Ranking of Western farewell songs [2025]

Because Of YouKelly Clarkson29rank/position

Kelly Clarkson – Because Of You (Official HD Video)

Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural champion of the hit show American Idol, excels at pop rock with a country influence.

With her lovable personality and clean, catchy vocals, she became popular especially in the United States.

Because of You is known as one of her signature songs, depicting the feelings of a woman who, after a breakup, has become self-destructive.

Thanks to its catchiness, it was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo30rank/position

Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video)

A gem of a ballad by American artist Olivia Rodrigo, layering the pain of heartbreak over the driver’s license—a symbol of youth.

Released in January 2021, her debut single portrays the protagonist’s inability to let go of feelings for an ex, expressed through the imagery of a solitary drive.

The piano-driven track’s emotional swells vividly convey the sense of loss when a promised future is suddenly severed, as well as the complex jealousy toward a new partner.

As the lead single from the album SOUR, it topped the charts in 25 countries worldwide.

This masterpiece offers deep comfort to those facing the end of a first love or feeling isolated at a turning point in life.

IrreplaceableBeyoncé31rank/position

Beyoncé – Irreplaceable

Beyoncé is an American R&B singer who captivates listeners with her powerful vocals.

She’s an artist with extremely high name recognition in Japan as well.

While many people associate her with powerful, high-energy melodies, her more laid-back tracks are actually quite good, too.

“Irreplaceable” is a song that reveals a new side of her.

It portrays a woman fed up with a clingy boyfriend, and the contrast with the melody makes it a really interesting piece.

Be sure to check it out!

good 4 uOlivia Rodrigo32rank/position

Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u (Official Video)

It’s a track that explodes with the pain and anger of heartbreak.

The lyrics capture complex emotions: while an ex has moved on to a new relationship, the narrator still can’t bounce back.

Its energetic, pop‑punk‑influenced sound brilliantly conveys the feelings of youth.

Included on Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album “SOUR,” the song was released in May 2021 and quickly dominated the charts.

It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to recover from a breakup or dealing with complicated feelings toward an ex.

Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez33rank/position

Selena Gomez – Lose You To Love Me (Official Music Video)

Selena Gomez is active as an actress and artist.

She is an artist who is well-known in Japan as well.

In addition to her acting career, she is also extremely popular as a singer and has won many music awards.

Lose You to Love Me is known as one of her signature songs and was released in 2020.

The lyrics depict the bittersweet feelings of a woman supporting her boyfriend as he pursues his dreams.

Big Girls Don’t CryFergie34rank/position

Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal) (Official Music Video)

Although Fergie is often associated with upbeat songs, her bittersweet tracks are also highly recommended.

Big Girls Don’t Cry is one of her most popular breakup songs.

It’s about the heartache of returning to being friends with an ex.

While the lyrics talk about becoming friends again, they also convey the lingering desire not to part, making them especially poignant.

The melody is relatively pop, which only further accentuates the sadness.

Happier Than EverBillie Eilish35rank/position

Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish is an artist who has gained worldwide popularity with her downer-tinged musical style.

Many people probably first got to know her through her 2019 release, “bad guy.” The track she released in July 2021 is “Happier Than Ever.” It features a melody that blends country music with a moody, downcast arrangement.

While the lyrics project a bold attitude, they poignantly capture the feelings of a woman who, somewhere in her heart, still thinks about the man she parted ways with.