Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits
For some reason, when we’re heartbroken, we feel like listening to Western music, don’t we?
A lot of the lyrics are quite serious or even ruthless, but the melodies are always moving.
It’s okay even if you don’t understand the lyrics.
When you’re nursing a broken heart, try listening to this list.
Playlist
| Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | You Break Me FirstTate McRae |  play_arrow | Tate McRae’s breakup song: strength and fragility |
| 2east | InconsolableBackstreet Boys |  play_arrow | Backstreet Boys power ballad |
| 3east | I’m A MessEd Sheeran |  play_arrow | Ed Sheeran’s self-deprecating song |
| 4east | Better NowPost Malone |  play_arrow | Post Malone’s song of lingering attachment |
| 5east | Only Love Can Break Your HeartNeil Young |  play_arrow | The pain of heartbreak, love shattering the heart |
| 6east | Don’t Say You Love MeFifth Harmony |  play_arrow | Songs after leaving Fifth Harmony |
| 7east | RIPOlivia O’Brien |  play_arrow | The sorrow of being betrayed by someone I was able to forgive |
| 8east | Hello, It’s MeTodd Rundgren |  play_arrow | Todd Rundgren's tear-jerking ballad |
| 9east | tenderBlur |  play_arrow | A song by Blur themed around heartbreak |
| 10east | QuitCashmere Cat ft. Ariana Grande |  play_arrow | Collaboration between Ariana and Cashmere Cat |
| 11east | Time After TimeCyndi Lauper |  play_arrow | Cyndi Lauper's signature song |
| 12east | Kissing a FoolGeorge Michael |  play_arrow | George Michael's jazz-style heartbreak song |
| 13east | Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon |  play_arrow | Giveon’s heartbreak song nominated for a Grammy |
| 14east | Somebody That I Used To KnowGotye |  play_arrow | Australian singer creates Grammy-winning song at home |
| 15east | Gotta Go My Own WayHigh School Musical 2 |  play_arrow | Farewell scene from the High School Musical sequel |
| 16east | Cry Me a RiverJulie London |  play_arrow | Julie London's signature standard songs |
| 17east | SorryJustin Bieber |  play_arrow | An apology to an ex-lover and a wish to get back together |
| 18east | What’s NewLinda Ronstadt |  play_arrow | A song about reuniting with a nostalgic former lover |
| 19east | Shout Out to My ExLittle Mix |  play_arrow | A song about a former One Direction member |
| 20east | That Girl Disappeared (She’s Out Of My Life)Michael Jackson |  play_arrow | Michael’s mature-sounding ballad |
| 21east | I’m Not The Only OneSam Smith |  play_arrow | A love you can’t leave even after being betrayed |
| 22east | I’ll Be Over YouTOTO |  play_arrow | Determination to overcome the sorrow of parting |
| 23east | RedTaylor Swift |  play_arrow | A song by Taylor Swift that expresses heartbreak through colors |
| 24east | LingerThe Cranberries |  play_arrow | The Cranberries’ captivating songs |
| 25east | Hard to be honest (Hard to Say I’m Sorry)CHICAGO |  play_arrow | Chicago's 1982 smash-hit ballad |
| 26east | Better VersionFLETCHER |  play_arrow | A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak |
| 27east | Telephone LineElectric Light Orchestra |  play_arrow | ELO’s signature 1976-recorded song |
| 28east | EverythingJody Watley |  play_arrow | A great presence you only realize after breaking up |
| 29east | Wrecking BallMiley Cyrus |  play_arrow | Miley launched her career with a provocative style |
| 30east | The Heart Wants What It WantsSelena Gomez |  play_arrow | A song about Selena and Justin’s romantic relationship |
| 31east | Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouse |  play_arrow | A poignant classic that sings of the sorrow of love. |
| 32east | It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Men |  play_arrow | Parting with a loved one and the pain in the heart |
| 33east | Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi |  play_arrow | A song by Lewis Capaldi that sings about the regret of a breakup |
| 34east | The Winner (The Winner Takes It All)ABBA |  play_arrow | ABBA's romantic pop song |
| 35east | Stay ft. Mikky EkkoRihanna |  play_arrow | A moving song that expresses Rihanna's feelings |
| 36east | So YesterdayHilary Duff |  play_arrow | Hilary Duff sings about breaking up with her boyfriend |
| 37east | Amnesia5 Seconds of Summer |  play_arrow | Australian pop rock breakup song |
| 38east | Someone Like YouAdele |  play_arrow | Adele’s new romance that surpasses her ex |
| 39east | HelloAdele |  play_arrow | Adele's global hit song |
| 40east | I’m SorryAli Gatie |  play_arrow | A gentle song that helps you recover from heartbreak |
| 41east | Potential Breakup SongAly & AJ |  play_arrow | A cover song by the sister duo Aly & AJ |
| 42east | Song For The DumpedBen Folds Five |  play_arrow | A song that expresses the rage of heartbreak through piano rock |
| 43east | When I Was Your ManBruno Mars |  play_arrow | A song that conveys regret and my current feelings |
| 44east | Never Be the SameCamila Cabello |  play_arrow | A love song included on a solo album |
| 45east | I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth |  play_arrow | Charlie Puth’s breakup song |
| 46east | Lonely DancersConan Gray |  play_arrow | A song that heals the pain of heartbreak through dance |
| 47east | Ordinary WorldDuran Duran |  play_arrow | Duran Duran’s heartbreak song becomes a big hit |
| 48east | No Touch in Love (Never Gonna Fall in Love Again)Eric Carmen |  play_arrow | Eric Carmen's heartbreak song |
| 49east | Lead Me OnFLETCHER |  play_arrow | FLETCHER’s new heartbreak ballad |
| 50east | Shake It OutFlorence & The Machine |  play_arrow | Production stories of songs covered in the drama |
| 51east | Love’s Survival (I Will Survive)Gloria Gaynor |  play_arrow | Gloria Gaynor's heartbreak song |
| 52east | November RainGuns N’ Roses |  play_arrow | A tear-jerking masterpiece ballad by Guns |
| 53east | ColorsHalsey |  play_arrow | Rapid success influenced by Japanese culture |
| 54east | Two GhostsHarry Styles |  play_arrow | Harry Styles's wistful heartbreak ballad |
| 55east | Let It GoJames Bay |  play_arrow | Popular songs by James Bay |
| 56east | Happiest YearJaymes Young |  play_arrow | A Grateful Ballad for Overcoming Heartbreak |
| 57east | Foolish GamesJewel |  play_arrow | A sad song that portrays a heartrending love and the pain of parting |
| 58east | goodbyeKelly Clarkson |  play_arrow | Self-liberation in Clarkson’s breakup song |
| 59east | CryKelly Clarkson |  play_arrow | Kelly Clarkson's love songs |
| 60east | I miss youKlymaxx |  play_arrow | I remember a finished love and long for it |
| 61east | Need You NowLady Antebellum |  play_arrow | Lady Antebellum's classic song |
| 62east | Whisper of the Eyes (Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue)Laura Fygi |  play_arrow | A huge hit with the original song by Crystal Gayle. |
| 63east | Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith |  play_arrow | A ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak |
| 64east | Forget MeLewis Capaldi |  play_arrow | Lewis Capaldi’s breakup song |
| 65east | Hold Me While You WaitLewis Capaldi |  play_arrow | The pain of heartbreak and the bittersweet longing to get back together |
| 66east | Breaking PointLogan Michael |  play_arrow | A song that gives you the strength to overcome the pain of heartbreak |
| 67east | LostMichael Bublé |  play_arrow | A heart-stirring ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the hope of renewal. |
| 68east | I keep forgettingMichael McDonald |  play_arrow | Michael McDonald, a heart that doesn’t want to admit a broken love |
| 69east | Used To Be YoungMiley Cyrus |  play_arrow | Miley’s song reflecting on her past |
| 70east | Last NightMorgan Wallen |  play_arrow | A heartbreak song triggered by alcohol |
| 71east | The Best You HadNina Nesbitt |  play_arrow | A song about breaking up with my ex-boyfriend |
| 72east | Elastic Heart feat. Shia LaBeouf & Maddie ZieglerSia |  play_arrow | Sia’s iconic song that portrays the anguish of love |
| 73east | I want you to be here (Now You’re Not Here)Swing Out Sister |  play_arrow | A shadowed melody that thinks of you |
| 74east | feel like shitTate McRae |  play_arrow | A song that evokes empathy for the pain of heartbreak |
| 75east | YesterdayThe Beatles |  play_arrow | Masterpieces of Beatles breakup songs |
| 76east | SuperstarCarpenters |  play_arrow | The Carpenters cover a song by Delaney & Bonnie |
| 77east | A Kiss of Tears (Kiss And Say Goodbye)The Manhattans |  play_arrow | The Manhattans’ cheating breakup song |
| 78east | The Feeling of Being Dumped (You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’)The Righteous Brothers |  play_arrow | The Righteous Brothers’ 1964 smash hit |
| 79east | Beggin’ On Your KneesVictoria Justice |  play_arrow | Revenge song from Victorious |
| 80east | Careless WhisperWham! |  play_arrow | Wham's heartbreak song “Careless Whisper” |
| 81east | American Morning (Just When I Needed You Most)Randy Vanwarmer |  play_arrow | Randy VanWarmer’s heartbreak song |
| 82east | Cryin’Aerosmith |  play_arrow | Aerosmith 1993 End of Love |
| 83east | Goodbye Never Felt So BadJames Bay |  play_arrow | Expressing the sorrow of heartbreak with a fast-paced sound |
| 84east | CryJamestown Story |  play_arrow | The soothing effect of music that stays close to the heart |
| 85east | PayphoneMaroon 5 |  play_arrow | Maroon 5 is a band that sings mature and refreshing breakup songs. |
| 86east | Cryin’Aerosmith | play_arrow | A song intoxicated by the agony of heartbreak and cherished memories |
| 87east | Lost in loveAir Supply |  play_arrow | Music that soothes by the seaside at dusk |
| 88east | Tears Dry On Their OwnAmy Winehouse |  play_arrow | A breakup song that’s positive and uplifting |
| 89east | My EverythingAriana Grande |  play_arrow | Ariana’s heartbreak song resonates with me. |
| 90east | Bad DayDaniel Powter |  play_arrow | A song of hope that heals the pain of a broken heart |
| 91east | The ReasonHoobastank |  play_arrow | A story of deep regret and a resolve for self-transformation |
| 92east | I Don’t Love YouMy Chemical Romance |  play_arrow | A rock ballad that sings tough while hiding heartbreak |
| 93east | Now You’re Not HereSwing Out Sister |  play_arrow | Heal the pain of parting with a beloved partner through lyrics |
| 94east | glowkeeno |  | As I gradually grow into an adult, various thi… |
| 95east | Don’t CryBritney Spears |  play_arrow | American singer Britney Sp... |
| 96east | Cry me a riverJustin Timberlake |  play_arrow | When you're heartbroken, let the beautiful singing voice of a man heal your heart... |
| 97east | Kiss meYUI |  play_arrow | Sounds like it’d be good to listen to right after a breakup to let it all out… |
| 98east | When I Was Your ManBruno Mars | play_arrow | Bruno Mar, who is from Honolulu, Hawaii... |
| 99east | love on topBeyoncé |  play_arrow | Praised as a peerless beauty and possessing exceptional vocal ability... |
| 100east | honestyBilly Joel |  play_arrow | A fierce Billy Joel who sang of pure, unaffected love… |
| 101east | where is the loveBlack Eyed Peas |  play_arrow | Although it’s a hip-hop track, it’s also okay… |
| 102east | i love youBlu Cantrell |  play_arrow | Directly descended from black music with exquisite electric piano... |
| 103east | me & those dreamin’ eyes of mineD’Angelo |  play_arrow | As a male vocalist, spanning many octaves… |
| 104east | i’m still waitingDiana Ross |  play_arrow | From the roots of soul music to a firmly established posi... |
| 105east | shape of youEd Sheeran |  play_arrow | Backed by the fact that it became a massive hit worldwide… |
| 106east | you used to love meFaith Evans |  play_arrow | A bouncy R&B track with a downer rhythm... |
| 107east | open armsJourney |  play_arrow | Some people are moved to tears by the piano phrase in the intro... |
| 108east | this loveMaroon 5 |  play_arrow | A pop mood combined with powerful vocals... |
| 109east | real loveMary J Blige |  play_arrow | Skillfully using the drum samples from audio two... |
| 110east | love like thisSWV |  play_arrow | Based on Jeff Lorber’s fusion classic… |
| 111east | falling for youTamia |  play_arrow | I'm falling straight for you... such an intense feeling... |
| 112east | all for loveadriana evans |  play_arrow | Talented neo-soul singer Adrian Ev... |
| 113east | make me happycooly’s hot box |  play_arrow | A beautiful R&B landscape that's moody and dreamy… |
| 114east | tell me how you feeljoy enriquez |  play_arrow | A mellow mel with a strong baseline... |
| 115east | heartbreakermichael speaks |  play_arrow | Al Johnson’s classic “I’ll Back For More…” |
| 116east | looking up to youmichael wycoff |  play_arrow | Formerly represented by Janei’s “Hey Mister DJ”... |
| 117east | loveterri walker |  play_arrow | Cool yet powerful R&B is distinctive… |
| 118east | Without YouMariah Carey |  play_arrow | The classic song with numerous cover versions, “Mariah V…” |
| 119east | I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki |  play_arrow | This is a song that I love him so much I can’t stand it. |
| 120east | lovely thangKut Klose |  play_arrow | With a sense of exhilaration, passionately within a light mood... |
| 121east | do for youThe Heavy |  play_arrow | In acoustic neo-soul, Pi... |
| 122east | Ex’s & Oh’sElle King |  play_arrow | Singer from California in the spotlight |
| 123east | Ugly HeartG.R.L. |  play_arrow | Introduction to G.R.L.'s heartbreak songs |
| 124east | Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi |  play_arrow | A piano-and-vocals breakup song becomes a big hit |
| 125east | DeadMadison Beer |  play_arrow | Madison Beer expressed her feelings about breaking up with Justin Bieber through lyrics. |
| 126east | Without YouNilsson |  play_arrow | Nilsson's smash hit, Badfinger |
| 127east | Running LowShawn Mendes |  play_arrow | A song in which Shawn Mendes breaks up with his lover |
| 128east | Tell Me You Love MeDemi Lovato |  play_arrow | A song in which Demi Lovato sings about her feelings for her ex-boyfriend |