Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
Heartbreak songs are often poignant and lyrical, with many featuring beautiful melodies.
They’re very captivating.
Among them, Western songs—mostly in English—can be even more enjoyable if you listen while checking a translation site.
The real charm lies in thinking about the singer’s feelings and interpreting the expressions that a straightforward Japanese-to-English translation can’t fully capture.
Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s: World-famous and popular songs (1–10)
Right Here WaitingRichard Marx
This song opens with a piano performance, and you can really feel the loneliness seep in.
In the chorus, which goes something like, “No matter where you go or what you do, I’ll be here waiting,” the sorrow of heartbreak is expressed.
I recommend it for men who want to fully sink into a breakup and have a good cry.
Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO
This is a signature work by the American brass-rock band Chicago, depicting the pain of heartbreak alongside an elegant piano melody.
Released in September 1982 and produced by David Foster, the song elevates the rich musicality of the brass section into a pop arrangement.
It topped the U.
S.
singles chart for two consecutive weeks.
Chosen as the ending theme for the film “Blue Lovers,” it also became familiar in Japan as a commercial song for Osaka Gas and Toyota.
The lyrics portray a man who, after being told goodbye by his lover, regrets his past behavior—feelings that many listeners can surely empathize with.
I miss youKlymaxx
This song is a breakup song, yet it has a beautiful melody.
There’s a line that goes, “Every time the phone rings, I pray to God it’s you,” and we’ve all had that kind of experience after a breakup, haven’t we? These days, would it be the sound of a message on a cell phone?
Separate WaysJourney
The sound that starts on the keyboard at the beginning of this song is great.
It’s a song about a man who, while regretting the breakup and still loving the woman who’s leaving, says that if that’s the path she chooses, he wishes for her happiness.
A guy like that is just too cool, isn’t he?
Don't YouSimple Minds
In the chorus, after “Don’t you forget about me,” the way “Don’t” is repeated four times really conveys strong feeling.
Yet the tune itself has a fresh, crisp vibe, which gives the impression of a stylish song.
AloneHeart
The chorus means “How do I get you alone?”—as in, how can I have you all to myself? It expresses possessiveness.
For someone who strongly wants to make their lover theirs alone, someone who’s had their lover taken away, or someone dealing with heartbreak, how about this song?
A Shadow of LoveBonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler, with her distinctive voice.
Her vocals in this song feel incredibly powerful.
The repeated line “Turn around,” asking someone to look this way, really heightens the sense of loneliness.
It might be perfect for someone heartbroken who just wants to have a good cry.