Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits

RedTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Red

Taylor Swift often releases breakup songs, and this one turns the emotions of heartbreak and the memories from when they first met into colors.

Because it was such a memorable relationship with intense feelings, she reportedly titled the song “Red.”

LingerThe Cranberries

The Cranberries – Linger (Official Music Video)

This work features the cute vocals of Dolores O’Riordan, the singer who passed away suddenly in January 2018, and a refreshing sound.

The Cranberries are a band from Ireland.

In addition to this song, “Dreams” was also a hit.

The single was released in 1993.

It was written based on Dolores’s sad romantic experiences.

Hello, It’s MeTodd Rundgren

Todd Rundgren – Hello It’s Me (1972)

Although not widely known in Japan, this is a classic tear-jerking love ballad.

Todd Rundgren is a musician so versed in music that he could be called a true craftsman; not only does he perform his own work, but he has also produced countless artists.

Released in 1972, this love ballad possesses a mysterious allure, exuding an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Hard to be honest (Hard to Say I’m Sorry)CHICAGO

Hard to Say I’m Sorry

Early Chicago was a representative brass rock band.

Entering the 1980s, as their musical style changed, they had this massive hit.

It was released in 1982, with Peter Cetera as the lead vocalist.

This ballad, with an AOR-flavored, wistful melody line, topped the U.S.

singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

Telephone LineElectric Light Orchestra

ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) – Telephone Line

A track from Electric Light Orchestra’s 1976 album A New World Record.

It was released as a single the following year.

This piece comes from a period when ELO’s distinctive sound was gradually taking shape.

Certified Gold, it became one of ELO’s signature works.

EverythingJody Watley

Jody Watley – Everything

Jody, who had belonged to the group Shalamar, went solo and included this song on her 1989 album “Larger Than Life.” It expresses the feelings of a woman who, for the first time, realizes just how important her ex was to her.

Wrecking BallMiley Cyrus

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.