I do these blog posts from time to time. They’re heartbreaking ballads and break-up songs, and I call them my “Armor-Plated Heart” songs. Songs that will bring your emotions to tears, and that none but those with armor-plated hearts will avoid crying all night. If you’ve had a rough Valentine’s Day weekend, these songs may be the only way to get through to the next working day without looking for the nearest (and highest) bridge.
WALTER JACKSON
Suddenly I’m All Alone
Walter Jackson had a string of R&B hits in the 1960’s, including songs like “It’s All Over” and “Speak Her Name,” but this track – with the orchestral chimes in it – is just ten levels of awesome.
ROBERT JOHN
Sad Eyes
Another sad break-up song, and every time I hear the refrain to this song, it’s heart-wrenching.
JON FARNHAM
Please Don’t Ask Me
John Farnham’s biggest hits were “You’re The Voice” and “Age of Reason,” but when you take this track – and just listen to it – it’s the song you need when that one person you truly love isn’t interested in you any more.
JIM DIAMOND
I Should Have Known Better
Jim Diamond was the lead singer of a British group called Ph.D., who had an international hit with the song “I Won’t Let You Down.” This was his only solo hit, and it was an international smash as well.
LARRY SANTOS
We Can’t Hide It Anymore
Between the painful, soulful bass voice of Larry Santos, and the echoing glissando hook in the intro and between the verses, this song should have been a bigger hit. At least among the broken-hearted set.
WENDY MATTHEWS
The Day You Went Away
Wendy Matthews had a string of ballads in Australia, and this was the biggest of her output.
FRED KNOBLOCK
Why Not Me
This track is for every guy who watched the girl he loved get married – to someone else. Urgh.
DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Goin’ Back
Dusty Springfield’s effortless vocals are just amazing and tearful at the same time. I’m not kidding on this one.
THE SONICS
This Broken Heart
What’s a little armor-plating heart without some awesome doo-wop vocal harmony?
DAVID GATES
Never Let Her Go
And finally, I’m adding a David Gates ballad. No, it’s not the one from The Goodbye Girl. I never want to hear that song again. Ever.
And there you go. Yet another pack of songs that, no matter how strong you think you might be when it comes to relationships… these songs will pierce your heart every time.
On K-Chuck Radio.
Chuck The Writer 