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.

Playlist

Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	I miss youKlymaxx		The beautiful melody of a heartbreak song and its earnest feelings.
2	Right Here WaitingRichard Marx		A piece where the loneliness of the piano is striking, expressing the sorrow of a broken heart.
3	AloneHeart		Expressing the desire to monopolize one’s lover
4	Separate WaysJourney		A farewell song that begins with keyboard sounds
5	Didn’t We Almost Have It AllWhitney Houston		Whitney’s vocal prowess blows away even the anger of a broken heart.
6	Don’t YouSimple Minds		A refreshing song that keeps repeating 'Don't forget'
7	Hold Me NowThompson Twins		Wishing for reconciliation with my lover in a song that begins with a xylophone
8	Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO		The classic song “Hard to Say,” which sings of the pain of heartbreak.
9	Love BitesDef Leppard		It means that love requires resolve.
10	Misty HeartQuarterflash		Singing a resolve to live strongly even after heartbreak
11	The WinnerABBA		ABBA's quiet love song
12	A Shadow of LoveBonnie Tyler		A song that expresses the loneliness of heartbreak through Bonnie Tyler’s powerful vocals.
13	If You LeaveOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark		Insert song from Pretty in Pink, breakup song
14	Missing YouJohn Waite		My true feelings want to see you—stubborn lyrics
15	Love stinksThe J. Geils Band		Heartbreak has a nasty smell and I want it to go away quickly.
16	Every Rose Has Its ThornPoison		A love that hurts with thorns like a rose.
17	Come back to meJanet Jackson		The gentle loneliness of Janet’s breakup song
18	Broken WingsMr. Mister		Let's rebuild our broken relationship
19	Immaculate LoveSoft Cell		A feeling of wanting to escape from a tainted love
20	The Magic of LoveTina Turner		Tina Turner’s distinctive voice and the theme of love
21	Careless WhisperGeorge Michael		Depicting the anguish of a man who regrets his infidelity
22	Foolish BeatDebbie Gibson		Debbie Gibson’s vocal ability and positivity
23	Goodbye to YouSCANDAL		Songs to sing after a breakup to lift your spirits
24	Here Comes the Rain AgainEurythmics		The sorrow of heartbreak that strikes every time it rains
25	Don’t Wanna Lose YouGloria Estefan		I don't want to lose you
26	I Hate Myself for Loving YouJoan Jett & The Blackhearts		A hard rock song expressing the anger of heartbreak
27	SomedayGlass Tiger		A confident attitude and hope after heartbreak
28	Shattered DreamsJohnny Hates Jazz		Betrayal and despair from heartbreak
29	I am this muchNaked Eyes		Being unable to forget her after a breakup
30	Cold-heartedPaula Abdul		Blowing away the sorrow of a broken heart with hatred
31	Storm of LovePat Benatar		Love is a battlefield.