When you're going through a breakup, music can be more helpful than you realize. Perfectly putting into words what you can't explain, living through the melody and lyrics of a song is one way to heal your heart. Here are 20 songs that are perfect for every stage of getting over a breakup.
1. "Someone Like You" by Adele
Sometimes, the best way to get over a harsh breakup is to let it all out. Don't hide your emotions, embrace them! And what better voice in the music industry is there than Adele to comfort you during your lowest moments? "Someone Like You" has become a classic in modern pop, allowing listeners to lose themselves in the haunting melody, deep lyrics, and Adele's powerful voice.
2. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
If wallowing in sadness doesn't quite fit your vibe, how about an empowering anthem that'll help you get back on your feet? Instead of crying your eyes out, dance the night away by listening to "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. It's a disco classic that doubles as a great breakup song! With such an upbeat tempo and strong, defiant lyrics, you'll be getting over your breakup sooner than you realized.
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3. "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor
After going through such an emotional event like a breakup, sometimes all you need is some rest and relaxation. So turn down the lights, lie down in bed, and turn up the music, preferably if it's playing "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor. It's the perfect song that captures the sense of loss and yearning that follows after separation, allowing you to feel all the feels.
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4. "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé
When everything else in your life seems to be taking a turn for the worst, you can always count on Queen B to back you up. Reminding you to love yourself and recognize your self-worth, "Irreplaceable" is an iconic bop that will always remain relevant. It's the best song to get you re-energized and back on your feet.
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5. "So What" by P!nk
Let's keep things lively for a moment with P!nk's popular hit song, "So What." It's a rebellious anthem for sure, providing heartbroken individuals with a powerful, fist-bumping tune to help them get over all the heartache. Because remember at the end of the day, you should be embracing your single status with a rockstar attitude.
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6. "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver
Okay, okay, let's tone things down a little with something softer and more subdued. Perfect for quiet moments of reflection and introspection, "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver brings the best of both raw vocals and acoustic melodies. There's a level of vulnerability to the song that accurately mirrors your own feelings, allowing you to fall deeper into the melody.
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7. "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac
Every genre of music has got its own set of great breakup songs, and rock music isn't an exception. If you're looking for something to jam out to as you get your thoughts together, why not put "Go Your Own Way" on repeat? It's enthusiastic, energetic, and encourages all of its listeners to find their own independence.
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8. "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber
When it comes to modern day pop hits, Justin Bieber never lets us down. And although he has his fair share of love songs, he's got some great breakup ones too, namely "Love Yourself." The song is incredibly simple and has some pretty straightforward lyrics, but when you're down in the dumps, sometimes it's just what you need. All about self-respect, just sit back and absorb the song's message!
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9. "Dancing On My Own" by Robyn
Who says dance pop can't be emotional? Robyn proves everyone wrong with her breakup anthem, "Dancing On My Own," combining the best of upbeat music with deep, heartfelt lyrics. The song might feel sad, but as you listen to it, you'll find a sense of strength within it, helping you to recover more quickly.
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10. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra
Quick throwback to the 2010s! How many of you remember this iconic hit from Gotye featuring Kimbra? With its unique sound and relatable lyrics, it quickly topped the charts when it was first released. But if you're feeling down in the dumps trying to get over a recent breakup, we're telling you to load this one back up. It's great at putting into words the disconnect and heartbreak you're feeling.
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11. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
Fiery, passionate, and filled with a relatable anger, Alanis Morissette didn't come to play when she released her hit, "You Oughta Know." It's the cathartic release every broken up person is looking for. There's nothing quite like screaming this song in the shower or at a heated karaoke session! Not only is the song filled with an intense rock tune, the lyrics are equally aggressive, giving you an outlet to your pent up emotions.
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12. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
You can always rely on Sam Smith to create the most perfect breakup songs that voice exactly how you're feeling. But the standout song from his collection is definitely "Stay With Me," a soulful ballad that is filled with all the desperation and sorrow of a relationship gone south.
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13. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
There's no breakup song out there more iconic, more loved, and more listened to than Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone." Okay, that might've been a bit too subjective, but are we wrong? It's such a powerful song that reminds you of your own independence and strength, even during your roughest times. So if you're looking to move on quickly, this is definitely one to blast on your speakers.
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14. "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele
Powerful, dramatic, and perfect for tapping your feet too, "Rolling In The Deep" is another great song to belt your heart out to. Adele is just an expert at breakup songs it seems! With such soulful rhythms and thoughtful lyrics, this song is able to capture what you want to scream out in a beautiful way.
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15. "Apologize" by Timbaland ft. OneRepublic
When was the last time you listened to "Apologize" by Timbaland and OneRepublic? This is a throwback song for sure. With its simple melody, there's a certain catchiness to it that stays in your head on repeat. And when you're going through a breakup, it's definitely going to be stuck in your head. The somberness of the song is perfect if you're just looking to lay back and drown in good music.
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16. "The Scientist" by Coldplay
If screaming out lyrics isn't what you're looking for and you're currently in the stage of healing and self-reflection, put on some Coldplay for the ideal backdrop song. "The Scientist" is melancholic, gentle, and heart-wrenching. It'll definitely pull on your heartstrings as you listen to the carefully written lyrics and soothing melody. Can we call it chicken soup for the broken heart?
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17. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child
Let's throw a little R&B on this list to switch things up - "Survivor" by Destiny's Child is an old classic, turning your dark little room filled with regret into a headbopping dance floor. It's all about resilience and strength! With such a forceful beat and confident lyrics, how could your spirits not be lifted?
18. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift
And of course, we can't leave out Taylor Swift if we're talking about any form of love song, be it about happy times or sad times. But the song we've chosen to highlight is "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," an upbeat song that tries to embrace the lighter side of saying goodbye. Not every breakup is bad, sometimes, it's for the better. And there's no better song out there than this one to capture all those positive feelings of moving on.
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19. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
For something a little more dramatic, turn to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler to give you all the satisfaction you're looking for. Because really, we could all use a little flair or drama in our lives. With such powerful vocals, and even more intense lyrics and music to match it, this is one classic choice that'll help remove any lingering heartache.
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20. "Fix You" by Coldplay
Of course, we can't finish this list without giving Coldplay a second shoutout. "Fix You" is everyone's favourite support song. When you need an extra hand to get through a tough time, like a breakup perhaps, this song is all you need. And that moment when the song hits its uplifting climax? It's such a cathartic release!
