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

Ordinary WorldDuran Duran

Duran Duran – Ordinary World

A work released by Duran Duran in 1993, it became their first hit in a while.

Reaching No.

3 on the U.S.

charts, the song describes the emotions of a man who, after a breakup, moves away but can’t forget his ex.

In quiet, unguarded moments, memories of the fun times they shared suddenly bubble up—yet despite all that, the world keeps turning just the same.

No Touch in Love (Never Gonna Fall in Love Again)Eric Carmen

No Touch in Love – Eric Carmen, Never Gonna Fall in Love Again – Eric Carmen

A solo number released in 1975 by Eric Carmen, formerly the vocalist of the Raspberries.

Sung while he accompanies himself on piano, this song is a bittersweet breakup ballad.

It’s also well known for incorporating part of the melody from the third movement of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.

2.

Shake It OutFlorence & The Machine

Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

A song that has also been covered on the dramas ‘SMASH’ and ‘Glee.’ It’s said that during the recording of this track, they were a bit hungover and didn’t know what kind of song it would turn out to be, so the days before and after the session felt a bit strange.

Love’s Survival (I Will Survive)Gloria Gaynor

Love Survival - Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor is a singer-songwriter from the United States.

The song she performed and made a hit, “I Will Survive,” is a very famous disco number.

It was released in 1978.

In Japan, Akira Fuse covered the song.

The lyrics tell the story of a woman who, after being plunged into the depths of despair by a breakup, grows stronger over time and boldly declares to her former lover who has come back, “I don’t need you anymore!”

November RainGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – November Rain

It’s a song included on the 1991 album Use Your Illusion I, which was released as a single the following year.

Among Guns’ works, it stands out as one of the most moving ballads.

From Axl Rose’s vocals to Slash’s guitar and the strings flowing in the background, it’s a masterpiece brimming with mature allure.

ColorsHalsey

Halsey – Colors (Official Music Video)

Halsey grew up inspired by Japanese culture, and despite only starting music after graduating high school, she released her debut album ‘Badlands’ about two years later, achieving a No.

2 debut on the Billboard 200.

This song is included on ‘Badlands.’

Two GhostsHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Two Ghosts (live in studio)

The poignant ballad woven by British artist Harry Styles delicately portrays a lost love.

Set to a melody infused with country and folk-rock elements, it reflects on memories with a former lover and the changes that followed.

Released in August 2017, the song appears on the album “Harry Styles” and captured the hearts of many fans.

With its distinctive slide guitar, the piece symbolically expresses a relationship that has ended and personal transformation.

It’s a recommended track for those seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to reflect on their past selves.