At the regular Thursday night Ladies Night during the spring of 2005, one of my friends waved to me near the dance floor. He smirked and said, “Word on the street is that Josie Rubio was seen buying a Kelly Clarkson CD at Best Buy today.”
Earlier, I had found myself at the Best Buy near my office in Columbus, Ohio, with Breakaway, the latest Kelly Clarkson CD in my hands. I couldn’t possibly buy (or perhaps even find) the CD at one of the cool record stores near the Ohio State campus, and this seemed like a good spot to make an illicit purchase. Until I hear a familiar voice behind me. “Hey, Josie, what are you buying?”
I had forgotten that someone I knew from the goth clubs/nights worked in the automotive stereo department. I sheepishly showed him my Kelly Clarkson CD. He was out at the club that night, and apparently word was spreading about my love of catchy pop tunes.
I love “Since U Been Gone” so I slipped the disc into my car stereo right after I bought it and listened to it on repeat all the way back to work. It’s not even a guilty pleasure. It’s a good song.
Today there is a dance party celebrating its 15-year anniversary and release in November 2004. I remember watching and discussing the video with my former roommate.
I still love that song. In fact, it was one of last summer’s anthems, for obvious reasons. After the breakup, I had a very small Gwen Stefani “Used to Love You” phase of a few weeks, followed by a triumphant return to victory songs. I played “Since U Been Gone” a lot. A lot. My music snob ex would have hated it so I played it even more. I alternated between that song and Icona Pop’s “I Don’t Care.” I listened to the latter on repeat the day we went to the courthouse to dissolve our domestic partnership. I was so happy, the clerk congratulated me.
I was trying to think of my other favorite breakup songs, but I don’t remember most of them. I do know that I played “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran over and over again after my very first breakup at 15. I guess the tone of the song depends on the breakup. That one was definitely a “Since U Been Gone” parting of ways. Happy 15-year-anniversary to one of my favorite breakup anthems. I don’t regret making that purchase at Best Buy.