Tolstoy once said, “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” The same goes for music. If you’ve heard one love song, you’ve heard them all. The real finesse comes in mapping out heartbreak and loneliness. Valentine’s Day is upon us again, and single people the world over are opening their iTunes or Spotify and listening to sad, weepy music about just how single they really are. We’re just here to make sure you do it right.

“Sometimes” — My Bloody Valentine

You really just have to look at the band name to see why this would be appropriate. If you need more reassurance, the name of the album this is from is “Loveless.” The lyrics may not talk about the loss of love as clearly as the other songs here, but the ocean of guitar sound and the lilt of the keyboards on this track speak for themselves. For the times your heart is sinking, this is the kind of beauty that’ll get you back afloat.

“Positively 4th Street” — Bob Dylan

Released as a single in the sixties, people have theorized for more than 50 years about who this kiss-off song is addressed to. Perhaps it’s still a mystery because any human being who found out they were the one at the end of Dylan’s colorful, jagged insults would probably enter a state of unmeasurable psychological distress. Don’t send this song to any ex you’re angry at! But for those moments you’ve just got to get the aggression out, singing along to this is just the trick. Also, check out “Blood on the Tracks” by Dylan to hear perhaps the greatest breakup album ever recorded.

“Slipped” — The National

It’s hard to even imagine what a happy song by The National would sound like. This track, from last year’s “Trouble Will Find Me,” is as sparse as it is moving. Though theirs is a catalogue peopled by numerous five-star breakup songs, this one may take the cake for being the one that will draw you to tears the quickest. If you’re in the mood to get really somber, their fourth album, “Boxer,” is perhaps the best musical expose of a decaying relationship you’ll ever hear.

“Do I Wanna Know?” — Arctic Monkeys

This is another track from last year, and it’s the flipside of the previous song. Where “Slipped” is all introversion and wondering where things went wrong, “Do I Wanna Know?” is a series of queries and statements shaped around what all that confusion can mean for the future. This one won’t help you get over your ex, but it’ll definitely teach you how to start asking why you can’t.

“There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” — The Smiths

I really wish I could’ve been more original. There are so many great sad Smiths songs about love and loss, but you’ve got to call a spade a spade. When it comes to unrequited affection, this one was, is and always will be the best one. Morrissey is the prime minister of mope and this is his Magna Carta.