RAG MusicHeartbreak Songs
A wonderful heartbreak song

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.

Heartbreak songs in Western music that were hits in the ’80s: World-famous and popular tracks (21–30)

The Magic of LoveTina Turner

Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It (Official Video) [HD]
The Magic of LoveTina Turner

Tina Turner’s voice is distinctive and feels like a perfect fit for this melancholic song.

She repeatedly sings the phrase “What’s love got to do with it?”—which is like saying, “What does love have to do with it?”—so why not take some time to think carefully about what “it” refers to?

Come back to meJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson – Come Back To Me (Closed Captioned)
Come back to meJanet Jackson

When it comes to women’s dance music from the ’80s, Janet Jackson is what comes to mind, but this breakup song has such a gentle tone that the loneliness of heartbreak gradually seeps through.

The whispered line in the middle—“Please come back, I’m so lonely”—is the kind that brings tears to your eyes.

Careless WhisperGeorge Michael

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael

These are lyrics about someone who cheated but doesn’t want to give up on his girlfriend.

In romantic relationships, it’s common that even if the one who cheated regrets it, the person who was betrayed finds it very hard to forgive.

The content of the lyrics is unfortunate, but the song itself is wonderful.

Don’t Wanna Lose YouGloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan – Don’t Wanna Lose You (Official Video)
Don't Wanna Lose YouGloria Estefan

As the title says, “I don’t wanna lose you” — I don’t want to lose you.

It’s a stock phrase for heartbreak, but it’s one you might find yourself wanting to sing over and over.

She’s the vocalist of Miami Sound Machine, and while many of their songs have a tropical dance-music vibe, this one is a gently delivered track with a beautiful melody.

Shattered DreamsJohnny Hates Jazz

Johnny Hates Jazz – Shattered Dreams (Official Music Video)
Shattered DreamsJohnny Hates Jazz

The meaning of the English title is “shattered dreams.” In the song, the lyric “I thought it was you…” appears multiple times—pay attention to that line.

It expresses the feeling of having trusted her only to be betrayed.

That’s something many of us experience after a heartbreak.