[2026] Western breakup songs: tear-jerking tracks to listen to when love ends

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

We all have unforgettable memories of an ex.

This song gives you the courage to move forward while still cherishing those memories.

Its upbeat melody is sure to lift you when you’re feeling down! It’s a famous track, so many of you have probably heard it.

Just a DreamNelly

Nelly – Just A Dream (Official Music Video)

This is a song titled “Just A Dream,” released in 2019 by Nelly, a hip-hop musician from Texas.

It portrays a man who, after the person he loved has left, keeps thinking about them and is overwhelmed with regret.

The stronger the love, the greater the pain after the loss, isn’t it?

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Wish You The Best (Official Video)

A singer-songwriter with an overwhelmingly moving vocal presence, Lewis Capaldi delivers a gem of a ballad that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the complex feelings toward an ex.

Released in May 2023, the song is included on the album “Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent” and sparked a worldwide reaction, including reaching No.

1 on the UK Singles Chart.

Capaldi’s soul-stirring voice and the piano’s tones weave a beautiful melody that may soothe the pain of a broken heart and give you the courage to take a new step forward.

With the arrival of spring, why not make some time to reflect on various things?

Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)Gotye

Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

Goyte is a popular singer-songwriter from Australia.

Although he was already well-known in his home country, the song that propelled him to global stardom was Somebody That I Used to Know, included on his 2011 album Making Mirrors and released as a single to massive worldwide success.

The light guitar backing, playful sound arrangement, and melodies shaped by an accent different from those in Europe and the U.S.

give the track a distinctive character.

With a female guest vocalist, the candid back-and-forth between a separated man and woman hits close to home for many listeners.

You might roll your eyes at the refusal to let go, but relationships between men and women rarely end neatly, do they?

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KOH-1

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My heart will go onCéline Dion

Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (from the 2007 DVD “Live In Las Vegas – A New Day…”)

The theme song from Titanic, a film that became a worldwide hit.

When talking about Titanic, I think this song is absolutely indispensable.

Celine’s heartrending vocals and the beauty of the arrangement—everything about it is wonderful.

It makes me want to watch Titanic again.

Past Won’t Leave My BedJoji

Joji – Past Won’t Leave My Bed (Official Video)

This is a piano-led ballad that portrays the aching feeling of being unable to escape a past love that clings relentlessly.

George is a Japan-born singer and producer signed to the Asia-based label 88rising, and has released albums such as Nectar and SMITHEREENS.

This work was unveiled in November 2025 and was released ahead of the album Piss In The Wind, scheduled for February 2026.

The visionary image of an ex-lover’s face sticking to the wall—both in sleep and after waking—is delicately expressed through his wistful vocals and the piano’s lingering resonance.

Though it runs a brief 2 minutes and 46 seconds, the pain of being unable to break free from memory slowly sinks in.

Recommended for moments when you want to quietly face your own emotions.

PayphoneMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Payphone ft. Wiz Khalifa (Explicit) (Official Music Video)

It’s a song about a man who’s been told goodbye by a woman.

The tune itself is upbeat and gets you hyped when you listen to it, but when you look at the lyrics in Japanese, they portray a man who still hasn’t let go, making it a poignant, heartrending track.