Top Western Breakup Songs [2026]

That’s Not How This Works (feat. Dan + Shay)Charlie Puth21rank/position

[Japanese to English] Charlie Puth “That’s Not How This Works (feat. Dan + Shay)” [Official]

It’s a song by the American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth that can sound like a resolve to push someone away, yet also like an attachment he can’t quite sever.

Even after the breakup, the other person tries to keep things ambiguous, and he says, “Let’s stop this.” That painful inner conflict really tightens your chest, doesn’t it? Released in March 2023, the track was co-written with the country duo Dan + Shay.

As Charlie himself has said, it’s “a song that healed me,” and it delicately captures the emotions of overcoming pain.

If you’re struggling in a relationship that keeps dragging on, facing your true feelings—like the protagonist in this song—might give you the strength to take the next step.

Wrecking BallMiley Cyrus22rank/position

Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball (Director’s Cut)

Miley Cyrus, who rose to fame through Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” The song was released around the time she shifted from teen idol to a provocative image, which is why the music video even features a scene of her riding a wrecking ball nude.

It’s said that this track was originally written for Beyoncé.

Every Love That Ever WasHome Video23rank/position

Home Video – “Every Love That Ever Was”

When you’re feeling down after a heartbreak, I’d love for you to listen to this song while watching its music video.

The sound that lets you feel the vastness of the universe and the gentle synth tones will soothe a heart that’s on the verge of breaking.

When you’re struggling, I recommend grand, expansive songs like this.

CreepRadiohead24rank/position

Radiohead – Creep

As one of Radiohead’s signature songs, Creep remains enduringly popular.

Even people who aren’t into rock have probably heard it.

Among the breakup songs we’re featuring here in Western music, this one has a distinctly unusual vibe.

That’s because it’s a breakup song told from the perspective of a weirdo guy (lol).

The lyrics really lean into how unlikeable he is: when he tries to approach the person he likes, he just scares them off.

It’s a pure love song in a sense, but phrases like “creepy” and “weirdo” in the lyrics give it a uniquely painful quality that sets it apart from other breakup songs.

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Ryo

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RudeMAGIC25rank/position

MAGIC! – Rude (Official Video)

This is Magic!’s signature song, whose lyrics, written about heartbreak from an unusual angle, resonated worldwide and became a huge hit.

The lyrics, about not being granted permission by a partner’s parents to marry the person you love, feel relatable.

It’s a rare song in which you experience heartbreak even though you weren’t dumped.

Bad DayDaniel Powter26rank/position

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

It was a huge hit in Japan as well, so I think you’ve heard it at least once.

As the Japanese title “Bad Day: A Cheer-Up Song for Unlucky Days” suggests, it’s an uplifting song that can even ease the pain of heartbreak a little.

Since many people know it, it’s one of those Western songs that can really get the crowd going at karaoke.

Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi27rank/position

Lewis Capaldi – Wish You The Best (Official Video)

A heartbreakingly sad piano ballad sung by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

You said, “I wish you happiness,” and broke up, even though you didn’t mean it—when deep down you wanted to stay by their side.

Haven’t you ever felt that kind of pain? This song delivers those unspoken truths and regrets with a voice that sounds like a cry from the soul.

The lyrics confess, “I said we should stay friends, but that was a lie,” and for anyone who’s been through a painful breakup, it may feel like the song speaks your feelings for you.

If you let yourself sink into the emotions you’ve kept buried deep in your heart and have a good cry, you might feel a little lighter.

Cryin’Aerosmith28rank/position

Aerosmith – Cryin’ (Official Music Video)

This is “Cryin’” by Aerosmith, a legend in the rock world.

It’s a song about a man who was abandoned by the person he was crazy about and is desperately struggling to forget that love.

It’s miserable and painful, yet he’s still intoxicated by how special that person was—a very romantic breakup song.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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FlowersMiley Cyrus29rank/position

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus, whose distinctive husky voice captivates audiences around the world.

Among her songs, this track powerfully sings about bouncing back from heartbreak.

Its lyrics, which celebrate the joy of loving yourself more than the sorrow of a breakup, resonated with many.

The disco-inspired, upbeat sound alone can lift your spirits.

Released as a single in January 2023 and serving as the lead track from the album “Endless Summer Vacation,” it achieved the remarkable feat of winning two awards at the 66th Grammy Awards.

It’s also known for being performed on a Disney+ special.

It’s the perfect song when you want a confidence boost or to lift your mood.

Be sure to check it out.

The One That Got AwayKaty Perry30rank/position

Katy Perry – The One That Got Away (Official Music Video)

An emotional song by Katy Perry.

It’s a love song that looks back on a teenage romance that can never be reclaimed, and in the music video, he is depicted as having died in an accident.

“No matter how much I think about him, he’s no longer here”—it’s a sad piece like that.

It’s up-tempo with an easy-to-sing melody, so be sure to give it a try.