Breakups suck. They can be messy, confusing, and sometimes downright all-consuming. The only way out is to feel it through, and it’s important to know you’re valid in feeling whatever emotions you may be experiencing right now.
But, breakups can also be exciting! It’s an opportunity to strengthen friendships, pick up new hobbies, and most importantly, it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself. The thing you can do to help get you there a little bit faster is a breakup playlist.
Jamming out to heartbreak tunes isn’t only empowering (find happiness in having your independence back!), but can be super cathartic. Music is one of the best forms of therapy because it can be hard to express how you feel. At the same time, lyrics can give your heart, mind, and body the motivation to move on.
So, are you ready to break out of the breakup blues? Learn Divorce Law found the most popular breakup songs, based on Spotify streams and YouTube views. In the last five years, these are the songs people turned to the most during breakups.
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In ascending order, here are the most popular breakup songs of the last five years — including heartbreak anthems from Halsey and Dua Lipa. Say goodbye to your ex once and for all with these heartbreak anthems below.
7. “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande — 2.3 billion listens
Nothing says good riddance like “thank u, next,” the leading and title track off Grande’s 2019 album. Channel all those bottled up feelings and scream them out into the universe. The song was played almost 1.7 billion times on Spotify, while it reached 750 million views on YouTube. You can tell her ex: “thank u, next.”
6. “Without Me” by Halsey – 2.3 billion listens
Halsey’s 2020 single “Without Me” was listened to over 1.6 billion times on Spotify. You’ll find total solace and empowerment blasting it in the shower or car, or singing along to the lyrics at karaoke. Fans of the singer also tuned into the track on YouTube 722 million times.
5. “Kill This Love” by Blackpink — 2.4 billion listens
In the words of Blackpink, it’s time to “Kill This Love.” Say goodbye to your ex once and for all with this breakup hit. It’s mastered nearly 665 million Spotify streams, while fans have watched its music video 1.7 billion times on YouTube.
4. “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa — 2.7 billion listens
Down in the dumps? Put on your headphones and go on a hot girl walk to one of 2020’s most streamed hits. The song was played over 2.1 billion times on Spotify, while its accompanying YouTube music video was watched over 636 million times. P.S. Her Future Nostalgia album is filled with empowering breakup, self-love hits.
3. “Happier” by Marshmello ft. Bastille — 2.8 billion listens
If you love something, set it free – then listen to “Happier.” As the one who cut ties, you’ll find validation in your decision. On the flip side, those on the receiving end of the breakup will find solace in knowing your ex truly wants you to find happiness.
2. “SAD!” By XXXTentacion — 3.1 billion listens
“SAD!” garnered nearly 2 billion Spotify streams and 1.2 views on YouTube. It was the leading single off the late rapper’s 2018 album titled ? — the last record XXXTentacion produced before his death later that year.
1. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi — 3.2 billion listens
Coming in at number one is Capaldi’s 2018 hit “Someone You Loved.” The moving ballad spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart. It has amassed over 2.6 billion Spotify streams and over 588 million views on YouTube. It also makes for a great screaming-in-the-shower song.
