Examining romance that has gone off the rails, this compendium analyzes the 52 most tawdry, obsessive, self-absorbed, and completely weird love songs ever written. Organizing the list into 10 different categories—with chapters such as Death Becomes Us and I'm Not Bitter, I Just Wish You'd Die, You Miserable Pig (Tramp)—the book features restraining order-inducing stalker ditties, narcissistic anthems, bitter break-up tunes, and a few of the 1,500 songs entitled "Butterfly." From pop kings and princesses (Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera) to rock stars and rappers (Mötley Crüe and Eminem), alt-rockers (Radiohead and Weezer) to women who rock (Alanis Morissette and Melissa Etheridge) and bands whose popularity has endured for years (the Beatles and the Police), this collection reveals that every musical genre is just a little bit creepy.

Tom Reynolds is a writer, television producer, and the author of I Hate Myself and Want to Die: The 52 Most Depressing Songs You've Ever Heard and Wild Ride, which is based on his documentary, The Wild Ride of Outlaw Bikers. He lives in Los Angeles.