The 40 Best Breakup Songs, from I Will Survive to Flowers

What is the best breakup song of all time?

"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor is the classic breakup anthem, and Adele's "Someone Like You" is the song people reach for when they need to cry. Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone", Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" and Miley Cyrus's "Flowers" are the great anthems for moving on.

Sad breakup songs for a good cry

1. "Someone Like You", Adele, 2011: just a piano and a broken heart.
2. "Nothing Compares 2 U", Sinéad O'Connor, 1990: a raw, devastating vocal.
3. "Total Eclipse of the Heart", Bonnie Tyler, 1983: a dramatic power ballad.
4. "Un-Break My Heart", Toni Braxton, 1996: an eleven-week number one.
5. "Drivers License", Olivia Rodrigo, 2021: a record-breaking debut about first heartbreak.
6. "Someone You Loved", Lewis Capaldi, 2018: a quiet, aching piano ballad.
7. "All Too Well", Taylor Swift, 2012: a fan favorite whose ten-minute version became a number one.
8. "Back to Black", Amy Winehouse, 2006: a soulful, heartbroken classic.
9. "Ain't No Sunshine", Bill Withers, 1971: short, simple and unforgettable.
10. "The Tracks of My Tears", Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, 1965: Motown heartbreak.
11. "Jar of Hearts", Christina Perri, 2010: a breakthrough piano ballad.
12. "Stay with Me", Sam Smith, 2014: a Grammy-winning gospel-tinged ballad.

Empowering breakup songs for moving on

13. "I Will Survive", Gloria Gaynor, 1978: the ultimate anthem of strength.
14. "Since U Been Gone", Kelly Clarkson, 2004: a pop-rock explosion of relief.
15. "Irreplaceable", Beyoncé, 2006: a ten-week number one.
16. "Flowers", Miley Cyrus, 2023: a record-breaking anthem of self-love.
17. "Thank U, Next", Ariana Grande, 2018: a gracious, grateful goodbye.
18. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", Taylor Swift, 2012: her first number one.
19. "Good 4 U", Olivia Rodrigo, 2021: a pop-punk blast of anger.
20. "Before He Cheats", Carrie Underwood, 2006: country revenge.
21. "Shout Out to My Ex", Little Mix, 2016: a cheeky, upbeat anthem.
22. "Rolling in the Deep", Adele, 2010: a stomping, fiery number one.
23. "Cry Me a River", Justin Timberlake, 2002: a moody, cinematic hit.
24. "Gives You Hell", the All-American Rejects, 2008: a sarcastic singalong.

Classic breakup songs

25. "Go Your Own Way", Fleetwood Mac, 1977: a driving song from the Rumours breakups.
26. "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do", Neil Sedaka, 1962: a doo-wop number one.
27. "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right", Bob Dylan, 1963: a wry, bittersweet farewell.
28. "Love Will Tear Us Apart", Joy Division, 1980: a post-punk classic.
29. "Don't Speak", No Doubt, 1996: written about the end of Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal's relationship.
30. "Somebody That I Used to Know", Gotye featuring Kimbra, 2011: a two-sided breakup story.
31. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)", Journey, 1983: arena-rock heartbreak.
32. "Hit the Road Jack", Ray Charles, 1961: the sassiest goodbye.

Songs for starting over

33. "Shake It Off", Taylor Swift, 2014: dancing past the drama.
34. "Dancing on My Own", Robyn, 2010: a bittersweet dance-floor anthem.
35. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", Kelly Clarkson, 2011: an empowering number one.
36. "Happier Than Ever", Billie Eilish, 2021: from quiet to cathartic.
37. "Good as Hell", Lizzo, 2016: a feel-good self-care anthem.
38. "Survivor", Destiny's Child, 2001: a defiant, Grammy-winning hit.
39. "New Rules", Dua Lipa, 2017: a breakout hit about staying strong.
40. "Here Comes the Sun", the Beatles, 1969: for the day it finally gets better.

Why breakup songs help

Breakup songs work because they tell us we are not alone. A sad song lets you feel the loss instead of bottling it up, an angry anthem gives you energy, and an upbeat song can remind you that life goes on. Many people move through a breakup playlist in stages, from crying along with Adele to dancing to Lizzo, and the songs mark how far they have come. If heartbreak turns into something heavier, talking to a friend or a professional helps, and in the US you can call or text 988 at any time.

How to help a friend through a breakup

A breakup playlist is a thoughtful gift for a friend who is hurting: start with a few sad songs so they feel understood, then build to empowering anthems and finish with songs about new beginnings. Pair it with a night in, their favorite food or a weekend away. For more ideas, see our gifts for a friend going through a breakup and songs about best friends.

More songs for every feeling

For more, see our songs about strong women, sad songs and happy songs.

A song to lift up someone you love

When a friend is going through a breakup, a personalized song can remind them who they are: their name, their strengths and the people who love them, with an upbeat pop or warm acoustic sound. It makes a meaningful, unexpected gift for a best friend, a sister or a daughter starting over.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: pop, acoustic, R&B and more.
2. Add their name.
3. Share three memories or details about them.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $35.99, or $40.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Give them a song of their own: create a song and hear four previews for free.