The Mel Ottenberg Breakup Playlist: Move On, Heal, and Have Fun

By Interview

This is SOUND ADVICE, the place where Interview’s friends, rivals, and lovers share the playlists that define their moments. In recent weeks, we’ve heard from Harris Dickinson, DJ Thank You, and Macy Rodman. This time, the spotlight is on our editor in chief, Mel Ottenberg, who decided to answer the flood of requests filling his Instagram DMs by finally sharing his go-to breakup playlist—complete with a little, well, sound advice.

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Best breakup advice you’ve ever received? It gets better.

Revenge glow-up tips? New furniture, get laid, go to therapy.

What’s a lyric that lives in your head rent-free? From this mix it’s: “In the town of broken dreams // The streets are filled with regret // Maybe down in lonesome town // We can learn to forget.”

What does your notes app look like? Ideas, lists, truths.

What’s your favorite song to crash out to? From this mix it’s “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins.

A song to blast in the car while it’s raining and you’re crying? “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson.

A song that turns you on? “Hot Body Rub” by Ariel Pink.

How do you beat the blues? By working on myself and helping others.

Best heartbreak movie of all time ? Terms of Endearment!