Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
Breakup songs are often poignantly lyrical, with beautiful melodies and the like.
They’re very captivating.
Among them, Western songs—since they’re mostly in English—can be even more enjoyable if you listen while consulting a translation site.
The real charm lies in considering the singer’s feelings behind turns of phrase that a straightforward Japanese-to-English translation can’t fully capture.
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Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s: World-famous and popular songs (1–10)
Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO
This is a signature work by the American brass-rock band Chicago, depicting the pain of heartbreak alongside an elegant piano melody.
Released in September 1982 and produced by David Foster, the song elevates the rich musicality of the brass section into a pop arrangement.
It topped the U.S.
singles chart for two consecutive weeks.
Chosen as the ending theme for the film “Blue Lovers,” it also became familiar in Japan as a commercial song for Osaka Gas and Toyota.
The lyrics portray a man who, after being told goodbye by his lover, regrets his past behavior—feelings that many listeners can surely empathize with.
Love BitesDef Leppard
The title “love bites” literally means something like “love bites,” which sounds a bit like a horror movie and feels odd, but in the song they sing “Love bites, love bleeds” — love bites and it bleeds.
Are they trying to say that love is something that requires that much resolve?
Misty HeartQuarterflash
This song that starts with a saxophone gives off a slightly more grown-up vibe, doesn’t it? It keeps repeating “I’m gonna harden my heart, I’m gonna swallow my tears,” emphasizing the resolve to stay strong and hold back the tears.
Is it like, even after a heartbreak, you’ve got to be tough?
Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the '80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks (11–20)
The WinnerABBA
Speaking of ABBA, they’re a group that produced numerous hits in the ’70s, but this song has a calmer tone compared to their other hits.
The lyrics liken romance to a card game, portraying it in terms of winners and losers.
It’s also famous for being used in the musical “Mamma Mia.”
A Shadow of LoveBonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler, with her distinctive voice.
Her vocals in this song feel incredibly powerful.
The repeated line “Turn around,” asking someone to look this way, really heightens the sense of loneliness.
It might be perfect for someone heartbroken who just wants to have a good cry.
If You LeaveOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
This song, which became a big hit thanks to the movie Pretty in Pink, has a bright feel, but it’s actually a breakup song, isn’t it? I love the way the vocals are sung on the line “I touch you once, I touch you twice.” In the song, she says that even if they break up, they’ll be able to be friends someday, but that sounds like a pretty common line, doesn’t it?
Missing YouJohn Waite
The song says “I ain’t missing you,” meaning “I don’t want to see you,” but in truth he’s dying to see her and just putting on a brave face.
The lyrics feel a bit feminine for a man, but I suppose there are men like that too.