[Old Love Songs] Love songs that recall a love that has ended
There are loves that are still ongoing, and loves that have ended but can’t be forgotten.
In this article, we’re introducing “songs of past love.”
They’re songs that make you remember and feel nostalgic about old romances—sometimes even bring you to tears with a passion that hasn’t cooled.
We’ve gathered a variety, from bright, breezy tracks that feel completely refreshed to bittersweet love songs where the wounds still don’t seem to heal.
If you’re looking for love songs that bring back memories of past relationships, be sure to give these a listen.
Take your time and lose yourself, alone, in the memories of a nostalgic love.
- [Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
- [No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret
- [Lingering Feelings and Regrets] A Love Song for You Who Can’t Forget Your Ex-Boyfriend
- Classic songs that sing about the past. Recommended popular tracks.
- A love song that feels like youth. Love songs you want to listen to—and remember—during your adolescent years.
- Bittersweet love songs to listen to when the person you like already has a girlfriend or boyfriend
- A love song that reminds those in their 60s of a forgotten romance
- Breakup songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of classic tracks that capture heartbreaking feelings
- A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
- [Remembering the Pain of Love…] Breakup Songs Recommended for People in Their 60s
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 70s. A collection of classic Showa-era breakup masterpieces.
[Old Love Songs] Love songs that recall a finished romance (11–20)
After a broken heartCHIHIRO
Singer CHIHIRO is known for songs with strong messages aimed at women struggling with love.
Her 2019 release “After the Breakup” is a track you’ll especially want to hear if you’ve been through a rocky relationship.
The mellow lyrics laid over an R&B-style track are sure to bring tears.
Its dramatic flow beautifully expresses loneliness, making your heart ache in the best way.
You’ll realize the tears come because you loved with all your heart.
It’s the perfect breakup song for anyone who wants to cry it all out and feel refreshed.
Lovers AgainEXILE
It’s a song about complex emotions—being unable to forget an ex, still loving them, yet knowing you can’t go back.
Many people might relate to lyrics that make even the things that once felt painful now seem dear.
It’s one of EXILE’s finest ballads.
wedge (kusabi)Oku Hanako
You can’t easily forget the happy days you spent with your lover, can you? “Kusabi (Wedge),” a song that gently stays close to the hearts of those who feel lonely, was released in 2015 by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku.
She has performed it since her indie days, and it has earned strong popularity among fans.
Its piano sound, resonant with majestic strings, is striking.
The poignant lyrics, which bring back memories of someone precious, are sure to bring tears.
It’s a dramatic piano ballad especially for those who feel, “I can’t help wanting to get in touch with that person…”
Side DishShimizu Shota
This is a song that wraps the frayed edges of love in a bittersweet yet warm melody.
Shota Shimizu’s smooth voice brings the emotions to the surface and stirs the listener’s heart.
The lingering attachment to someone unforgettable comes through quietly, yet powerfully.
Released in July 2021, the track is included on the album HOPE.
Depicting the tangles and heartache of love that anyone might experience, this song is recommended as one that gently accompanies lingering feelings.
It’s a must-listen for those nursing the pain of heartbreak or wishing to revisit a past romance.
Oh, my former lovermatsuri
This heartwarming song by Matsuri gently portrays the feelings of a woman who, while reminiscing about a former lover, tries to move forward.
Released in March 2024, it weaves together lingering attachments to someone who comes to mind late at night and a positive resolve to take a new step.
With vocals that embrace the listener and carefully chosen words, it offers solace to those hoping to recover from heartbreak.
Included on the album “Someday, It Became Part of Life,” its music video presents a worldview themed around a “journey through memories.” It’s recommended for anyone who relates to the complex emotions after a romance ends or who needs the energy to move on.
Before you become a memorysupittsu
A song released by Spitz in 1993.
As the title suggests, it’s about the end of a romance where the singer can no longer see “you.” Precisely because they cherish this person and want to keep the memory alive, the poignant lyrics—wishing to see that smile one last time—strike a chord.
It’s an iconic early work by Spitz, a refreshing yet heartrending classic.
[Old Love Songs] Romance songs that recall a finished love (21–30)
somedaySaucy Dog
Up until the chorus, it feels like he’s mumbling something a bit clingy… or so I thought, but then the chorus hits you straight in the chest.
I highly recommend this song.
The lyrics say that while they were together everything felt ordinary and unremarkable, but after the breakup it all feels so special.
I can only hope that lingering feelings will someday turn into fond memories.