Recommended male heartbreak songs in Western music. World-famous classics and popular tracks.

Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley

Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel (Official Audio)

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.

Careless WhisperWham! Feat. George Michael

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)

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.

When You were MinePrince

When You Were Mine

A track included on Prince’s third album, Dirty Mind.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it was often performed at his concerts.

This was before he broke through with Purple Rain, and his falsetto voice is particularly striking.

SpiteOmar Apollo

Omar Apollo – Spite (Official Music Video)

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.

I Heard it Through the GrapevineMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine

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.

Don’t Think Twice, It’s AlrightBob Dylan

Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right – Bob Dylan

A song included on the 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.

In Japan, it is titled “Don’t Think Twice.” In the United States, it was released as the B-side to “Blowin’ in the Wind” and became widely known.

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.