The Ultimate Breakup-Anthem Playlist

By Chiara Atik for HowAboutWe

People talk about breaking-up like it's a one dimensional thing: you break up, you feel shitty. But in reality, each distinct phase of your break- up comes with its own unique emotion, and each break-up emotion is worthy of its own playlist. (Or, if you're in a hurry, this handy one will rush you through the grieving process and have you back on the dating scene in no time.)

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There's the lie down on the floor and cry stage (Speeding Cars, Imogen Heap). There's the going through the motions of daily life but nothing has meaning anymore stage (Meant For You, Jewel). And then there's the anger stage. The vengeful phase. The fun phase.

The criteria for a good break-up power anthem is the following:

A) Empowering Lyrics (Something with the subtext of "You suck and I am like, hilariously better off without you and everyone knows it.")

B) Some Nice Belty Parts (Because this is a song that you'll blast as you angrily ellipt on the elliptical, angrily apply makeup before going out, angrily sing to as you dance around your house in a rage.)

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Ready to feel empowered, a little self-righteous, and a whole lot better off without him or her?

Here we go…

10. Ex-Girlfriend - No Doubt



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9. Goodbye To You - Patty Smyth



8. You're So Vain - Carly Simon




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7. We Are Never Ever Ever (Getting Back Together) - Taylor Swift



6. Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar




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5. Goodbye Earl - Dixie Chicks



4. Irreplaceable - Beyonce



3. You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette




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2. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor



1. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson