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

Be AlrightDean Lewis

Dean Lewis – Be Alright (Official Video)

This is a song called “Be Alright,” released by Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis.

Getting over a breakup isn’t easy—especially when you’re the one who got hurt.

In times like that, try listening to this song.

It will gently cheer you on as you try to move forward.

CoasterKhalid

Khalid – Coaster (Audio)

Khalid, a Canadian artist who has gained popularity with R&B infused with a modern sound.

Unlike old-school R&B, his songs are characterized by very catchy lyrics and melodies, making them easy to listen to.

A breakup song of his that I recommend is Coaster.

The title means roller coaster, and it portrays the pain of heartbreak as if you’re plunging downward like on a roller coaster.

Hate Me If It HelpsAlexander 23

Alexander 23 – Hate Me If It Helps [Official Music Video]

When people think of breakup songs, many imagine something bittersweet—nostalgia for a past relationship or lingering regrets.

But in reality, breakups can sometimes make you feel angry, too.

Capturing that anger brilliantly is the song “Hate Me If It Helps.” It’s a breakup song from a male perspective that lays bare emotions like anger and exasperation toward an ex, with biting, sarcastic lines sprinkled throughout the track.

Bye ByeMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Bye Bye

Sung over a strongly R&B-tinged track are lyrics mourning the loss of a loved one.

“I never knew I could hurt like this,” and “And everyday life goes on like ‘I wish I could talk to you for a while.

’” Even if it’s not a death, there’s no doubt this song resonates when you lose someone important through heartbreak.

You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name

Huh? This one? Some people might think that, but it’s a devastating breakup song, isn’t it? If you just read the lyrics, to me it only sounds like the feelings of a man who’s been deceived by a coquettish woman.

I’m nothing but a game piece bound by your rules.

Yeah, he’s completely fooled.

That said, thanks to the band playing so cheerfully in contrast to the lyrics, that image doesn’t really come across at all…

Die 4 MeHalsey

Halsey – Die 4 Me

Halsey, a singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming support from women for her powerful expressiveness and strong messages.

Among her works, shaped by both bitter and sweet experiences, the heartbreak song I especially recommend is Die 4 Me.

The track depicts the gap between words of love and actual actions.

Most of us have been swayed by sweet talk at least once.

This song speaks directly to those who’ve had that experience, portraying the regret and self-reproach that can arise in love.

FallingHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Falling (Official Video)

This is a beautiful ballad sung by Harry Styles, a member of the boys group that defined the 2010s, One Direction, who also enjoys great popularity as a solo artist.

The song is included on his second solo album, Fine Line, released in 2019, and its music video was released in February 2020.

The lyrics, which candidly portray raw emotions toward an ex-partner, have attracted attention, and the track is said to be addressed to a former lover Styles dated, with lines that indeed hint at that.

While it may not be particularly positive, perhaps, like the protagonist of this song, letting yourself hit rock bottom once in order to eventually move forward could be one way to cope.