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

RuinUSHER, Pheelz

USHER, Pheelz – Ruin (Official Music Video)

With its luscious melody and striking lyrics, this song resonates deeply.

A collaboration between Usher and Fields, it paints a portrait of heartbreak and the journey toward self-recovery.

Released on February 2, 2024, the track appears on Usher’s album “Coming Home,” delivering a compelling blend of classic R&B foundations with fresh new elements.

The lyrics, which seem to embrace the emotions of those scarred by past relationships, are sure to resonate with many listeners.

Portraying the hesitation to start anew, this piece will likely offer courage and hope to anyone striving to overcome the pain of a broken heart.

TerminerWejdene

Terminer

Wejdene invites us into an R&B world where luscious melodies and bittersweet longing coexist in her latest masterpiece.

Released in January 2024, this track vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak and the process of self-recovery.

Catapulted to stardom in 2020 with “Anissa,” Wejdene showcases even more mature expressive power here.

The talent that earned her album “16” a platinum certification is on full display once again.

It’s a perfect song for those looking to heal from a breakup or those who resonate with a strong female image.

Her clear vocals and skillful word choice will resonate deeply with listeners.

My Name Is Not SusanWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – My Name Is Not Susan (Rap Version) (Official Video)

I think if something like this really happened to me, I’d feel angry, sad, and conflicted.

The song is about a boyfriend sleeping next to you who says another woman’s name in his sleep.

If that happened, some women would definitely get angry.

But in quiet moments, I think it would also make you feel deeply sad and heartbroken.

Leave Herd4vd

d4vd – Leave Her (Official Lyric Video)

There are times when a sorrowful song can become a source of comfort.

This track from d4vd’s album “Withering,” released in February 2024, is exactly that kind of song.

It weaves together the agony of clinging to a past love with a resolve to discover a new self.

The way he sings about the complicated feelings toward an ex who reaches out in the middle of the night—set against delicate guitar tones—feels as if he’s gently lifting emotions from the depths of the listener’s heart.

It’s a song that stands by those who want to heal the pain of heartbreak or find the courage to move forward.

A shining example of d4vd’s young talent—why not etch it into your heart?

Feel SomethingAdam Lambert

Adam Lambert – Feel Something (Live Session)

When it comes to Adam Lambert, many people might first think of him as Queen’s frontman, but Feel Something is a song that clearly demonstrates that he’s also an exceptional solo singer with outstanding vocal ability.

Released unexpectedly as a new track in 2019, it became a major topic when its live session video was unveiled.

Needless to say, Adam’s performance—singing with a relaxed expression—is superb, and the song is a beautiful piano-centered ballad with a refined arrangement.

Reading the lyrics, sung by a natural, unguarded Adam as if speaking directly to you—seemingly freed from the heavy responsibility of fronting the monumental band Queen—will give courage to anyone who has experienced loss to take a new step forward.

Out Of LoveAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – Out Of Love

Alessia Cara is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose pop music, lightly mixed with R&B elements, has gained popularity mainly in English-speaking countries.

She has openly stated that she aims to follow Justin Bieber’s career path, and all of her songs have a catchy vibe.

Her breakup song “Out Of Love” is also very catchy, centered on lingering feelings: she tells her boyfriend—whose feelings for her have cooled—that she doesn’t want him to stay with her, while asking him to tell her when his feelings faded.

Tears Dry On Their OwnAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own

Even though it’s a heartbreak song, it’s not dark—it’s bright—so I think it’s a track that helps you stay positive.

I found the lyrics like “your tears will naturally dry like the sun” really cool, and I ended up loving it.

I thought listening to it before your mood sinks will give you a boost.