Revisionist History: Malcolm Breaks Down the Perfect Break Up Song
Hosted by Pushkin Industries | Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction and Special Collaboration

In this Valentine's Day special episode of Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell collaborates with Justin Richmond and Leah Rose, hosts of the Broken Record podcast. The episode seeks to explore the intricacies of love and break-up songs across various music genres, questioning which genre truly captures the essence of love and heartbreak.

R&B: The Quintessential Genre for Love Songs

Malcolm Gladwell opens the discussion by positing that R&B stands as the preeminent genre for love songs. He delves into the historical roots of R&B, tracing its origins back to gospel music, which centers on themes of love and devotion—albeit directed towards a higher power.

"[R&B] comes out of really, like, gospel. You know, like, gospel is about love and devotion to a higher being, to God... they just sort of sense a romantic love, so they just take God out and put in a Man, a woman, a lover."
— Malcolm Gladwell [05:22]

Justin Richmond concurs, highlighting how R&B's succinct and emotive sound makes it the go-to choice for love scenes in movies and other media. He cites classics like Sam Cooke's transformation from gospel to R&B with songs like "Lovely."

"It's like it's... it's everything. The ethereal and the theological, down to the romantic and the platonic, like it's everything."
— Justin Richmond [05:54]

The Evolution of R&B and Its Impact on Love Songs

Malcolm traces the progression of R&B, noting its continual refinement and deepening emotional resonance over the years. He references artists like Sam Cooke, whose transition from gospel to R&B exemplifies the genre's capacity to convey profound emotions.

"R and B isn't like the preeminent genre for love songs? It's like it's. It has to do with the ethereal and the theological, down to the romantic and the platonic, like it's everything."
— Malcolm Gladwell [05:54]

The conversation also touches upon iconic R&B artists such as Whitney Houston and Babyface, emphasizing their contributions to love music. Justin reminisces about an interview with Babyface, highlighting his ability to craft timeless love songs.

Interview with Babyface: Crafting the Perfect Love Song

The episode features an insightful interview with Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds), a legendary songwriter known for his work with Whitney Houston and other R&B luminaries.

Babyface shares the origins of his first love song, "Falling in Love Again," written during his high school years. He describes songwriting as a personal and emotional outlet, often inspired by his own experiences and relationships.

"It wasn't anything but that. I didn't think they were going to go anywhere. But that was the drive."
— Babyface [08:44]

He elaborates on his songwriting process, emphasizing the importance of emotion and personal experiences in crafting authentic love songs. Babyface also performed a snippet of another one of his early songs, "Sweet November," showcasing his genuine lyrical prowess.

"It was a song that was written way back then."
— Babyface [10:50]

Justin Richmond reflects on the personal nature of Babyface's songwriting, appreciating the depth and authenticity that comes from writing about one's own emotions.

"It's kind of beautiful even just divorced from the music. If you just look at the words, it's like high level, you know?"
— Justin Richmond [10:57]

Folk and Country: Masters of the Breakup Ballad

Ben Nadif Huffrey, producer and sometimes host of The Last Archive, joins the conversation to present an alternative perspective. He argues that folk and country genres excel in delivering compelling breakup and lost love songs, perhaps even surpassing R&B in this niche.

"Folk or country, either one would be my leading contender for the genre that is best at love songs. And I think it's because on some level, like, a breakup song or a lost love song is superior to a straight up love song."
— Ben Nadif Huffrey [17:36]

Ben emphasizes that breakup songs often resonate more deeply because they capture the complexity and pain of lost love, creating a sense of community among listeners who have experienced similar emotions.

"There's something about a particular breakup story or sad romance song that... creates a community with you when you maybe feel otherwise alone or bereft."
— Ben Nadif Huffrey [17:56]

Debating the Emotional Depth: R&B vs. Country

The hosts engage in a spirited debate over the emotional authenticity of R&B and country music. Leah Rose criticizes country music for its perceived focus on melancholy and lack of uplifting elements, suggesting that its roots in the Church of Christ contribute to its somber tone.

"It's depressive music. That's the whole point... they [country musicians] were... white Southerners bemoaning the loss of their status and, like, bowing their head in the face of a vengeful God."
— Leah Rose [32:42]

In contrast, Justin Richmond defends R&B's capability to handle both joyous and sorrowful themes, underscoring its versatility and emotional range.

The Subjectivity of Musical Preferences in Love Songs

As the discussion progresses, the conversation acknowledges the inherently subjective nature of musical preferences. Malcolm Gladwell expresses his personal preference for sad, unrequited love songs over happy, upbeat ones, highlighting how individual experiences shape one's musical tastes.

"I'll take a depressed, unrequited love song over a happy, over the moon love song any day."
— Malcolm Gladwell [40:43]

Justin Richmond concedes that genre categorizations are man-made and that the effectiveness of a love song often depends more on personal connection than on the genre itself.

"It's so subjective... it's for me, based on my personal experiences still R and B."
— Justin Richmond [40:31]

Conclusion: Celebrating the Diversity of Love in Music

The episode concludes with an appreciation for the diverse ways music captures the multifaceted nature of love and heartbreak. While R&B is celebrated for its historical depth and emotional resonance, folk and country are lauded for their ability to articulate the pain of lost love. The hosts and guests agree that the best love songs transcend genres, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level.

"I'm gonna celebrate Valentine's Day by listening to songs that make me cry... Classics for Crying."
— Malcolm Gladwell [41:38]

Ultimately, the episode underscores that the "perfect" love song is one that authentically conveys emotion, regardless of its musical genre.

Notable Quotes:

• "R and B isn't like the preeminent genre for love songs? It's like it's. It has to do with the ethereal and the theological, down to the romantic and the platonic, like it's everything."
  — Malcolm Gladwell [05:54]

• "It was the drive... that was in the fall."
  — Babyface [10:58]

• "There's something about a particular breakup story or sad romance song that... creates a community with you when you maybe feel otherwise alone or bereft."
  — Ben Nadif Huffrey [17:56]

• "I'll take a depressed, unrequited love song over a happy, over the moon love song any day."
  — Malcolm Gladwell [40:43]

This episode of Revisionist History masterfully dissects the landscape of love songs, offering nuanced perspectives on how different genres capture the spectrum of human emotions associated with love and loss. Whether it's the soulful depths of R&B or the poignant storytelling of folk and country, the conversation celebrates the enduring power of music to express the most intimate facets of our lives.