Gateway Playlist: October 28, 2015

With the video for her new single, “Hello,” breaking the record for most views in 24 hours on Vevo, Adele proved to us once and for all this week that we are just not over her. Like the world’s collective ex-lover, Adele ignored us for three years, then called us (on her flip phone) out of the blue just to remind us that we still love her and send us back to our beds alone to cry into ice cream. In the spirit of the queen’s return, the theme for this week’s playlist is “Songs to Call Your Ex To.” Don’t forget the tissues!

Adele – Hello

The first release from her upcoming album, 25, just goes to show that Adele only gets better with age. She’s described 25 as a “make-up” album, and it will be the last one to use her age as the title.

Marvin’s Room – Drake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwyjxsOYnys

As funny as it is to see Drake dance like a Christian dad in a turtleneck to Hotline Bling, sad Drake is the Drake we loved first, and Marvin’s Room is peak angst.

Ryan Adams – I Wish You Would

This track comes from Ryan Adams’ cover album of “1989”, by Taylor Swift. This version does a great job of adding new hurt to a familiar song, but to give credit where credit is due, no one writes an ex-jam like T-Swift.

Bill Murray – Matt Nathanson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awotyT1YstU

Matt Nathanson is an artist whose lyrics tell stories better than movies, and this one from his latest album, Show Me Your Fangs, is no exception. To sum it up, even Bill Murray thinks you should call your ex.

Dear Marie – John Mayer

John Mayer songs about ex-lovers are a dime a dozen, but this one is probably the least subtle. This will have you drawing hearts around photos in old yearbooks and wondering whether any former flames are creeping your Facebook right now.

You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are – Keaton Henson

If you really want to make it through this call without stopping to sob incoherently, I recommend not watching the video for this one. Keaton Henson will make you feel nostalgic for every person you’ve ever made eye contact with. Good luck.