A song that feels refreshing after a breakup. A love song to listen to when you want to move on.
I want to cleanly, completely forget my ex! For you who feel the same, we’ve gathered a collection of love songs.
We’ll introduce songs about feeling refreshed after a breakup, upbeat tracks about moving on, and songs where you’ve had enough and say goodbye.
Everyone’s breakup story is different, but what we all share is the desire to break free from this love, right? Sadness, anger, exasperation, resignation…
Even if you still have lingering feelings but want to summon the courage to move on, these are for you.
When you’re going through a breakup, listen to lots of songs that capture all kinds of emotions—and let it all out so you can feel refreshed.
- [I Want to Make My Ex Regret Losing Me] Love Songs to Listen to When You Feel That Way
- [Upbeat Breakup Song] Love songs and anthems that give you the courage to take a new step forward
- [Heartbreak Song] To Bounce Back From a Broken Heart | Uplifting, Positive Tracks & Anthems
- [Songs About Loving Yet Parting] Love songs for those who want to overcome heartbreak
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
- [Songs Portraying Strong Women] Positive Tracks to Listen to When You’re Feeling Discouraged
- Cheated-On Songs | Infidelity Anthems to Help You Overcome a Sad Love
- Farewell Songs: Tracks that sing various kinds of “goodbyes”
- [Female Heartbreak Song] A soul-stirring song dedicated to you, who loved with all your heart.
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- I want to let off some steam! Recommended anger songs and revenge songs
- An empathy song to listen to when you’re hurting and feel like a 'convenient woman'
- [Today’s Heartbreak Song] A poignant love song that gently wraps your wounded heart
A refreshing breakup playlist: Love songs to listen to when you want to move on (41–50)
RevengeMy Hair is Bad
This song sharply captures the heart of someone bearing the pain of heartbreak.
Included on My Hair is Bad’s November 2017 album “mothers,” it depicts a collision of fierce anger and deep sorrow.
Carried by vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s voice, it vividly traces the emotional arc—from the suddenness of the breakup, to the vengeful urges that follow, and finally to forgiveness.
It’s a track that stands with those suffering from heartbreak and struggling with the complexities of human relationships, inviting empathy.
As you listen to its extreme lyrics, you might paradoxically find yourself growing calmer.
Songs that make you feel relieved after a breakup: Love songs to listen to when you want to move on (51–60)
Goodbye, City LightsAile The Shota
A city pop sound with an urban yet nostalgic vibe.
In this song from Aile The Shota, he explores the complicated feelings toward an ex who only calls when drunk.
Released for streaming on November 6, 2024, it’s included on the album “REAL POP,” out on November 20 of the same month.
Co-created with Chaki Zulu, the track blends retro warmth with modern flair for a uniquely captivating feel.
The music video—told from a woman’s perspective and portraying wavering emotions—has also drawn attention.
Anyone can relate to the turmoil between lingering attachment and the desire to move on after a breakup.
It’s a mature love song you’ll want to listen to while strolling through the city at night.
memory glasseshorie atsushi
Breakup songs are timelessly popular, and a true classic in the genre is Jun Horie’s “Memory Glass.” Though it was released over 40 years ago, its lyrics resonate across generations.
The song captures the desperate struggle to forget someone, and every word is chosen with exceptional finesse—well worth a listen.
Incidentally, it’s also famous for having been covered by many artists, including Ikuzo Yoshi.
Comparing the different versions is highly recommended.
We’re already broken up, you and I.AYANE
It’s a bittersweet love song that brings back memories of past relationships.
Released in January 2025, it’s included on the EP album “my luv.” AYANE’s clear, airy vocals are striking, and before you know it, you find yourself overlaying your own life onto the world of the lyrics.
The smooth, mellow R&B sound really seeps in, too.
It’s perfect for listening alone on nights when you can’t help but think of an ex.
By the time it ends, you might be able to look forward a little.
I wanted to be loved like that.Nishikata Riho
Plusonica is a musical unit formed by a group of singer-songwriters.
Among them, Riho Nishikata stood out with a strong presence, and one of her signature songs is “I Wish I Had Been Loved Like That.” It’s a heartbreak song that sings of lingering feelings for an ex.
The relaxed, almost acoustic, talk-like delivery creates a uniquely wistful atmosphere.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to slowly sink into your memories and then move forward.
Nishikata has also produced many other poignant breakup songs, so it’s worth checking those out as well.
periodIshizaki Hyuui
A warm, tender ballad by Huwie Ishizaki whose gentle voice wraps the bittersweet end of a romance and gives you a push toward the future.
The song is included on the best-of album “Huwie Best,” released in March 2018, and beautifully portrays both a break with the past and the resolve for a new beginning, imbued with the feeling of spring.
Set to a calm melody, it carefully weaves the emotions of accepting the end of love, and the music video drew attention for Masaki Suda’s delicate performance.
It’s a song that stays close to those facing complex feelings before starting a new chapter in life, or those trying to move forward while confronting something important.
Dumping men POIPOIMioyamazaki
Mio Yamazaki is a rock band whose appeal lies in their techno-tinged vibe.
Their song “Otokodanshari POIPOI” captures the feelings of a woman trying to cut off her emotions for a man.
The title is a clever play on danshari (decluttering).
The lyrics are a bit provocative, conveying a mature woman’s view on love.
Another hallmark is how drastically the arrangement shifts to match the lyrics—especially between the verse and the chorus, which feel like entirely different songs.
Be sure to listen and hear it for yourself.