[2026] Take the next step. Breakup songs sung by male Western artists

Less Than ZeroThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Less Than Zero (Official Lyric Video)

This piece by The Weeknd, Canada’s globally acclaimed artist, stands out with a sound reminiscent of 80s synth-pop.

In this song, the end of love—and the inescapable guilt and self-reproach that come with it—are expressed through delicate vocals.

The feeling of endlessly blaming your past self for a breakup is something anyone who’s experienced heartbreak can recognize.

Featured on the January 2022 album Dawn FM, the track was also chosen as an official theme for the global wrestling spectacle WrestleMania 39.

On nights when it’s hard to face your mistakes, letting yourself sink into this pain-laden melody might paradoxically lighten your heart and help you take the next step.

I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan – I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)

This duet by American singer-songwriters Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves tells the story of a past love from both a man’s and a woman’s perspective.

Although they spent the same time together, his memories and hers don’t quite line up.

He turns to alcohol; she remains unhealed.

Many listeners will relate to their emotional misalignment and that lingering “How did it come to this?” feeling after a breakup.

No matter how hard you try to forget, some memories resurface in unguarded moments.

The song won a Grammy in February 2024.

Rather than forcing yourself to move on, taking time to fully dwell in those memories might give you the courage to take your next step.

Glimpse of UsJoji

Joji – Glimpse of Us (Official Video)

This is a song by George, a singer-songwriter with roots in Japan and Australia, whose gentle piano tones resonate deeply.

It portrays the aching emotions of a man who, while enjoying happy moments with his new lover, suddenly catches a glimpse of his former lover’s shadow.

Even though he’s resolved to move forward, he can’t help but carry the past in his heart—an experience some of you may relate to.

Upon its release in June 2022, the song debuted at No.

10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a major hit.

It is also included on the album Smithereens.

For those torn between a new romance and unforgettable memories, this track may feel like an affirmation of those complicated feelings.

Wasting Time (Ft Drake)Brent Faiyaz

Brent Faiyaz Ft Drake – Wasting Time [Official Audio]

This is a track by Brent Faiyaz, a U.S.

artist at the forefront of the modern R&B scene.

The song features Canada’s flagship rapper Drake and the legendary producer duo The Neptunes.

Over a floating, ethereal synth sound, Brent’s sensuous vocals meld with Drake’s conversational rap.

Opinions differ on whether it’s a post-breakup song, but the plea—if you’re going to waste that much time, waste it with me—feels deeply earnest.

The track appears on the acclaimed 2022 album Wasteland, which debuted at No.

2 on the U.S.

charts.

I highly recommend it to anyone who still can’t let go of someone.

That’s Not How This Works (feat. Dan + Shay)Charlie Puth

[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.