[2026] Heartbreaking English-language breakup songs sung by women: Tear-jerking breakup tracks to discover

United Nations + 1000 Ways to DieMariah the Scientist

Mariah the Scientist – United Nations + 1000 Ways to Die (Official Lyric Video)

Mariah the Scientist, an Atlanta native who fuses a scientific perspective with emotive R&B, delivers this ambitious two-part track from her album “Hearts Sold Separately,” released in August 2025.

Within a single song, it moves between stillness and intensity: the first half carries a solemn, prayer-like aura for the world, but in the second half it flips, erupting into fierce love, hate, and obsession as she sings, “With you, I could die a thousand times.” The way she wavers between a rational wish for peace and the uncontrollable emotions of love is achingly poignant.

On nights when heartbreak hasn’t healed and you can’t make sense of your feelings, her voice will quietly stay by your side—so be sure to give it a listen.

Baby StepsOlivia Dean

Olivia Dean – Baby Steps (Lyric Video)

Based in London, Olivia Dean has been drawing attention for her warm vocals that blend neo-soul and pop.

Here’s a track from her album “The Art of Loving,” released in September 2025, that carries a gentle yet powerful message.

While holding the pain of heartbreak and farewells with loved ones, the song sings about taking “small steps” without forcing yourself to rush.

Its piano-centered, calm sound quietly nestles close to a wounded heart.

On social media, many listeners have shared that they felt reassured—“It told me it’s okay to go at my own pace.” It’s a song that will gently support anyone standing at the edge of sadness.

Give it a listen on a night when you want to face forward slowly, without hurrying.

FMTSummer Walker

Summer Walker – FMT (Official Music Video)

In the contemporary R&B scene, Summer Walker has garnered support for her candidly expressive style.

Featured on her album “Finally Over It,” released in November 2025, this track is a ballad that portrays a kind of resignation and pragmatic choice that comes after heartbreak and inner conflict.

Set to an acoustic sound, it poignantly sings of seeking peace of mind by choosing a partner who provides financial stability rather than someone who fits her personal type.

Even within an album positioned as the conclusion to a trilogy, the theme of letting go of her fixation on her “type” leaves a powerful impression.

While the song conveys the emptiness of conditional love, many will relate to the complex mindset of trying to make peace with it.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Year of TroubleStella Donnelly

Stella Donnelly – Year of Trouble (Official Lyric Video)

Stella Donnelly, originally from Wales and now based in Australia, is acclaimed for her sharp social insights and witty songwriting.

Released in October 2025, this single—forming the core of her album “Love and Fortune”—is a touching ballad performed in a stripped-down, piano-only singer-songwriter style.

The irony characteristic of her earlier work recedes into the background, and lyrics that candidly acknowledge heartbreak and her own shortcomings are sure to tug at listeners’ hearts.

The song is also known for its use in Season 2 of the Apple TV+ drama “The Buccaneers.” It’s the perfect track for a quiet night alone, when you want to face your vulnerabilities and let the tears flow.

HarrietChloe Slater

Chloe Slater – Harriet (Official Video)

Chloe Slater, based in Manchester, is a rising singer-songwriter who captures the reality of Gen Z in her music.

This song portrays the fear of a partner’s ex’s lingering presence and a mind consumed by jealousy.

The everyday traces left around the room make her imagine a very different kind of ex-girlfriend—an agonizing obsession and inferiority complex spilling out alongside her emotional vocals.

Released as a single in July 2025, it also drew attention for its music video, which recreated the world of the hit drama “Normal People.” The powerful sound, following her February EP release Love Me Please, leaves a strong impression.

Even on nights when your head knows “it’s already over” but your heart can’t catch up—when the past gnaws at you and your confidence starts to waver—this song will gently stay by the side of any woman who needs it.

Love Me DifferentHayley Williams

Hayley Williams – Love Me Different (Official Visualizer)

Have you ever felt the pain of wanting to be loved while sensing a mismatch in how you’re treated? For anyone grappling with that complicated mix of emotions, this song—performed by Hayley Williams, also known for her work with Paramore—is one to hear.

It’s a track from the album “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” released in August 2025.

Set against a gentle, marimba-like timbre, it depicts the sorrow of the gap between someone else’s ideal and who you truly are.

The earnest wish to be loved in a different way will resonate deeply with listeners’ loneliness.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when your relationship feels off, and when you long to be accepted just as you are.

WHAT NOWUMI

UMI – WHAT NOW (Official Music Video)

Umi is a singer-songwriter from Seattle with Japanese roots.

Like her name, which means “sea,” her voice envelops you with depth, offering healing music often called “healing neo-soul.” The song I’m introducing today is a heart-wrenching ballad from the album “people stories,” released in July 2025.

It portrays the protagonist right after a breakup, sitting in the car where the couple used to spend time together, asking themselves what to do from here.

The intentionally stripped-back, low-end-light arrangement conveys a raw sense of emptiness, as if a hole has opened in the heart.

It’s a song that gently stays beside those who feel a directionless sorrow—as if they might collapse alone amid the crowds of Shibuya.