The 20 Best Breakup Music Songs

Breakups are tough. But sometimes, they can also be quite cathartic. If you’re looking for a soundtrack to help you get through your breakup, look no further! In this blog post, we will share with you the 20 best breakup music songs.

They can be one of the most difficult experiences we go through in our lives. These songs will help you express your emotions and move on from your relationship. Let’s get started!

1. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers 

Bill Withers - Ain't No SunshineBill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine

This song is about a man who is trying to move on from his ex-girlfriend. He knows that she was the sunshine in his life, and now that she’s gone, things just ain’t the same. Withers released this track in 1971, and it has since been covered by many artists.

2. “New Rules” by Dua Lipa 

Dua Lipa - New Rules (Official Music Video)Dua Lipa – New Rules (Official Music Video)

This song is about setting boundaries in a relationship. Lipa sings about how she’s done with her ex-boyfriend and is ready to obey the rules of moving on. It was released in 2018 and became an instant hit with over 2 billion streams on Youtube!

3. “I Miss You” by Blink-182 

blink-182 - I Miss You (Official Video)blink-182 – I Miss You (Official Video)

Another song to listen to when you’re missing your ex. This one is a bit more intense than the others on our list, but it still captures the feelings of longing and nostalgia. Blink-182 released “I Miss You” in 2004, and it remains one of their most popular songs to date.

4. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by Righteous Brothers 

You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

This is a classic break-up song that was released in 1964. It’s about a man who is trying to win back the love of his ex-girlfriend. Listening to this song will help you remember the good times you had with your ex and give you the strength to move on.

5. “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber 

Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (Official Music Video)Justin Bieber – Love Yourself (Official Music Video)

Loving yourself after a break-up is one of the most important things you can do to move forward. This song by Justin Bieber is all about learning to love yourself and moving on from a past relationship. It was released in 2015 and has since been streamed over a billion times on Spotify!

6. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez 

Charlie Puth - We Don't Talk Anymore (feat. Selena Gomez) [Official Video]Charlie Puth – We Don’t Talk Anymore (feat. Selena Gomez) [Official Video]

This song is about two people who are trying to move on from each other, but they can’t seem to stop thinking about the good times they had together. Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez released this track in 2016, and it quickly became a fan favorite.

7. “Stay” by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko 

Rihanna - Stay ft. Mikky EkkoRihanna – Stay ft. Mikky Ekko

This song is about a woman who is trying to move on from her ex-boyfriend, but she keeps getting pulled back in. Rihanna released “Stay” in 2012, and it features Mikky Ekko. It’s a beautiful ballad that will help you through your breakup.

8. “If You See Her, Say Hello” by Bob Dylan 

Bob Dylan - If You See Her, Say Hello (Official Audio)Bob Dylan – If You See Her, Say Hello (Official Audio)

Bob Dylan released this track in 1975, and it remains one of his most popular songs. It’s about a man who is trying to move on from his ex-girlfriend, but he still thinks about her often. If you’re struggling to forget your ex, this song can be your break-up soundtrack.

9. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye 

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

Gotye released “Somebody That I Used To Know”  in 2011, and it quickly became a global hit. The song is about a man who is trying to forget his ex-girlfriend, but he can’t seem to shake her from his memory. If you’re struggling to move on, this song will resonate with you.

10. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston 

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

This song is a classic break-up ballad that was originally released by Dolly Parton in 1974. Whitney Houston covered the song in 1992, and it became one of her most popular tracks. If you’re dealing with a fresh break-up, this is a must on your playlist.

11. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor 

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (1978)I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor (1978)

Surviving a break-up is tough, but this song by Gloria Gaynor will give you the strength to move on. It was released in 1978, and it quickly became a gay anthem. If you’re feeling down after your break-up, this song will lift your spirits.

12. “Burn” by Usher 

Usher - Burn (Official Music Video)Usher – Burn (Official Music Video)

Usher released “Burn” in 2004, and the song is catchy and upbeat, but the lyrics are relatable if you’re going through a tough break-up.  It’s about a man who is trying to move on from his ex, but she’s still on his mind.

13. “Happier” by Ed Sheeran 

Ed Sheeran - Happier (Official Music Video)Ed Sheeran – Happier (Official Music Video)

“Happier” by Ed Sheeran was released in 2017, and it’s one of Sheeran’s most popular tracks. Get your tissues ready before blasting this on your speakers because it’s a painful song about seeing the person you used to love become happier with someone else.

14. “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” by White Stripes 

The White Stripes I just don't know what to do with myselfThe White Stripes I just don’t know what to do with myself

The White Stripes released “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” in 2003, and it’s a catchy break-up song that will have you singing along. It’s about not knowing what to do when the pain from a break-up is still fresh.

15. “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande 

Ariana Grande - thank u, next (Official Video)Ariana Grande – thank u, next (Official Video)

“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande is a pretty chill song about moving forward. It’s about being thankful for the times you spent with your ex and becoming ready for the next chapter. It became a global hit garnering over 700 million Youtube streams!

16. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson 

Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone (VIDEO)Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone (VIDEO)

This song is about a woman who is finally moving on from her ex and feeling better than ever. It’s an empowering anthem that will help you through your breakup. Kelly Clarkson released “Since U Been Gone” in 2004, and it quickly became one of her most popular tracks.

17. “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap 

hide and seek- Imogen Heaphide and seek- Imogen Heap

If you’re struggling to move on from your ex, “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap will resonate with you. It’s a beautiful song about the pain of moving on and trying to forget someone you used to love.

18. “Take Care” by Drake & Rihanna 

Drake - Take Care ft. RihannaDrake – Take Care ft. Rihanna

Drake and Rihanna teamed up for this heart-wrenching track in 2011, and it’s about two people who are trying to move on from each other. The song is sad and haunting, but it perfectly captures the feeling of a break-up.

19. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor 

Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U (Live)Sinead O’Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U (Live)

Sinead O’Connor released “Nothing Compares To U” in 1990, and the song quickly became a global hit with over 82 million views. It’s about the pain of losing someone you love and how it’s hard to find someone who can compare.

20. “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” by John Mayer 

Dreaming with a Broken HeartDreaming with a Broken Heart

John Mayer’s “Dreaming With A Broken Heart” is a sad but relatable song about trying to move on from someone you love. The song was released in 2006, and it captures the feeling of being stuck after a break-up. If you’re struggling to move forward, this song is relatable to what you’re going through.

Final Thoughts

Break-ups are never easy, but there are a lot of great songs out there that can help you get through the tough times. If you’re looking for some musical inspiration, check out our list of the 20 best break-up songs. From upbeat anthems to tear-jerking ballads, we’ve got you covered with this list.