The 35 Best Breakup Songs to Help You Pick up the Pieces
Because yes, Beyoncé makes everything better.
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The end of some relationships hurt more than others. And while you can get over an ex by rediscovering old interests or picking up a book that heals, music also has the ability to uplift. Whether you're still pining over your lost love or simply need a little motivation for a fresh start, blast these breakup songs. From angry anthems, to rock tunes, and country ballads, these soulful songs will help you say goodbye.
"Didn't We Almost Have It All" by Whitney Houston
"I Will Always Love You" sounds like the obvious choice, but "Didn't We Almost Have It All" is hands-down one of Houston's greatest early gems. As the 1987 song explores, when a relationship is good, you'll never want to lose the feelings that come with it.
"Someone Like You" by Adele
Nobody can coach you through a heartbreak quite like Adele, who has a song for every post-breakup emotion. "Someone Like You" is so hauntingly beautiful it'll make you shed a tear even if you're perfectly happy in your relationship.
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson
The original American Idol winner is basically the queen of rock-n-roll-style breakup anthems. Songs like "Since You've Been Gone" and "Walk Away" have populated breakup playlists since 2003. And "Stronger" is all about not letting a breakup diminish your self-worth.
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" by The Righteous Brothers
This 1964 classic stands the test of time because you can practically feel the pain behind the words as The Righteous Brothers lament the end of a romance.
"Stay" by Rihanna (Feat. Mikky Ekko)
We all want to take the high road after a breakup and convince ourselves that we're better off alone, but that's not always how it goes. There's no shame in needing to pour yourself a glass of wine and—as Rihanna suggests—taking a minute to wallow.
"You're So Vain" by Carly Simon
Long before Taylor Swift put her exes on blast with chart-topping hits like "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," Carly Simon had the world speculating about the inspiration behind this song. Sometimes, a relationship has to end before a partner's negative traits become clear.
"Walk on By" by Dionne Warwick
Running into an ex is never fun, especially when you're still upset that you're not with them. Warwick addresses how tough these circumstances can be in this Grammy-nominated 1964 hit.
"Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake
It's tough to learn that your partner has been unfaithful, but Timberlake is not above calling out the girl who did him wrong in this track. He channeled his anger productively: by releasing a chart-topper.
"Believe" by Cher
Cher is here to dry your tears and push you back out onto the dance floor. As she sings, everyone needs to believe in life after love. May we suggest a dating app?
"Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyoncé
Queen Bey knows how to deliver a burn when someone does her wrong. Press play on this under-valued hit from her 2011 album 4 if you need this reminder: it's not worth staying down in the dumps over someone who didn't treat you right to begin with.
"Dancing On My Own" by Calum Scott
Though Robyn's original 2010 version of this song will make you want to dance, Callum Scott's stripped-down cover makes you realize just how sad—and real—the lyrics are.
"Shout Out to My Ex" by Little Mix
The U.K.'s beloved girl group Little Mix released this empowering anthem about embracing the single life in 2017. It's the song you'll want to put on the moment you wake up and realize the mourning period is over.
"Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac
While the members of Fleetwood Mac often failed to get along, they came together to produce "Dreams," a breakup anthem that ended up topping the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
"What About Us" by Pink
From early singles like "There You Go" and "You Make Me Sick," Pink is certainly no stranger to exploring broken relationships. A super danceable track, "What About Us" focuses on reconciling with shattered trust.
"King of Wishful Thinking" by Go West
There are times when you just have to fake your way through the pain. That's the gist of Go West's 1992 hit. Why not have something to tap your toes to as you try to mend your heart?
"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo
Lizzo's music focuses on one theme: self-love. "Truth Hurts" is about reminding your ex about everything they're missing out on, and why you deserve better.
"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Laura Branigan
You might be more familiar with Michael Bolton's version of this song, but Branigan, the singer behind "Gloria," belts out the lyrics so convincingly, it's almost like she's crying through her words.
"It Ain't Me" by Kygo (Feat. Selena Gomez)
This catchy dance track is about reaching your breaking point. Keeping it authentic, Gomez sings about removing herself from a messy relationship.
"Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson
This song has been reinterpreted by artists like Elvis, Brenda Lee, and the Pet Shop Boys, but Willie Nelson took home three Grammys for his cover in 1983. It's a song about coming to terms with the mistakes you made in a relationship, but realizing it's too late.
"Party for One" by Carly Rae Jepsen
Still recognized for her 2000s single "Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen sings about learning to love yourself post-breakup in "Party for One." Push 'em to the side and play this song on repeat.
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