Love songs in Western music: world classics and recommended popular tracks

DisasterJoJo

JoJo – Disaster (Official Video)

This is a song released in 2011 by the American singer JoJo.

It expresses the pain yet inner strength of deciding to break up with a lover.

In the music video, JoJo—who dyed her previously brown hair black—clashes with her partner, and in the final scene where she leaves him, you can really feel her inner resolve in her expression.

When you’re feeling down about love, I recommend not only ballads but also pop-rock tracks like this one.

Need You NowLady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

A classic love ballad that has been cherished for a long time.

The song is divided into female and male vocal parts, using a twin-vocal, dialogue style where a separated couple confesses their lingering feelings to each other.

After the breakup, they’re both afraid of being alone, and it feels like they might get back together…

but they don’t.

This LoveMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – This Love

It’s a classic Maroon 5 song depicting a breakup with a lover.

Thanks to the band’s rhythmic sound and Adam’s refreshing high notes, the lyrics—though meant to be sad—somehow come across as positive, which is part of its appeal.

The music video also features a young Adam, who looks handsome and is a must-see.

You Don’t Know LoveOlly Murs

Olly Murs – You Don’t Know Love (Official Video)

It’s a 2016 release by British singer Olly Murs, with striking lyrics about heartbreak and the pain of love.

Olly’s nostalgic vocals and melody further enhance the words, and the black-and-white music video suits the tone perfectly—definitely a must-see!

Me and My Broken HeartRixton

Rixton – Me and My Broken Heart

It portrays, in contrast, the fragility of love that can crumble over trivial things and the greatness of love that can save someone with just a little affection.

Couples often seem tormented by loneliness after a breakup, and the lyrics candidly capture the very state of mind in which that kind of solitude sinks in—something worth paying close attention to.