There are many songs that sing about past loves.
Among them, there are many Western songs, and this time we’ve decided to spotlight some of those classics!
A lot of them are incredibly famous, too!
It’s also interesting to try translating the lyrics.
While expanding your imagination from the literal Japanese translations, try retracing your memories.
It might resonate with you!
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- Unrequited love breakup songs from Western music. World-famous classics and popular hits.
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- Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the '90s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Ballad songs from Western music that were hits in the 2000s
- A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces
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Recommended male heartbreak songs in Western music. World classics and popular tracks (1–10)
Careless WhisperWham! Feat. George Michael
It became a number-one hit in many countries as soon as it was released and has since been established as a pop standard.
Although it was before Wham! disbanded, it is regarded as a George Michael solo number.
In Japan, both Hideki Saijo and Hiromi Go covered it and had hits.
Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley
Presley’s first number-one hit.
It ignited his popularity and became a springboard to his later achievements.
When news of his death broke, for some reason Japanese radio kept playing this song and largely ignored his other hits.
It seems this track left an especially strong impression in Japan.
I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)Zach Bryan
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.
I Heard it Through the GrapevineMarvin Gaye
One of Marvin Gaye’s signature hits alongside “What’s Going On.” Interestingly, Marvin wasn’t the original artist—Smokey Robinson & the Miracles recorded it first.
To make the story even more complex, the version that first climbed the charts wasn’t theirs but Gladys Knight & the Pips’ rendition.
SpiteOmar Apollo
An arresting song that portrays the pain and turmoil of heartbreak.
The hardships of a long-distance relationship and the complex feelings toward a partner are brilliantly conveyed through Omar Apollo’s emotionally rich vocals.
Released in April 2024, this track stands out as a notable follow-up to his debut album, Ivory.
Its soulful sound and piercing lyrics create a captivating world you’ll be drawn into.
A song that stands beside anyone struggling with love, inviting deep empathy.
When you want to heal the wounds of a broken heart, give this track a listen—it’s sure to resonate.