Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits

Beggin’ On Your KneesVictoria Justice

Victoria Justice – Beggin’ On Your Knees (Official from Victorious)

A song used in Nickelodeon’s sitcom ‘Victorious.

‘ In the scene, Tori, played by the very talented singer Victoria Justice, is approached by the most handsome guy at school who tries to team up with her on an assignment.

But it turns out he was only sweet-talking her to use her talent to get a good grade, so the song becomes a revenge track aimed at him.

Careless WhisperWham!

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)

In the 1980s, Wham!, a male pop duo, was hugely popular not only in their home country of the UK but also in the United States and Japan.

Their biggest heartbreak song is surely Careless Whisper.

It tells the story of a man who, driven by a fleeting moment of unfaithfulness, whispered to a woman other than his girlfriend—and that became the reason his girlfriend ultimately said goodbye.

In Japan, it’s remembered for being an exceptionally big hit for a Western song.

American Morning (Just When I Needed You Most)Randy Vanwarmer

American Morning / Just When I Needed You Most – Randy VanWarmer

It has a Japanese title that seems very fresh and cheerful at first glance, “American Morning,” but the original title is “Just When I Needed You Most.” In translation, it means something like, “You left me just when I needed you most,” making it a heartbreak song.

Randy VanWarmer was a singer-songwriter well known among AOR fans.

It was released in 1979.

Cryin’Aerosmith

Aerosmith – Cryin’ (Official Music Video)

A single by the American hard rock band Aerosmith, released in 1993.

It was the third single taken from that year’s album “Get a Grip.” The song portrays a man’s feelings as he faces the end of love, deeply hurt and unsure of how to move forward.

It’s A HeartacheBonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler – It’s A Heartache (Official HD Video)

In Japan, “Love Is in the Air” is well-known, but it was this 1978 song that broke into both the U.

S.

pop and country charts and ignited its popularity.

It was later covered by Rod Stewart.

A melancholic masterpiece that stands as a standard among breakup songs.

Goodbye Never Felt So BadJames Bay

James Bay – Goodbye Never Felt So Bad (Official Audio)

This is a rock song by British singer-songwriter James Bay.

Set to a driving sound, it portrays the sorrow of a woman who’s been dumped by her lover.

It’s striking how it conveys her sadness through various metaphors.

Though the theme is heartrending, the powerful vocals and sound might still give you a boost.

CryJamestown Story

“Cry” – Jamestown Story (Official Lyric Video)

It touches the heart not only when you’re heartbroken, but also when something unpleasant has happened.

When someone asks “What’s wrong?” in such a gentle way, you feel like opening up, and it helps heal the hurt.

If you listen when you feel like crying, I think the tears will come easily.