WRITTEN BY Caitlyn Smith
Breakups just suck. But your breakup playlist doesn’t have to.
Check out the playlist below for some powerful tracks to get you through your breakup. Get ready to feel those feelings and make a move on. And remember, you’ll get through this, hunnies.
“Independent Women, Pt. 1” – Destiny’s Child
After its initial release in 1999, “Independent Women, Pt. 1” quickly became a chart-topper and spent 11 weeks as number one. Today, it is Destiny’s Child’s fourth top song on Spotify.
In this song, the members talk about their independence and reliance on themselves, even within relationships. This feminist anthem is sure to remind you how capable and strong you are despite the tough time you might be having right now.
“Take A Bow” – Rihanna
In 2008, this track made one of the biggest Billboard chart leaps in history, from its debut at #53 to its peak at #1.
In this slow ballad, Rihanna sings about not wanting to renew a relationship with a cheating ex. This one is sure to put you right in your feels, and that’s okay.
“Love Is A Battlefield” – Pat Benetar
Benetar tells it like it is in this 1983 hit. Love is hard and painful sometimes, but we endure by sticking together. So, take it easy on yourselves and focus on spending time with people who support and lift you up.
“Burn” – Phillipa Soo
In Lin-Manuel’s hit Broadway musical, “Hamilton,” Phillipa Soo delivers a chilling ballad after the main character, Hamilton, publicly announces his affair with Maria Reynolds.
Soo’s creamy, rich vocals are as heartbreakingly beautiful as the lyrics. Prepare to let the floodgates open. It’s going to be a long, emotional ride, and we’re here for it.
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
Released in 2018, “thank u, next” was Grande’s first hit pop single and is her fifth top song on Spotify today.
“thank u, next” details Grande’s reflections on her past relationships and what she got out of them while also highlighting her newfound independence.
“LOVE AGAIN” – Daniel Caesar feat. Brandy
This 2019 track from Caesar’s latest album, CASE STUDY 01, is sure to help you get over your heartbreak.
Caesar and R&B star Brandy take turns reflecting on past relationships through soulful lyrics and smooth vocals in this hit song.
“Grenade” – Bruno Mars
Released in 2010, this song is perfect for those who love to love. With an upbeat heartbreak song like this, you’ll be able to dance away the pain.
This throwback hit is about the pain of unrequited love. It’s safe to vibe to this one, hunnies.
“Attention” – Charlie Puth
“Attention” is Puth’s second top song on Spotify. It’s about an ex of Puth’s that liked to toy with emotions instead of committing to a relationship.Been there, done that. Moving on, hunnies.
“I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” – LANY
This 2018 track is from LANY’s album “Malibu Nights,” and it is all about front man Paul Klein’s journey through his breakup.
“Forget You” – CeeLo Green
This upbeat throwback track from 2010 was one of Green’s first solo hits. It’s his second top song on Spotify. What better great way to get over your break up than to jam to a childhood favorite and release your emotions?
“Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa considers her disco-y pop hit to be the perfect breakup song. It is about her experience with moving on from a relationship and beginning a new chapter. This empowering tune will make you dance.
“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
This early 2000’s hit is Clarkson’s fourth top song on Spotify. If you’re having trouble moving on, this one is sure to inspire you.
“What You Did”– Mahalia feat. Ella Mai
UK artist Mahalia teamed up with Grammy award-winner Ella Mai to perform this chart-topper about her first experience with getting cheated on. It is her most popular song on Spotify.
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s empowering, assertive lyrics from this 2008 single are sure to make you feel more excited about the single life.
And besides, we ALL know this dance. Might as well have a good time with friends to help you out.
“Someone Like You” – Adele
This 2011 track is from Adele’s album “21.” It is about her experience with coming to terms with the end of a relationship after a painful breakup. Adele’s smooth vocals are sure to help you heal, hunnies.
“Nights Like This” – Kehlani ft. Ty Dolla $ign
This 2019 single is Kehlani’s #1 song on Spotify. In it, she reflects on past relationships and teaches us that sometimes we think about our exes. And that’s okay.
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Taylor Swift
Swift is arguably the queen of writing catchy songs about her exes, and this 2012 lead single from her album “Red” is just one example of why she is basically royalty.
“Potential Breakup Song” – Aly & AJ
This 2007 pop chart-topper from Disney stars Aly and AJ will hopefully bring you some happy nostalgia and the ability to dance through the tough time you’re having. “Potential Breakup Song” is Aly and AJ’s #1 song on Spotify.
“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
Underwood’s unrepentant lyrics detail the kind of revenge I think we all would like to take on an ex that might have hurt us. This 2005 single is Underwood’s #1 song on Spotify.
“Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber
Bieber teamed up with Ed Sheeran to write this 2018 hit as a parting message to a past lover. This catchy pop song has both bitter and tender lyrics to relate to when you might be thinking about your ex.
Click here for the full playlist.
