Back in Time Today
Few eras did heartbreak quite like the 1980s. From soaring power ballads to synth-laced sorrow, these breakup anthems helped a generation cry it out, belt it out, and move on (or at least try to). Here are 22 of the most emotionally wrenching tracks that still pack a punch.
1. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Bonnie Tyler (1983)
A dramatic, theatrical masterpiece about longing and loss. Jim Steinman’s over-the-top production turns Tyler’s heartbreak into an apocalyptic meltdown.
2. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” – Phil Collins (1984)
Written after his divorce, Collins channels real heartbreak into one of the most powerful pleas ever recorded.
3. “Careless Whisper” – George Michael (1984)
That saxophone. That guilt. That lyric: “I’m never gonna dance again…” It’s the sound of romantic regret carved into pop perfection.
4. “Missing You” – John Waite (1984)
He says he ain’t missing her, but the emotional delivery says otherwise. A breakup classic drenched in denial.
5. “Every Time You Go Away” – Paul Young (1985)
Originally recorded by Hall & Oates, this cover turned into a soulful cry for a love that keeps walking out the door.
6. “I Want to Know What Love Is” – Foreigner (1984)
Half plea, half prayer, this rock ballad mixes heartbreak with hope, driven by Lou Gramm’s aching vocals.
7. “Drive” – The Cars (1984)
Sparse and haunting, this song poses a devastating question: “Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?” The answer? Not him.
8. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” – Journey (1983)
A breakup anthem made for stadiums. Raw emotion, searing guitar, and Steve Perry’s unmatched voice = pain with power chords.
9. “Open Arms” – Journey (1981)
A gentler side of Journey, this ballad is a soft cry for reconciliation—and one of their most enduring hits.
10. “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Not just sweet nostalgia—this is about staying emotionally tethered even after a breakup. Heartbreaking in its quiet beauty.
11. “Love Is a Battlefield” – Pat Benatar (1983)
A breakup with battle imagery? Yes, please. This empowering anthem is for those who walked away stronger.
12. “One More Night” – Phil Collins (1985)
Collins returns with another hit dripping in longing. It’s the audio equivalent of a 3 a.m. “I miss you” text.
13. “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” – Culture Club (1982)
Boy George’s tortured delivery made it clear—this wasn’t just about hurt feelings; it was soul-deep damage.
14. “Never Tear Us Apart” – INXS (1988)
A haunting combination of passion and separation, it’s a love song written in past tense.
15. “All Out of Love” – Air Supply (1980)
Over-the-top emotion, sweeping harmonies, and lyrics like “I’m lying alone with my head on the phone”? Classic ‘80s pain.
16. “Alone” – Heart (1987)
That slow build to Ann Wilson’s powerful scream makes this a go-to for anyone nursing a one-sided love.
17. “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” – Michael Bolton (1989)
Bolton belts out a breakup anthem so potent it borders on operatic grief.
18. “Say You, Say Me” – Lionel Richie (1985)
Bittersweet and beautifully melancholic, it was written for a movie but feels like a post-breakup letter never sent.
19. “Who’s That Girl” – Eurythmics (1983)
Annie Lennox captures the cold realization that the love of your life might already be loving someone else.
20. “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell (1981)
A breakup song with a beat. Its icy detachment masks a deep emotional undercurrent of betrayal and disillusionment.
21. “When Doves Cry” – Prince (1984)
No chorus. Just raw emotion. Prince stripped this track bare to reflect the emotional chaos of a collapsing relationship.
22. “If You Were Here” – Thompson Twins (1983)
A synthpop sleeper pick, its quiet longing has given it a second life in teen heartbreak scenes and nostalgic playlists.