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

open armsJourney

Journey – Open Arms (Official Video – 1982)

This is a famous love song known as a classic vocal ballad—so moving that some people are brought to tears by the introductory piano phrase.

It’s often used at weddings, and the soaring vocals in the chorus are breathtaking, conveying a grand scale that can bring anyone to tears.

this loveMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – This Love

This is a smash-hit love song by Maroon 5 that blends a pop mood with powerful vocals.

The chorus is especially well-known, and the intense emotion of wondering what to do after this love has gone is sung so passionately that it’s overwhelming—enough to move listeners to tears.

real loveMary J Blige

Mary J blige – Real Love

This is a love song by the renowned Mary J.

Blige that explores what true love is, skillfully using drum samples from Audio Two and weaving in a rhythmic piano.

It’s a beautiful R&B track that many club-goers consider a formative anthem of their youth—one that can even bring you to tears.

remind mePATRICE RUSHEN

PATRICE RUSHEN REMIND ME

This is an absolutely iconic track by the truly authentic funk artist Patrice Rushen.

Its completeness as a love song is in a league of its own, and the heartfelt message—pleading to always be remembered—creates a sublime sense of weightless emotion and profound impact, securing its place as the ultimate tearjerker.

love like thisSWV

SWV – Love Like This (Original)

This is a classic love song by SWV, built on a track inspired by Jeff Lorber’s fusion masterpiece, that pushes it into an R&B tune with a moody atmosphere.

The smooth vocals, rich with pleasing overtones, can bring you to tears, and the chorus delivers a surge of emotion powerful enough to make you sob.

much loveShola Ama

Shola Ama – Much love (D’Influence mix)

An R&B classic-era love song where the bouncy drums and Shola Ama’s smooth, exhilarating vocals make a perfect match.

Its message—wanting to envelop someone in overflowing love—resonates powerfully, creating a soothing yet heart-piercing mood that can move you to tears.

falling for youTamia

Tamia – Falling for you

This is a moving song by Tamia that paints a worldview of falling straight for you—a powerful take on love.

The track’s direct use of “Best of My Love” heightens the emotion, and the beautiful flow of the vocals builds a sense of exhilaration.

It stands out as a classic in the R&B canon.