A Definitive Ranking of the Most Empowering Breakup Songs, According to Us
Music is one of the most powerful forces in the world.
No matter what we're going through, there's a song to make us feel better. Whether we're happy or sad, scared or excited, confident or insecure, we all can think of at least one song to push those negative sensations aside or elevate our positive emotions.
One aspect of our lives we notice music really helps us is in our relationships. In particular, breakups.
Seeing as love is a universal theme in music, so is heartbreak. It comes with the territory, and because of that, we've been blessed with some of the most empowering breakup songs over the years that have helped us mend our broken hearts in no time. So, we decided to rank them.
Scroll below for our ranking of the 10 most empowering breakup songs!
10. 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)' by Kelly Clarkson
Oh, Kelly Clarkson. There's nothing a song from this popstar can't fix. But "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" is one we constantly find ourselves blasting on repeat after yet another failed relationship. Though heartbreak is one of the worst feelings in the world, this powerful hit reminds us it doesn't have to be. With lyrics, "You know the bed feels warmer, sleeping here alone" and "Doesn't mean I'm over, 'cause you're gone," it's truly empowering from start to finish.
9. 'Wasting All These Tears' by Cassadee Pope
A country star's music who helps us through even our roughest of breakups is Cassadee Pope's. We've been a fan of this songstress since she was in the pop punk band Hey Monday. If you know, you know. Anyway, her debut single post-The Voice win is always in heavy rotation when we get a broken heart. "Wasting All These Tears" reminds us that sometimes an ex really isn't worth your, well, tears. Because chances are they aren't crying over you. It's harsh, but it's the truth.
8. 'Part of Me' by Katy Perry
After any breakup, no matter how minimal, you always feel as though a part of you was taken away. What you gave your ex is something you can never get back, but Katy's "Part of Me" reminds us to find that bit of ourselves we thought we lost and hold onto it tightly. No matter how much we give to another person, they can't take away every single bit of us. There's power in you, even when you don't believe it. Listening to this tune helps remind us of that.
7. 'Potential Breakup Song' by Aly & AJ
For those times we feel incredibly angry after any sort of breakup, we let off some steam by jamming out to this phenomenal tune. An oldie, but goodie, Aly & AJ's "Potential Breakup Song" is always there to help us rid our body of negative vibes from any failed relationship. Whether we're blaming ourselves or our ex, holding onto that negativity isn't good. But dancing to this song helps us shake it all off.
6. 'I Look So Good (Without You)' by Jessie James Decker
Getting dumped can make anyone feel worthless. You believe that you're the problem and no one will ever love you like your ex, but that's so not the case. If any song can remind you you're better off without them, it's "I Look So Good (Without You)" by Jessie James Decker. They didn't deserve you and now you'll flourish without them. This country smash reminds us that all the time.
5. 'Really Don't Care' by Demi Lovato feat. Cher Lloyd
We're the type of people who'll run over every aspect of our relationship after it has ended to figure out where it all went wrong. And all that does is cause more confusion and a massive headache. So when we find ourselves overthinking about why our relationship ended, we turn on "Really Don't Care" by Demi Lovato to remind us that it's not important. It's over for a reason and that's that. And if our ex ever tries to come back, we'll be strong enough not to let them.
4. 'Tonight I'm Getting Over You' by Carly Rae Jepsen
So long as Carly Rae Jepsen's "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" is on our breakup playlist, we can get over just about anyone. It's not at all easy, and it'll take more than listening to this song 600 times in a row, but crying, dancing, screaming, and/or laughing to this song definitely helps. When it comes on shuffle, it sometimes serves as a reminder that we may need to leave our current situationship. Songs come into your life when you need to hear them most.
3. 'Irreplaceable' by Beyoncé
A timeless classic, Beyoncé taught us all a lesson in self-worth with her anthemic breakup hit "Irreplaceable." We really were out here ready to move on from an ex we didn't even have. Fast forward to a few years later and it has become one of our go-to jams the second we get dumped. We're irreplaceable and anyone who can't see that is really just missing out.
2. 'Shout Out to My Ex' by Little Mix
We'll never forget how we felt when Little Mix dropped this incredibly empowering tune. After these girls experienced some not so fun breakups (you know who we're talking about), they turned took their broken hearts and turned them into one of the greatest breakup songs of all time. Instead of wanting to cry our way out of existence, blasting this hit inspires us to forget about our ex and get revenge the old fashion way—living well.
1. 'Thank U, Next' by Ariana Grande
We know this song just came out, but there's no denying its power. After an incredibly rough year, Ariana put her heart and soul into a song that defined a generation. It had us all questioning which of our exes taught us love, patience and pain, even if we didn't have an ex. Nevertheless, this anthem can make anyone feel good about their broken relationship. While most breakup songs are sad and dreary, this one gives you the opportunity to reflect on your past relationships and move on to something better, even if that relationship is with yourself.
Listen to these empowering tunes when you need help getting over your next breakup by following the playlist below:
Based on your zodiac sign, THIS is the song you should listen to after a breakup.