Top Western Breakup Songs [2026]

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne15rank/position

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

This work, captivating with its poignant, heart-stirring melody and lyrics, is a power ballad that portrays a parting from a loved one.

The lyrics, which make one keenly feel the importance of what has been lost, resonate with many listeners.

It is included on Canadian artist Avril Lavigne’s third album, The Best Damn Thing, released in June 2007.

The music video depicts breakups among couples from various generations, beautifully expressing the song’s world.

As a song that stands by those who have experienced heartbreak or separation from someone dear, it is sure to be a source of comfort.

Just a DreamNelly16rank/position

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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SomedayMariah Carey17rank/position

Mariah Carey – Someday (Official HD Video)

I thought this song was very relatable because it portrays a girl who’s putting on a brave face despite the sadness of heartbreak, telling the person who dumped her, “You’ll regret turning me down.” I believe many girls feel this way, so it’s a song I want lots of girls to hear.

Need You NowLady Antebellum18rank/position

Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

It is by a country music group from the state of Tennessee in the United States and is included on their second album, ‘Need You Now,’ which itself achieved records such as reaching No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

It is also well known that Lea Michele covered it on the TV show ‘Glee.’

You Break Me FirstTate McRae19rank/position

Tate McRae – you broke me first (Official Video)

This is a heartbreak song by Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae that holds both strength and fragility.

It portrays the cold yet sorrowful feelings when an ex who once hurt you reaches out only when it’s convenient for them.

The line “You’re the one who broke me first” pushes them away, squeezing your chest as you hear it.

Behind those searing words, it feels as if there’s a deep sadness so intense that without saying them, her heart might fall apart.

For anyone who’s been through a painful love, it may resonate with that moment when you put on a brave face to protect yourself.

Her delicate vocals riding over a quiet beat gently wrap around that pain and bring you to tears.

Stay with meSam Smith20rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

Sam Smith’s third single, “Stay with Me,” released in 2014, is one of his signature works and the song that propelled him to global fame.

Sam Smith is openly gay, and this song likely portrays a love that was never meant to be from the start because of that.

Beyond the lyrics, the charm lies in Smith’s deeply moving, high-toned vocals.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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Ryo

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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.