A History of Post-Breakup Albums

Musicians who turned heartbreak into art before Nas on Life Is Good.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Heartbreak can be excruciating. Some people handle it by sulking in their apartment and eating too much. Others take to social media with a vengeance and embarrass themselves. Musicians, however, tend to stick to what they know best and channel the pain into art, often crafting entire projects inspired by failed relationships.

The most recent example comes by way of our current cover star, Nas, who revealed his Life Is Good album cover yesterday, which features ex-wife Kelis' green wedding dress draped over his lap. After seeing the artwork, we decided to round up other LPs that came on the heels of high-profile splits. Continue reading for a look at the history of over 40 years of post-breakup albums.

Written by Ernest Baker (@newbornrodeo)

Miles Davis Bitches Brew (1970)

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Willie Nelson Phases and Stages (1974)

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Bob Dylan Blood on the Tracks (1975)

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Fleetwood Mac Rumours (1977)

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Marvin Gaye Here, My Dear (1978)

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Phil Collins Face Value (1981)

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Richard & Linda Thompson Shoot Out The Lights (1982)

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Phyllis Hyman Living All Alone (1986)

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Bruce Springsteen Tunnel Of Love (1987)

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Madonna Erotica (1992)

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Green Day Dookie (1994)

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Tom Petty Wildflowers (1994)

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Alanis Morisette Jagged Little Pill (1995)

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No Doubt Tragic Kingdom (1995)

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Tori Amos Boys for Pele (1996)

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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds The Boatman's Call (1997)

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Spiritualized Ladies and Gentlemen, We Are Floating In Space (1997)

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Mariah Carey Butterfly (1997)

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PJ Harvey Is This Desire? (1998)

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Blur 13 (1999)

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Cursive Domestica (2000)

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Atmosphere Lucy Ford (2001)

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Maroon 5 Songs About Jane (2002)

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Beck Sea Change (2002)

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Justin Timberlake Justified (2002)

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Annie Lennox Bare (2003)

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Usher Confessions (2004)

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Amy Winehouse Back To Black (2006)

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Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

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Kanye West 808s & Heartbreak (2008)

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Noah and the Whale The First Days of Spring (2009)

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Joanna Newsom Have One on Me (2010)

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Taylor Swift Speak Now (2010)

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Adele 21 (2011)

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