardest memories to hide in the back of your mind. This new single from pop artist Phebe Starr can hold you better than that person who should not be named ever did. Getting over going from talking to someone every day to having to resist the urge to text them sounds like such a small feat it can feel monumental to how you approach each and every day without them.

“No Luck” by Kaylan Mary

No Luck is a must-add to your break-up playlist for when each attempt to get out of bed in the morning feels slippery. When you find your mood shifting drastically throughout the day as you attempt to not text that special person, No Luck by Atlanta native Kaylan Mary is a nice reminder that you’re not the only one who may be struggling to rationalize this love thing. It’s okay to not really understand what’s happening with you on the inside. Although we may not want to face it, the truth is that at some point many of us have to come to terms with the harsh reality that heartbreak is an endless cycle in life.

“Swoosh” by GoldLink

When it comes to heartbreak, comfort music that you can get lost in is the best music. Swoosh from GoldLink’s new album Diaspora puts the focus back on finding the best parts of yourself. It’s all about letting go of commitment and checking off that list of goals you’ve had sitting around for the longest. “Don’t let them see you cry” as an excerpt from Beyonce states towards the end of the track. The first step is to get out of your head about what went wrong and start doing right by yourself.

“In My Head” by Ariana Grande

Let’s be honest, anyone granted with your presence will never be the same. This sweet but savage track from Ariana Grande’s Thank U Next is a reminder that it’s time to give credit where credit is due. Although the pain in your chest right now might tell you otherwise, take a couple of deep breathes and acknowledge how amazing, unbelievable it was for that other person to get a chance to experience a relationship with you in the first place.

“Love Songs” by Luke Christopher

From this point on, no more listening to songs where it’s all about them. No more listening to love songs! It’s time to put the ice cream away and give yourself the devotion you deserve. Instead of listening to all the love songs urging you to give a middle finger to forgiveness, instead, start overwriting all of those future plans you may have dedicated to your significant other and give yourself all that love. It’s all about bringing it full circle.

“Ready” by Victoria Monet

Time to pull out your best clothes to share this newfound love for that beautiful being you keep passing by in the mirror. New relationships and even old friendships in your life may surprise you and urge you onto turning a new leaf. The single life is a life to be celebrated!

“Cellophane” by FKA Twigs

Don’t strain against vulnerability. FKA Twigs reveals what many of us are embarrassed to say out loud after a break-up. “Cellophane” enwraps all of the doubts we may have going through our minds about what went wrong. The production of the song itself highlights the difficulty of all the background noise of opinions around you and swirling in your own head right now. 

“Heavy” by Kiana Lede

It’s time to feel light. Kiana Lede has gained a lot of traction for her catchy pop tunes like EX and Bouncin’, yet this track shows a different side of the artist and is extremely relatable to any teen experiencing anything from a breakup to college applications that can make us feel extra anxious and extra unsure.

“Soulmate” by Lizzo

After the rollercoaster of emotions ceases, a dance party of one is a must. Lizzo reminds us that all you have to do is look in the mirror and fall in love immediately. Treat yourself with the utmost respect and don’t worry about what the future holds. See that sexy human form in the mirror? Yep, it’s you.

No one knows how to love you like you!

At the end of the day, the most important thing to keep in mind while on this rollercoaster of emotions is that positivity should be your best friend. It’s just another part of the ups and downs that happen in life and the best thing you can do is grow from it as time goes on. There’s so much more life to live and this is only the beginning of your amazing journey.