2025: Heartbreak songs in Western music — tearjerkers to listen to when love ends

CirclesPost Malone

Post Malone – Circles (Official Music Video)

This is the song “Circles” released by Post Malone, the American rapper best known for his hit “Rockstar.” It portrays two people who feel that breaking up would be better for both of them, yet they settle for the status quo and keep their relationship going out of inertia.

The tune is very refreshing, but it’s a song about a slightly complicated adult romance.

Before MidnightA.K.A

a!ka – Before Midnight (Official Audio)

Aika, a promising new pop/R&B artist from the Philippines, released a luscious new single in May 2025.

After her cover videos went viral on TikTok and led to her debut, she unveiled her third original track following June 2024’s “Leave a Message” and October’s “Coffee.” Although the title might suggest a romantic love song at first glance, it’s actually a breakup song that captures the emotions at the moment of parting—an intriguing twist.

The poignant lyrics set to a gentle R&B-infused pop tune, along with the polished sound co-produced with her older sister, are particularly captivating.

It’s the perfect track for embracing the end of a relationship with a positive outlook.

It’s YouAli Gatie

Ali Gatie – It’s You (Official Lyrics Video)

Ali Gatie, a Canadian singer gaining popularity in English-speaking countries with R&B that has a strong pop flavor, is making waves.

Born in 1997, he’s still a very young artist, yet he has already released numerous classics.

Among those, the breakup song I especially recommend is “It’s You.” It’s an unusual breakup song—in fact, it’s technically about the moment before a confession.

Still, it contains descriptions that make it seem as though he already knows how it will end even before confessing, portraying a rather pitiful man who doesn’t have an eye for women.

Take a bowRihanna

Rihanna – Take A Bow

Since releasing her debut album in 2005, every work she’s put out has been a massive hit, and Rihanna has continued to reign as a defining diva of the 2000s and beyond.

With powerful vocals and a lush, captivating tone, she not only excels in her solo projects but also appears on numerous collaborations, making her an artist who receives fervent calls from peers.

Take a Bow, released in April 2008, is a song that likely voices the protagonist’s monologue as she breaks up with a boyfriend who cheated on her.

It’s a beautiful ballad, but its lyrics—likening the person who kept deceiving her to a “great actor”—are razor-sharp with irony, and any man who finds it hitting close to home would have a hard time staying composed.

Big Girls Don’t CryFergie

Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal) (Extended Version)

This song, also covered in the hugely popular TV series Glee, is Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” The image of a woman putting on a brave face, saying she won’t cry even after a heartbreak, is truly touching.

Her cute voice sounds stronger and more fragile than usual, making this a heart-wrenching track.

I’m a MessBebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha – I’m A Mess [Official Music Video]

It’s a moving song by American artist Bebe Rexha that sings of the strength to accept oneself even while carrying the loneliness of being left by a loved one.

Included on her album “Expectations,” released in June 2018, it resonated with many listeners.

The wavering of a heart trying to embrace itself as it is—despite self-denial and anxiety—strikes a chord alongside her powerful vocals.

Born from facing her own psychological struggles, the piece is also memorable for the episode that it was completed in just two hours after an offhand remark in the studio.

Winner of a BMI Pop Award, the song continues to be highly regarded as a track that stands by those suffering from heartbreak and self-doubt.

Damn I Wish I Was Your LoverSophie B. Hawkins

Sophie B. Hawkins – Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover

This song portrays the feelings of a woman who’s experiencing the bittersweet pain and frustration of unrequited love.

It expresses the thought, “Why am I not his girlfriend? I wish I were the one he was dating,” capturing emotions that go unanswered.

The emphasis isn’t dark, so it doesn’t feel too sad, and I found it easy to listen to.