Heartbreaking breakup songs by female Western artists—tear-jerking breakup tracks. World classics and recommended popular songs.

Smooth OperatorSade

Sade – Smooth Operator – Official – 1984

Sade, who made a huge breakthrough in the ’80s with her exotic looks—born in Nigeria—and her sultry vocals.

Her biggest hit is a tearful love song about a woman who falls for a smooth operator (a playboy).

Don’t miss the music video, which is as dramatic as a movie.

Tonight I’m Getting Over YouCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Tonight I’m Getting Over You

With her friendly charm and adorable appeal, Carly’s popularity is exploding.

This single cut from her 2012 album “Kiss” features an upbeat, catchy melody that’s sure to get stuck in your head.

The couple in the music video—Carly and her boyfriend—are absolutely adorable.

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.

I Still BelieveBrenda K. Starr

Brenda K Starr – I Still Believe (HQ)

It’s well known that before her debut, Mariah Carey was a backup vocalist for Brenda.

This song, which Mariah covered and turned into a hit, was actually originally Brenda’s.

It’s a song about a woman who believes wholeheartedly in love—trusting that even if they walk separate paths, they’ll be together again someday.

The AlibiDylan

Dylan – The Alibi (Visualiser)

A track released in February 2024 by Dylan, a rising artist from the UK, that crosses over alt z, singer-songwriter pop, and UK pop.

It skillfully portrays a whirlwind of complex emotions born from love and betrayal.

Dylan’s emotive vocals and the refined production fuse beautifully, expressing both the pain of heartbreak and the hope of recovery.

As the lyric “If there were a crime, I’d be standing by your side” suggests, the protagonist’s anguish comes through—despite being ready to stand by the other person in any situation, they ultimately have to accept the breakup.

It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to overcome heartbreak or seeking deep emotional resonance.

Who’s That Girl？Eurythmics

Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Who’s That Girl? (Official Video)

Eurythmics, the duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart.

A hit song that rose to No.

3 on the UK charts in 1983.

The music video is lavish, featuring Annie—dressed in an Elvis-style costume—confronting her lover with “Who’s that girl?”, along with cameo appearances by stars of the time like Bananarama and Marilyn.

How Can I Ease The PainLisa Fischer

Lisa Fischer – How Can I Ease The Pain – Music Video (1991)

Her 1991 album “So Intense” topped the R&B chart, and this song also won a Grammy.

She’s a distinguished singer who has even toured with the Rolling Stones.

With overwhelming vocal power, she conveys the sorrow of being hurt more often than finding happiness in love.