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

Hello, it's meTodd Rundgren

Todd Rundgren – Hello It’s Me (1972)

Although not widely known in Japan, this is a classic tear-jerking love ballad.

Todd Rundgren is a musician so versed in music that he could be called a true craftsman; not only does he perform his own work, but he has also produced countless artists.

Released in 1972, this love ballad possesses a mysterious allure, exuding an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Hard to be honest (Hard to Say I’m Sorry)CHICAGO

Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry (Official Music Video)

Early Chicago was a representative brass rock band.

Entering the 1980s, as their musical style changed, they had this massive hit.

It was released in 1982, with Peter Cetera as the lead vocalist.

This ballad, with an AOR-flavored, wistful melody line, topped the U.

S.

singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

Telephone LineElectric Light Orchestra

ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) – Telephone Line

A track from Electric Light Orchestra’s 1976 album A New World Record.

It was released as a single the following year.

This piece comes from a period when ELO’s distinctive sound was gradually taking shape.

Certified Gold, it became one of ELO’s signature works.

EverythingJody Watley

Jody Watley – Everything

Jody, who had belonged to the group Shalamar, went solo and included this song on her 1989 album “Larger Than Life.” It expresses the feelings of a woman who, for the first time, realizes just how important her ex was to her.

Wrecking BallMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball (Director’s Cut)

Miley Cyrus, who rose to fame through Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” The song was released around the time she shifted from teen idol to a provocative image, which is why the music video even features a scene of her riding a wrecking ball nude.

It’s said that this track was originally written for Beyoncé.

The Heart Wants What It WantsSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez – The Heart Wants What It Wants (Official Video)

At the beginning of this song, a voice note from Selena Gomez herself is included, in which she says something like, “This is stupid—you’re blaming everything on me,” and it’s said that the song is likely about Justin Bieber, whom she dated for many years.

Two GhostsHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Two Ghosts (live in studio)

The poignant ballad woven by British artist Harry Styles delicately portrays a lost love.

Set to a melody infused with country and folk-rock elements, it reflects on memories with a former lover and the changes that followed.

Released in August 2017, the song appears on the album “Harry Styles” and captured the hearts of many fans.

With its distinctive slide guitar, the piece symbolically expresses a relationship that has ended and personal transformation.

It’s a recommended track for those seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to reflect on their past selves.