‘Back to December’ (2010)

Taylor Swift's song "Back To December" is one of her most emotional songs. Its wistful elegance pushed it to the bottom of many international charts, but Taylor's American fans embraced it, propelling it to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a respectable showing on the Adult Contemporary chart. It's hard to think that this honest, knowing lyric was written by a woman who was only in her early twenties at the time.

'Back to December,' with soft guitar and string flourishes against a winter soundtrack, isn't quite as Christmassy as the title suggests, but it's perfect for the bereaved (and the heartbreakers). Swift, in a similar vein to 'champagne troubles,' lifts her hands up, eats her pride, and sings honestly of her regret towards a past partner.

The country-pop song has a softness to it that makes the singer's guilt ache even more. The bridge of the song is where the song reaches its height, as she tries to restore exposed memories and correct where she went wrong. She realizes it's too late, and that simply loving someone isn't enough: ‘I'd go back in time and change it, but I can't’. Taylor isn't afraid to be vulnerable and share her insecurities; she apologizes and expects nothing in return.

Album: “Speak Now”

Songwriter: Taylor Swift

Accolades: The single won Swift the Teen Choice Award for Choice Break-Up Song.