The year 2023 started with a bang in terms of breakup songs. Shakira split from long-term partner Gerard Piqué in 2022 following rumors that he had been caught cheating, and her post-breakup releases did not disappoint! In January, her new single 'Out of Your League' premiered in a YouTube video with Argentinian producer Bizarrap. Within 24 hours it had gained 63 million views, setting a new record on the video-sharing platform. In the song, Shakira addresses her ex and his new relationship with the significantly younger Clara Chía. "I’m worth two 22-year-olds,” she sings in Spanish, “You swapped a Ferrari for a [Renault] Twingo/You swapped a Rolex for a Casio.”

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Miley Cyrus - 'Flowers' -

Miley Cyrus's short-lived marriage to Liam Hemsworth came to an end in 2019 after the couple had been on and off again for a decade. In January of 2023, Cyrus released the song 'Flowers' in which she talks about finding joy in self-love after a painful breakup, which is assumed to refer to her divorce from Hemsworth. "I can buy myself flowers," she sings, going on to say, "I can hold my own hand/Yeah, I can love me better than you can."

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Taylor Swift - 'Would've, Could've, Should've' -

Taylor Swift also dug up an old relationship in her 2022 song, 'Would've, Could've, Should've.' Swift sings about being in a relationship with a toxic older man, with many hints suggesting that it refers to John Mayer. Swift and Mayer dated when she was 19 and he was 32. She sings about her ongoing resentment and regret that he took her "girlhood," a feeling that many women can relate to when looking back at the unhealthy relationships of their youth.

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Christina Aguilera - 'Fighter' -

Christina Aguilera's soaring 2003 hit let the world know that no backstabbing ex was going to get the better of her. With lyrics about coming back strong, it's the ultimate track to help you wear those battle scars with pride.

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Pink - 'So What' -

Pink's 2008 track is a real empowerment anthem. In a song that will have you itching to hit the dancefloor, she sings about all the fun of a messy post-breakup night out.

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Outkast - 'Roses' - In a particularly frank-talking pop moment from 2004, Outkast's Andre 3000 gives a lyrical dressing-down to 'Caroline.' As he points out, good looks (and smells) can be deceptive.

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Beyoncé - 'Irreplaceable' -

In her spirited 2006 ode to knowing your worth, Beyoncé tells her ex to pack his bags and leave. As feel-good breakup songs go, this is up there with the best.

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Cher - 'Believe' -

"Do you believe in life after love?" asks a vocoder-voiced Cher over a dancefloor-filling beat. The singer's 1998 no-regrets breakup track will have you dancing your heartbreak away.

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Lauryn Hill - 'Ex-Factor' -

In the same year, Lauryn Hill was lamenting the ups and downs of a relationship that was hard to pull away from. If you're still at the splitting-up stage, the lyrics are likely to ring true.

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Usher - 'Burn' -

Usher's 2004 track is poignant listening for dumpers and dumpees everywhere. Over smooth R&B grooves, he lets his lover know that, as much as it burns to break it off, things just aren't working out.

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Gloria Gaynor - 'I Will Survive' -

Gloria Gaynor's 1978 disco anthem sets the absolute gold standard for rallying breakup songs. It's a stomping reminder that you are stronger than you think.

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R.E.M. - 'Everybody Hurts' -

Need a gentle reminder that you're not alone in your misery? Let alternative rockers R.E.M soothe your pain. The bittersweet 1992 classic 'Everybody Hurts' is a reminder that we're all human, even no-good exes.

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Sheryl Crow - 'My Favorite Mistake' -

The rumor mill has it that Sheryl Crow was singing about Eric Clapton in this 1998 song about a philandering partner. Whether or not that's true, it's a worthy listen for anybody who suspects their lover is doing them dirty.

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Phil Collins - 'Against All Odds' -

Phil Collins' vocals can really tug on the heartstrings, and this 1984 breakup classic is an excellent case in point. If you know your relationship is doomed but can't help clinging on to a last thread of hope, you might want to put this on repeat.

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CeeLo Green - 'Forget You' -

Also released under a less radio-friendly title, CeeLo Green's 2010 hit gives a big 'F-You' to a gold-digging ex and the rich new man in her life.

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Etta James - 'I'd Rather Go Blind' -

Not ready to see your ex with somebody new? Stop stalking their social media, and listen to Etta James' soulful 1967 track about the pain of watching her roving-eyed lover walk away.

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Sia - 'Elastic Heart' -

Featuring the Weeknd and producer Diplo, 'Elastic Heart' is a track that made headlines more for its video than for its lyrical content. But it's a powerful reminder to pay attention to red flags at the start of a relationship.

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The Killers - 'Mr. Brightside' -

If you can't stop dwelling on all the dirty details of what your lover might be up to, give this 2003 indie anthem a spin. It's a surprisingly upbeat ode to overthinking a partner's possible infidelity.

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Dionne Warwick - 'Walk On By' -

Composed by Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick's 1964 classic is a lesson in how to deal with a breakup gracefully, even when it hurts so much the tears won't stop.

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Toni Braxton - 'Un-break my Heart' -

If you're still hanging on to hope that your ex is going to wake up and realize what they're missing, here's your anthem. The blistering 1996 ballad is all about willing an ex to return and undo all their emotional damage.

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Kelis - 'Caught Out There' -

An outraged Kelis tells her unfaithful lover just how she feels in her 1999 hit about no-good cheats. Yelling along to the hate-filled lyrics is about as cathartic as it gets.

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Drake - 'Marvins Room' -

Afraid you're about to drunk dial? Give Drake's 2011 hit a listen. The hip-hop track takes the painful perspective of a drunk Drake calling an ex to lament about all that's wrong in his romantic world.

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Miley Cyrus - 'Wrecking Ball' -

Cyrus' 2013 smash hit attracted more attention for its video than its lyrical content, but it's a stone cold classic about a messy end to a passionate but messy relationship.

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Natalie Imbruglia - 'Torn' -

That perfect social media presence just didn't stack up in real life? Here's your track. Natalie Imbruglia's bare bones vocals on her 1997 debut are a stirring reflection on people that turn out to be less than what they seemed.

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Britney Spears - 'Stronger' -

Britney's no stranger to overcoming adversity, and her poppy hit from 2000 is an empowering anthem about kicking no-good guys to the curb and coming back strong.

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Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way' -

The painful split between Fleetwood Mac bandmates Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks makes this 1976 rock classic feel extra personal. It's a defiantly beautiful classic that's stood the test of time.

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Robyn - 'With Every Heartbeat' -

Swedish dance-pop legend Robyn nailed the agonizing pain of letting a relationship die with this 2007 hit. As much as she knows the relationship won't work, walking away is breaking her heart.

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Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 'Maps' -

The pained, bare-bones lyrics of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 2003 single come straight from the heart. It was based on singer Karen O's breakup, and is filled with the kind of stuttering incoherence that comes with trying to accept a split.

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Amy Winehouse - 'Tears Dry on Their Own' - The late, great Ms. Winehouse questions her attachment to unsuitable men in this powerful 2007 release from her classic album 'Back to Black.' Put in on every time you consider texting your no-good ex.

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Elliott Smith - 'Somebody That I Used to Know' -

Not to be confused with the Gotye hit of the same name, this lyrical reflection on a breakup sees late indie rocker Elliott Smith convincing himself that he's not really heartbroken. It's a bittersweet masterpiece from his 2000 album 'Figure 8.'

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McAlmont & Butler - 'Yes' -

Whether you've already broken through the pain barrier or are still feeling at rock bottom, let this soaring 1995 song lift you up. It's all about the power that comes with knowing you've come through the other side looking and feeling fine, and ready to tell your ex where to go.

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The Streets - 'Dry Your Eyes' -

Rappers can feel heartbreak too, you know. This bitter-sweet 2004 heartbreak anthem from British rapper Mike Skinner, under his stage name The Streets, is both a lament and a pep talk.

Sources: (Time Out) (Pop Sugar)

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Shakira - 'Out of Your League' -

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Miley Cyrus - 'Flowers' -

Getty Images

2 / 33 Fotos

Taylor Swift - 'Would've, Could've, Should've' -

Gettu Images

3 / 33 Fotos

Christina Aguilera - 'Fighter' -

4 / 33 Fotos

Pink - 'So What' -

Pink's 2008 track is a real empowerment anthem. In a song that will have you itching to hit the dancefloor, she sings about all the fun of a messy post-breakup night out.

5 / 33 Fotos

Outkast - 'Roses' - In a particularly frank-talking pop moment from 2004, Outkast's Andre 3000 gives a lyrical dressing-down to 'Caroline.' As he points out, good looks (and smells) can be deceptive.

6 / 33 Fotos

Beyoncé - 'Irreplaceable' -

In her spirited 2006 ode to knowing your worth, Beyoncé tells her ex to pack his bags and leave. As feel-good breakup songs go, this is up there with the best.

Getty Images

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Cher - 'Believe' -

"Do you believe in life after love?" asks a vocoder-voiced Cher over a dancefloor-filling beat. The singer's 1998 no-regrets breakup track will have you dancing your heartbreak away.

Getty Images

8 / 33 Fotos

Lauryn Hill - 'Ex-Factor' -

In the same year, Lauryn Hill was lamenting the ups and downs of a relationship that was hard to pull away from. If you're still at the splitting-up stage, the lyrics are likely to ring true.

9 / 33 Fotos

Usher - 'Burn' -

Usher's 2004 track is poignant listening for dumpers and dumpees everywhere. Over smooth R&B grooves, he lets his lover know that, as much as it burns to break it off, things just aren't working out.

Getty Images

10 / 33 Fotos

Gloria Gaynor - 'I Will Survive' -

Gloria Gaynor's 1978 disco anthem sets the absolute gold standard for rallying breakup songs. It's a stomping reminder that you are stronger than you think.

Getty Images

11 / 33 Fotos

R.E.M. - 'Everybody Hurts' -

Getty Images

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Sheryl Crow - 'My Favorite Mistake' -

13 / 33 Fotos

Phil Collins - 'Against All Odds' -

Getty Images

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CeeLo Green - 'Forget You' -

Also released under a less radio-friendly title, CeeLo Green's 2010 hit gives a big 'F-You' to a gold-digging ex and the rich new man in her life.

Getty Images

15 / 33 Fotos

Etta James - 'I'd Rather Go Blind' -

Not ready to see your ex with somebody new? Stop stalking their social media, and listen to Etta James' soulful 1967 track about the pain of watching her roving-eyed lover walk away.

Getty Images

16 / 33 Fotos

Sia - 'Elastic Heart' -

Getty Images

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The Killers - 'Mr. Brightside' -

Getty Images

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Dionne Warwick - 'Walk On By' -

Composed by Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick's 1964 classic is a lesson in how to deal with a breakup gracefully, even when it hurts so much the tears won't stop.

Getty Images

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Toni Braxton - 'Un-break my Heart' -

Getty Images

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Kelis - 'Caught Out There' -

An outraged Kelis tells her unfaithful lover just how she feels in her 1999 hit about no-good cheats. Yelling along to the hate-filled lyrics is about as cathartic as it gets.

Getty Images

21 / 33 Fotos

Drake - 'Marvins Room' -

Getty Images

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Miley Cyrus - 'Wrecking Ball' -

Cyrus' 2013 smash hit attracted more attention for its video than its lyrical content, but it's a stone cold classic about a messy end to a passionate but messy relationship.

Getty Images

23 / 33 Fotos

Natalie Imbruglia - 'Torn' -

Getty Images

24 / 33 Fotos

Britney Spears - 'Stronger' -

Britney's no stranger to overcoming adversity, and her poppy hit from 2000 is an empowering anthem about kicking no-good guys to the curb and coming back strong.

25 / 33 Fotos

Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way' -

Getty Images

26 / 33 Fotos

Robyn - 'With Every Heartbeat' -

Swedish dance-pop legend Robyn nailed the agonizing pain of letting a relationship die with this 2007 hit. As much as she knows the relationship won't work, walking away is breaking her heart.

Getty Images

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Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 'Maps' -

Getty Images

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Elliott Smith - 'Somebody That I Used to Know' -

Getty Images

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McAlmont & Butler - 'Yes' -

Getty Images

31 / 33 Fotos

The Streets - 'Dry Your Eyes' -

Rappers can feel heartbreak too, you know. This bitter-sweet 2004 heartbreak anthem from British rapper Mike Skinner, under his stage name The Streets, is both a lament and a pep talk.

Sources: (Time Out) (Pop Sugar)

Getty Images

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The best breakup songs of all time

These tunes will heal your broken heart in no time

06/08/24 | StarsInsider

MUSIC Heartbreak

Breakups stir up all kinds of emotions, from anger and jealousy to regret and nostalgia. And while the war wounds are still fresh, it can be tempting to wallow in self-pity and put the heartbreak ballads on repeat. But nothing helps shrug off the pain like a rousing track that will encourage you to brush yourself down and get back up again. The best breakup songs will acknowledge your pain while telling you to come back stronger, just like a supportive friend.

Ready to get over your heartbreak? Click through this gallery to discover the best breakup songs of all time.