The best breakup songs of all time

Shakira - 'Out of Your League'

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.” 

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." 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.