My Top 5 Most Beautiful Break-Up songs:

5. Someone Like You - Adele (2011)
Yes I know it's slightly overplayed on the radio, possibly very overplayed. But it's certainly not overrated. From the soft piano introduction to the hesitancy of her voice as she goes up to the chorus for the last time, it's heartache, grief and acceptance all within four or so phrases. The rhythmic difference between the instrumental accompaniment and her vocals draw me to her voice. Not to mention it's catchy, most people are guilty of belting out Adele when no one's around-sometimes even when they are.

4. Ain't No Sunshine- Bill Withers (1971)
Not necessarily written about a personal break-up, this R&B classic sure lends itself to the category. It has plenty of soul and the memorable riff of  "I knows" that just seems to capture what he's saying in two short words. Withers jumps right into the song without an interlude and really, there's no intro needed for this authentic bluesy number.
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3. I Will Always Love You- Whitney Houston (1992)
Sorry for those of you who live and die by the Dolly Parton 1974 original but this is probably the only exception I have for the whole "a cover is never better than the original" rule. Immediately after hearing the a capella introduction in her quiet yet clear voice I can feel her despair and it is breathtaking. I still get chills every time I hear the anticipated explosion of sound into the key change. No one else could have effectively turned a country ballad into a contemporary soul hit.

2. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac (1977)
One of the ultimate break-up songs written at a time when band members Nicks and Buckingham were breaking up themselves in the midst of recording it. Although that studio must have been radiating with tension, the end result is a piece of heart-wrenching gold. With an unusual rhythm and uncommon FM guitar solo, I find myself bobbing along to the beat despite the deep meaning behind the lyrics. You can hear the anger in his voice as it fills with passion through the chorus. I love it.
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1. For No One - The Beatles (1966)
Although this is not even in my top 10 favorite Beatles songs, it is such a beautiful if not melancholy ballad written by McCartney about a struggling relationship in the midst of his Beatlemania days. In his muses defense, he probably wasn't the easiest of boyfriends.This song is the epitome of loneliness and feeling unappreciated that anyone can relate to whether it be in a romantic relationship or not. The lyrics, bass line and layering of instruments all add to its musical genius. Maybe it's the simplicity of the structure that makes this song stand out on my list. Either way, it's a fantastic song to behold.