The Best Songs for Broken Hearts – Music to Heal Heartache

The best songs for broken hearts soothe your soul and heal your heartache. Music can help you let go of someone you love, get over a betrayal, stomp out your anger, and survive heartbreak.

And the best songs for heartache are ones that meet you where you’re at – whether you’re furious, defeated, crushed, or just so sad because you feel like you’re missing a big piece of yourself.

“Divorce is like amputation,” says Margaret Atwood. “You survive, but there is less of you.”

Healing after heartbreak isn’t just about moving “onwards and upwards” — it’s about saying good-bye to your old way of life and starting a new chapter! New releases like Sheryl Crow’s 100 Miles From Memphis might be good music for a broken heart because it’s distracting, which can be healthy.

But when it comes to surviving a broken heart, I like the ”Golden Oldies” because they’re familiar and comforting. Certain songs resonate with my soul — which is what music that heals heartache is all about!

Here, I’ve rounded up the best CDs and songs that will help you heal heartache, from Michael Buble to Avril Lavigne… 

The Best Songs for Broken Hearts – Music to Heal Heartache

What stage of heartbreak are you at? If you’re still crying and healing, then you may want to listen to Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” or Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” Those breakup songs are definitely music for healing a broken heart.

If you’re ready to survive heartbreak and let go of someone you love, then you might be ready for Nancy Sinatra’s “These Books Were Made for Walking” or Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Those are different types of breakup songs – but they’re still music that heals heartache!





Destiny’s Child: Survivor/Independent Woman - This one of the best breakup songs ever because it’s all about how much smarter, wiser, richer, more successful, better, and more free she is. The best CD for a broken heart is one that focuses on the future. Hope, faith, sunshine, and blue skies ahead…  

Avril Lavigne’s My Happy Ending - “So much for my happy ending” sings Lavigne. We’ve all been there baby — but have you ever heard this saying? “One tear met another tear floating down the river. Said the first tear, ‘I’m the tear of the woman who lost her lover.’ The second tear said, ‘I’m the tear of the woman who found him.’” To help you let go of someone you love, remember that whoever found him is probably shedding tears, too! Anyway, Lavigne’s breakup song is music for healing a broken heart.

Jewel’s You Were Meant for Me –  Sometimes you don’t want a breakup song that reminds you of the future and happiness without your partner…sometimes you want to cling to the hope that you’ll be together again. Jewel’s breakup song is music for healing broken hearts, because it focuses on the certainty that you’re meant to be together.

Toni Braxton’s Un-Break My Heart - This is another great song that helps you get over a broken heart by encouraging the tears to flow. “Un-Break My Heart” is a breakup song – definitely music for healing a broken heart because it lets you immerse yourself in sorrow, which sometimes you have to do in order to heal.

Christine Aguilera’s Fighter – The opposite of encouraging tears to heal, Aguilera’s “Fighter” is all about getting stronger, working harder, getting faster, being wiser, and growing a thicker skin. The song lyrics focus on “thanks for making me a fighter” – which is a great way to heal a broken heart and let go of someone you love.

Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares to You – This isn’t exactly the most empowering song, but it could be a good breakup song because it lets you soak in your misery (which isn’t always a bad thing). “It’s been so lonely without you here,” sings Sinead. “Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling.” Yes, I recommend letting yourself wail and weep and mourn what you’ve lost – it’s music for healing a broken heart. 

Lara Fabian’s I Will Love Again – This is a great song for a broken heart because Fabian acknowledges the pain (“Though my heart is breaking”) and vows to love again. She sings of moving on, breathing again, feeling again, and loving again…even if it takes a lifetime.

For a list of reader suggestions for songs for broken hearts, read The Best Breakup Songs.

Letting go of someone you love isn’t something you do once – and poof! You’re free, healed, and happy! Rather, letting go is a journey peppered with steps forward and steps backward, good days and bad days, peaks and valleys.

If you’re ready to move on from a broken relationship, you may find Letting Go of Someone You Love helpful.

And if you want to get back together with your ex, you might find The Magic of Making Up helpful.

What breakup songs or music for healing a broken heart have I missed? Comments welcome below…



Dear Readers, thank you for your comments and questions! I read them all -- but I can't provide in-depth marriage, relationship, or family advice. ~ Warm regards, Laurie



~ Resources for Love, Relationships, and Marriage (My Favorite Topics!) ~

Letting Go of Someone You Love

The Magic of Making Up

How to Get Your Ex Back

7 Secrets to Fixing Your Marriage



~ Resources for Health and Money (More of My Favorite Topics!) ~

Stressed and Anxious? End Panic Attacks

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There Are 62 Responses So Far. »

  1. Good article! The song that has helped me get thru my pending divorce is “Better in Time” by Leona Lewis. The lyrics are so very true when you are no longer with someone you have been with most of your life. I recommend it to anyone trying to move on.

  2. “Better in Time” by Leona Lewis is one of my faves as well.
    But “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige is one of the BEST.
    “Since U Been Gone” Kelly Clarkson too.
    Depends on your situation though, I guess.

  3. “Walk Away” by Ben Harper
    “Where I Stood” by Missy Higgins

  4. over it by katherine mcphee

  5. “Out From Under” by Britney Spears

  6. another great song for a broken heart is:

    dana glover- it is you

    i love it and i love the way it makes me feel.

    love t xxx

  7. Good songs for heart break

    “Growing up to do” By Joshua Radin
    “Violens” by Joey Cape
    “Moving On” by Deals Gone Bad
    “Wasted Days” by The Slackers

  8. All good songs to break up by, but obviously, the person who wrote the above article, as well as the people commenting, are not into country music.
    Hank Snow’s “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” is a real good, feel good song for after a break up, as well as his “I’m Movin’ On” and “The Golden Rocket”, both very dated train songs.

    Also, during the “crying in my beer” phase of a break up, there are countless older country songs that address the issue.
    You wanna cry? Boy, can you find some doozys!
    Just about anything by Hank Williams, Sr., such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, or “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”.

    From a lady’s perspective, try Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and others. Believe me, you’ll find plenty of great break up songs no matter what phase you’re in.

    It doesn’t matter so much how a song is played, just listen to the words. That’s why they call it the “blues”……..

  9. You’re right – I don’t listen to country music (though when I hear it, I enjoy it!).

    Thanks for the suggestions, C!

    And everyone else who commented — thanks for sharing your best songs for broken hearts…I know people are reading this article, and I bet they appreciate your input. Music really does soothe your soul and help you let go of people out love….music can heal.

  10. Other good songs are:

    “Over You” by Acceptance
    “Starts with Goodbye” by Carrie Underwood
    “Lok at Me Now” by DJ Jessy

  11. Agree with Shelly. It really depends on your case/situation. My case is my ex broke us up (cos he’s still in love with his ex and his friends hate me for spending more time with him than them like he used to) followed by his trash talking behind my back. The most recent one is: he trash talked about me to the guy I’ve been hanging out with. Now the new guy got intimidated and has kept his distance. Anyhoo:

    You’ll See by Madonna
    My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne
    What Goes Around Comes Around by Justin Timberlake (one of my faves)
    Better Off Alone by Katharine McPhee
    Deep Inside of You by Third Eye Blind
    All Good Things by Mandy Moore
    The Scientist by Coldplay
    White Flag by Dido
    See Ya by Atomic Kitten
    I Never Really Loved You Anyway by The Corrs
    Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
    Wake Up Call by Maroon 5
    Bottom of The Ocean by Miley Cyrus
    One of These Days by Michelle Branch
    Be Be Your Love by Rachael Yamagata
    Soon by Leann Rimes
    I Quit by Hepburn
    and most possibly, in my case, Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani

    x

  12. mika-happy ending
    kelly clarkson-breakaway

  13. Thanks for sharing your best songs for broken hearts, my friends!

  14. Brian Mcknight – One Last Cry
    worth listening song….

  15. Apologize- One Republic
    Carrie Underwood – Some Hearts
    White Horse – Taylor Swift

  16. After my very first boyfriend broke up with me, I made a playlist which I listened to over and over. Here are a few of the songs on it.

    Keep Holding On – Avril Lavigne
    Used To – Chris Daughtry
    Hero – Enrique Iglesias
    Come Clean – Hillary Duff
    You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
    Because of You – Kelly Clarkson
    I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
    All Good Things Come to an End – Nelly Furtado
    Let It Be – Beatles
    You Can’t Hurry Love – Phil Collins

  17. These are great songs for healing broken hearts — I especially like the wide range of songs on your playlist, Morgan. Everyone from the Beatles to Avril Lavigne :-)

    Elly has a great list as well…

    Now that I think about it, the songs in this comment section put my original list of heartbreak songs to shame! Thanks for the tips, you guys.

  18. PS. I’m still not over you – Rihanna

    ^^ depends on your mood

    and broken hearted girl – Beyonce

    :) hope that helps x

  19. You’re not sorry-Taylor Swift

  20. Im in love with my best friend… he broked my heart. i recomend
    un-break my heart by tony braxton

  21. these song really help me

  22. So much for Pretending by Bryan White – This song slims 5 years down to 4 minutes for me

    How do you like me now by Toby Keith – This is a very uplifting kinda haha I’m gonna be ok and prove it to you kinda song

    and Perfect by Smashing Pumpkins – This song kinda puts it in a prospective of it’s over but maybe next life we will get it right.

  23. Wow, it’s like you stole my mp3 player and posted the saddest songs. This is a great list! My favorite would have to be Avril Lavigne “so much for my happy ending”.

  24. “Think Twice” by Celine Dion is my favorite.

    I really feel it.

  25. forget it – breaking benjamin

    over – lindsay lohan

    if you come back to me – bowling for soup

    a friendly goodbye – bowling for soup

    always a good few tracks :D
    these helped me alot.

  26. after the hurriance- jazmine sullivan
    lion tigers bears-jazmine sullivan
    regret-letoya luckett

  27. Did you know that most relationships CAN be salvaged? You may find it difficult to believe that almost every break up for whatever reason…infidelity, plain old lost passion, loss of interest, a stolen heart and worse…even the worst situations you can imagine…like men serving prison sentences have salvaged their relationships. Yes, even Ex-cons have got back together with girlfriends and wives after being away for years!

  28. Thanks for contributing your best songs for broken hearts, everyone! Listening to music can definitely heal heartache….

    Matthew, thanks for your thoughts on relationships being salvaged. It’ll give people hope and faith in the magic of making up :-)

  29. how do you heal a broken heart by chris walker

    this song made my cry

  30. I don’t have any songs to add for healing broken hearts, but I’m so happy I found this list!

  31. My boyfriend and I just broke up. It has been hard but music has really got me through it. Here are some of my favorites.

    Some ones about moving on and finding someone that better :)
    Michael Bublé – Haven’t Met You Yet
    John Mayer-I’m Gonna Find Another You

    Here’s one about realizing that the relationship was not as good as you thought.
    John Mayer – Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
    John Mayer-Dreaming With a Broken Heart

    and here are some that make me feel awesome :)
    Corrine Bailey-put your records on lyrics
    Train-Hey, Soul Sister

    Hope they help!

  32. I think a really good song for those in longing is “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum. I listen to it and I really feel the song. It always makes me want to cry.

  33. broken hearted girl….beyonce….

    I love him before i met him

    is that possible?

    :’(

  34. I recommended you
    Crush by David Archuleta

  35. A good song for me, once I realize that I will go on.. and I will live is….

    Until the End – Breaking Benjamin..

    Before you listen to it, look up the lyrics.. so you wont judge :D

  36. Nickelback – How You Remind Me

  37. barry manilow – somewhere down the road
    nickelback – far away
    faith hill – there you’ll be

  38. Daniel Bedingfield – if you’re not the one

    this is the strong lyric ever for the broken heart
    “i hope you are the one i share my life with”
    “i wish that you could be the one i die with”
    “and i praying your the one i build my home with”
    “though i cant be with u tonight, u know my heart is by your side”

    just try to listen to the song,,
    :)

  39. This girl has an amazing voice and her lyrics hit the nail on the head…

    ” why has it etched on your heart the name of your untrue love….”
    she’s not in mass production but give her you tube vid a moment of your time and you will not regret it.

    Fiona Bevan- A broken Heart can heal

    This too shall pass, chin up and dance it away.
    You were fine before they came into your life and you will be again..

    on an angrier more empowering note…
    Shakira- Don’t bother
    Kelly Clarkson – gone, Addicted, behind these hazel eyes…Kelly does break ups well.
    Kate Nash – foundations, Merry Happy (I can be alone, i can watch a sunset on my own)
    Madonna – Sorry
    Hard Fi- Better do Better

    and my absolute favourite though she may not be everyones style
    Tanya Stephens- Spilt Milk.

    Good luck my fellow wallowers…
    xxx
    Time for some distraction….going to do some cleaning.

  40. I’m not sure if it’s a comfort or a bit tragic that these feelings and situations are so common in so many…

    Just part of life i guess.

    This girl has an amazing voice and her lyrics hit the nail on the head…

    ” why has it etched on your heart the name of your untrue love….”
    she’s not in mass production but give her you tube vid a moment of your time and you will not regret it.

    Fiona Bevan- A broken Heart can heal

    This too shall pass, chin up and dance it away.
    You were fine before they came into your life and you will be again..

    on an angrier more empowering note…
    Shakira- Don’t bother
    Kelly Clarkson – gone, Addicted, behind these hazel eyes…Kelly does break ups well.
    Kate Nash – foundations, Merry Happy (I can be alone, i can watch a sunset on my own)
    Madonna – Sorry
    Hard Fi- Better do Better

    and my absolute favourite though she may not be everyones style
    Tanya Stephens- Spilt Milk.

    Good luck my fellow wallowers…
    xxx
    Time for some distraction….going to do some cleaning.

  41. oops- sorry mine posted twice…

  42. yes! for me the best song is IF YOU’RE THE ONE.. :D
    i really can relate to that sOng..

  43. I just want to usk to men if they ever stopped & look women who cannt date anymore because they are badly hurt by love?

  44. Metallica – Master of Puppets
    Slayer – Raining Blood
    Dream Theater – The Test That Stumped Them All
    Megadeth – High Speed Dirt

  45. Thanks for sharing your ideas for the best songs for broken hearts…I’m compiling a whole new list, and love hearing from you all!

  46. That’s the way it is – Celine Dion

    I just broke up with my boyfriend 3 weeks ago, this week should be the happiest week of my life as we were about to spend our life together until death do us apart but he decided to end our relationships just 3 weeks before our wedding! It hurt real bad and I’m glad I found so many songs that help me through this moment! Cheer ups on everyone who are in the same situation!

  47. So sorry to hear about your breakup three weeks before your wedding! But, as sad and heartbreaking as it is now…better to break up than to have an unhappy marriage…

    Thanks for your music pick — that is one of the best songs for broken hearts.

    Keep healing,
    Laurie
    Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post …Establish Good Financial Habits – 6 Ways to Make Money Saving Tips Stick My ComLuv Profile

  48. David Archuleta is definitely one of the best singer in American Idol.;.~

  49. This step alone-by Elliott Yamin

  50. Josh Groban is one of my favorite classical-pop singer after Hayley Westenra.

  51. So many great songs. I too have been destroyed by thoughless men and these songs help. Thanks everyone

  52. Caitlin and Will- Even Now!!!
    I really love this song, it’s about getting even with someone!!!

  53. I would suggest the song: “Feel the Lie – Soulsteal”.

    The clean vocals of the singer really touches me!!!

  54. Love these 3 songs. Listening to them too much can be depressing, but when you’re crying over a man these are perfect.

  55. I will love again & Better in time are my favorite. They can make you feel so much better about your future without the guy who broke your heart.

  56. ’twas a time when things were falling apart between me and my hubby. felt alone, cheated, broken, crushed to pieces…when this song was played. i was like, “you gotta be kidding me!” how could the god and goddess of broken-hearted songs know exactly how i felt that very moment.

    LETTING GO by Kim Sozzi

  57. forget about me – lil bit
    addicted – stevie hoang
    he ain’t the one – stevie hoang
    out of reach – gabrielle
    i love you goodbye
    half crazy
    goin’ crazy – natalie
    distance
    i can wait forever
    somebody’s me
    you’re all i need
    until i get over you -cristina millan
    on bended knees
    miss you – aaliyah
    i’d rather – luther vandros
    together – neyo
    cry – rihanna
    everytime – janet jackson
    leave – jojo
    too little too late – jojo

    i hope that songs could some what help you.. i soo love that songs..=)

  58. aww..
    i love the songs :)

    keep forgetting – jojo
    fly away – jojo
    broken vow – josh groban

  59. David Archuleta is great but for me, the best is still Kelly Clarkson.

  60. I love the songs. I love Lara Fabian’s song, I will love again.

    It is really appropriate for broken hearts. I was really touched. My tears fell down as I listen to the song.
    winning my ex feeling again´s last blog post …Trying Again To Get Back Together With ExMy ComLuv Profile

  61. After a year and 8 months my boyfriend decides he doesnt love me anymore. Except hes felt that way for a couple of months and told everyone but me. It hurts. Ive literally bruised my forehead from crying.

    however, these are good to wail/scream/cry along to:

    1. im not okay – My chemical romance
    2. im every woman – Whitney Houston
    3. Try sleeping with a broken heart – Alicia Keyes
    4. the reason – hoobastank
    5. caught out there – Kelis

    Ive been told time heals, im 3 days in and waiting x

  62. Hey, does anyone have a song for me? I was head over heels for this guy and we were together for almost 4 months… then he cheated on me and I broke up with him. I haven’t gotten over him but I’ve given him plenty of chances and he keeps letting me down so I’m done.
    any input is appreciated :)

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