Music has been a staple not only for entertainment but also rather for an expression of oneself. An expression of one’s experience in life, fantasy, or rather even heartbreak.
Often our favorite or memorable songs are the ones that we can relate to. In this article, we will discuss Top Breakup Pop Songs that you may want to relate to as you are going through a tough breakup.
People go through a lot of phases in a breakup — from feeling demotivated and lethargic with no will to move on, to finding a source of strength to finally grasp the ropes that lead out of the heartbreak.
Hence, in this article, we are suggesting not only emotional pop songs but also empowering and iconic songs to ease your personal situation that you are going through.
Contents
The Rise Of The Breakup Pop Song Culture (ft. Gloria Jones)
Breakup song found its first attention during the early 1960s when Gloria Jones composed a ‘soul music’ named “Tainted Love”. Soul music was an alias for Breakup Songs when Gloria Jones dropped a piece of music that defied all other genres.
Previously people went to concerts or bars to enjoy their evening. Oftentimes, people went to such places of entertainment to distract themselves from their daily struggles, such as heartbreaks.
In the early 1960s, there wasn’t much of any music or genre that related to people suffering. Rather it was soulful joyous music that occupied bars and concerts.
That is precisely why Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love” found so much traction.
It was amongst the first songs that the common people related to when going through a tough time. A new genre was created, then named ‘soul music’
Other artists soon followed with the new popularity and market that the soul music found amongst their fanbase.
Such as Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart”, and much more that we shall discuss down below.
Our List of Top Breakup Pop Songs
We have previously discussed that we shall list some of the most heartwarming and authentic heartbreak pop songs in 3 stages:
- Emotional Pop Songs
- Empowering Pop Songs
- Iconic Pop Songs
Top 6 Emotional Songs Catered To Your Taste
In this segment of the article, we shall list and discuss 6 of the most sought-after music in the emotional pop song category:
1) “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”
- Artist: Neil Young
- Published: 1970
- Album: After The Golden Rush
This song had a vibe like no other, especially in the late 1900s. It wasn’t just about heartbreak and momentary sadness, but rather dedicated to living through a lifetime of sadness.
Neil Young captured the hearts of people living in misery, sadness, and depression on a level that connected like no other song back in the day.
2) “Hurt”
- Artist: Johnny Cash
- Published: 2002
- Album: American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash was known for his heartwarming country-style music. However, at both ends of his career and at the end of his lifetime, he dropped an emotional rollercoaster, “Hurt”.
Johnny was crippled due to both health and old age complications, his voice was riddled and cracked.
And that is exactly why the last song of his career was such a hit. It reminded the audience of the cruel fate of this world, that nothing is permanent and everything does come to an end.
The song consisted of Johnny reminiscing about the past with his wife, with his glory, and a beautiful closure to an adventurous life.
Johnny Cash sadly passed out a year later after the debut of his last song “Hurt”!
3) All My Happiness Is Gone
- Artist: David Berman (From Purple Mountains)
- Published: 2019
- Album: Self-Titled Album: Purple Mountains
David Berman’s mental health issues have been well documented previously. This was a song dedicated to his years of struggle with depression.
A storytelling of how there is a thin line between giving up and holding on and how he is slipping towards the former.
This was amongst the last tracks before Berman’s suicide a few months later after the music’s premier.
Song YouTube Link:
4) Both Sides Now
- Artist: Joni Mitchell
- Published: 1969
- Album: Clouds
This is one of the classic songs about a woman’s heartbreak due to cheating. During the early 1960s, Joni Mitchell realized her husband cheated on her which eventually led to their divorce.
This song is dedicated to her struggles as a woman who has been cheated on and her agony of divorce.
5) Nothing Compares 2 U
- Artist: Sinead O’Connor
- Published: 1990
- Album: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, a shivering line at the death bed to a mother. Such is the song composed by Sinead O’Connor!
A song dedicated to the grievous passing of her mother, channeling all the sorrow and trauma into one singular musical performance.
6) It’s Not Just Me
- Artist: Weyes Blood
- Published: 2022
- Album: And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow
A song dedicated to mentally challenging anxiety and loneliness. It covers feelings such as human desperation in a public place, where the anxiety is at its peak.
There may be countless people nearby, however you are still completely alone by yourself, suffering! And there is no one who can help or relate.
Top 6 Empowering Songs to Listen To During A Heartbreak
In this segment of the article, we have listed 6 empowering breakup pop songs that may lift your spirit during a bad heartbreak.
1) Stronger
- Artist: Britney Spear
- Published: 2000
- Album: Oops! ……… Did It Again
A song sending a message to all those who may feel like tomorrow won’t be any different. It sends the message that you will be growing stronger than yesterday.
And it will get easier as you get stronger and more capable.
2) Dancing With Myself
- Artist: Billy Idol
- Publish: 1980
- Album: Solo Play
An all-out song that encourages to just give up on reasoning and hold onto meaningless emotions. And just go wild and enjoy the ride ahead.
3) I Will Survive
- Artist: Gloria Gaynor
- Publish: 1978
- Album: Love Tracks
A song dedicated to moving on despite gruesome heartbreaks. It sends the message that as long as you can gather the will to live, you will gather the strength to love again.
4) Someone Like You
- Artist: Adele
- Published: 2011
- Album: 21
If you can’t look back at the past and accept what it is, you may never find the empowering strength to move forward. Such is the message conveyed! As long as there is acceptance, there will be reignition into your life, onto your passion.
A heartwarming song from Adele with her powerful vocal delivery that resonates through the listener’s ear. The videography is also an absolute masterpiece.
5) My Heart Will Go on
- Artist: Celine Dion
- Published: 1997
- Album: Lets Talk About Love
Any serious relationship that finds no proper closure will bear the scar of a lifetime. And it is not a sin to be angry and frustrated due to that.
Rather this song emphasizes that you sometimes must tap into such outrageous emotions to heal. And no one is alone in their journey of healing.
6) Tears Dry On Their Own
- Artist: Amy Winehouse
- Published: 2007
- Album: Luck of the Draw
This song relies on the fact that despite every heartbreak, one is bound to move on. Additionally, the only way to move on after a major heartbreak is to accept the past.
We have seen this type of theme previously too, however, it shows how important accepting the past is.
Top 6 Iconic Heartbreak Songs That Defined The Generation
There will always be emotional songs that stand out more than the other. On the other hand, some songs are actually considered to be works of art. Such works of art are what define a generation, and inspire generations to come.
Below, we have listed some of the iconic breakup pop songs that defined this genre.
1) All Too Well
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Published: 2012
- Album: Red
A classical song about heartbreak and despair after a breakup. This was Taylor Swift’s intimate song about the brief relationship she had with Jake Gyllenhall. Although she never confirmed it.
2) Stay
- Artist: Rihanna
- Published: 2012
- Album: Unapologetic
Most of Rihanna’s songs are about being a strong independent person. To face all the odds with a brave stance.
However, often songs like “Stay” expose the vulnerable side of humanity during heartbreak. The sentimental phase when giving up feels like the easier choice but we have to hold on.
3) Irreplaceable
- Artist: Beyonce
- Published: 2006
- Album: B’day
Debatably, Irreplaceable is the best song of the 2000s! This is a song about the end of her relationship with an unfaithful man.
An empowering song for all women who must stay strong during the end of a one-sided relationship that only she cared for.
Despite all such flaws, sometimes someone is just quite “Irreplaceable”.
4) Don’t Speak
- Artist: No Doubt (Band)
- Published: 1996
- Album: Tragic Kingdom
This was also amongst the best songs in the late 1990s. Covers the emotional, painful yet cherishing moments in a failed relationship.
The storytelling in the song is inspired by Gwen Stefani’s personal relationship with the band member Tony Kanal.
Emphasizes how a lack of communication kills a relationship much more often than cheating.
5) Love Will Tear Us Apart
- Artist: Joy Division
- Published: 1980
- Album: Non-album (Singular Performance)
A unique song that focuses on two individuals falling in love. However, they drift apart slowly but surely as years go by.
And reaches a mutual breakup. Sometimes, there is no greater resolution in a breakup. Sometimes, it was just not meant to be!
6) It’s Too Late
- Artist: Carole King
- Published: 1971
- Album: None (Singular Performance)
Carole King is a very emotionally mature lady and it shows in her lyric composition. She has been in this emotional pop song genre for over a decade.
She doesn’t play the blame game, but rather preaches the message that sometimes relationships just don’t work. And there is no one to blame for it.
Certainly a take in music for a more mentally and emotionally mature audience.
Final Words
We have discussed and listed some of the most iconic, emotional, and empowering breakup songs to date. Whether you are going through a rough patch in life or a bad heartbreak, a good playlist always eases the pain. Such was our intention to help all of you out with our article.
Hopefully, we were of help, and do make sure to comment on your favorite breakup songs amongst the playlist and how it helped your case.