Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
Heartbreak songs are often bittersweet and lyrical, with many having beautiful melodies.
They’re very captivating.
Among them, Western songs—many of which are in English—can be even more enjoyable if you listen while using a translation site!
The real charm lies in considering the singer’s feelings behind expressions that a straightforward Japanese-to-English translation can’t fully capture.
Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s: World-famous and popular songs (1–10)
I miss youKlymaxx
This song is a breakup song, yet it has a beautiful melody.
There’s a line that goes, “Every time the phone rings, I pray to God it’s you,” and we’ve all had that kind of experience after a breakup, haven’t we? These days, would it be the sound of a message on a cell phone?
Separate WaysJourney
The sound that starts on the keyboard at the beginning of this song is great.
It’s a song about a man who, while regretting the breakup and still loving the woman who’s leaving, says that if that’s the path she chooses, he wishes for her happiness.
A guy like that is just too cool, isn’t he?
Right Here WaitingRichard Marx
This song opens with a piano performance, and you can really feel the loneliness seep in.
In the chorus, which goes something like, “No matter where you go or what you do, I’ll be here waiting,” the sorrow of heartbreak is expressed.
I recommend it for men who want to fully sink into a breakup and have a good cry.
Don’t YouSimple Minds
In the chorus, after “Don’t you forget about me,” the way “Don’t” is repeated four times really conveys strong feeling.
Yet the tune itself has a fresh, crisp vibe, which gives the impression of a stylish song.
AloneHeart
The chorus means “How do I get you alone?”—as in, how can I have you all to myself? It expresses possessiveness.
For someone who strongly wants to make their lover theirs alone, someone who’s had their lover taken away, or someone dealing with heartbreak, how about this song?