11 Underrated Breakup Songs: Unheard Breakup Tracks

Hey there, music lovers and fellow DJs! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, and today, I’m diving into a topic that’s close to my heart – breakup songs. Now, we all know those popular tear-jerkers that dominate the airwaves after a heartbreak.

But what about those hidden gems that don’t get the spotlight they deserve? I’ve scoured my collection and the lesser-known corners of the music world to bring you a list of 11 underrated breakup songs.

These tracks aren’t just about sadness and loss; they’re about the raw, unfiltered emotions and the journey of healing.

I decided to compile this list because I believe every song tells a story, and these underrated tunes have stories that need to be heard. So, grab your headphones, and let’s explore the depths of heartache and the resilience of the human spirit through these overlooked musical masterpieces.

Here are the underrated Breakup songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Breakup Songs

Underrated Breakup songs in a list format:

1. “Smoke Signals” by Phoebe Bridgers

Album: Stranger in the Alps (2017)
Label: Dead Oceans
“Smoke Signals” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Phoebe Bridgers’ debut album. The melancholic guitar, combined with Bridgers’ ethereal voice, creates a soundscape that perfectly captures the essence of longing and reflection post-breakup. Released under Dead Oceans in 2017, this song stands out for its poetic lyrics and Bridgers’ ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity and grace. The reason it’s on this list is its ability to transport the listener to a specific moment in time, making it a therapeutic experience for anyone going through a heartbreak.

2. “Cherry Wine” by Hozier

Album: Hozier (2014)
Label: Rubyworks/Island Records
“Cherry Wine” appears on Hozier’s self-titled 2014 album. This acoustic ballad is deceptively serene, with its gentle guitar strumming and Hozier’s soulful voice. The song deals with the complexities of an abusive relationship, making it a powerful and poignant piece. Released under Rubyworks and Island Records, it showcases Hozier’s talent for storytelling through music. Its inclusion here is due to its raw honesty and the delicate way it addresses a difficult subject, offering a different perspective on breakups and the scars they leave.

3. “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers

Album: Stranger in the Alps (2017)
Label: Dead Oceans
Another gem from Phoebe Bridgers, “Motion Sickness” is a more upbeat yet lyrically cutting track from her 2017 album. The song combines Bridgers’ signature melodic style with candid lyrics about moving on from a toxic relationship. Its relatable content and Bridgers’ emotive performance make it a standout track on the album. The song’s inclusion in this list is due to its unique blend of catchy melody and deeply personal storytelling, offering a refreshing take on the breakup song genre.

4. “Landfill” by Daughter

Album: His Young Heart (2011)
Label: Self-released
“Landfill” from Daughter’s 2011 EP ‘His Young Heart’ is a raw and emotional track. Elena Tonra’s haunting vocals, coupled with minimalist instrumentation, create a deeply moving and intimate experience. Released independently, this song is a testament to the band’s ability to craft powerful narratives through music. I chose “Landfill” for its stark honesty and the way it captures the feeling of being discarded in a relationship, a theme that resonates deeply with many.

5. “From the Dining Table” by Harry Styles

Album: Harry Styles (2017)
Label: Columbia Records
Harry Styles’ “From the Dining Table” is a melancholic ballad from his 2017 self-titled debut album. The song features Styles’ vulnerable vocals accompanied by a sparse, acoustic arrangement. Released under Columbia Records, it showcases a different side of Styles, known for his pop-rock sound. The song earns its place on this list for its heartfelt lyrics and the raw vulnerability Styles displays, making it a relatable track for anyone feeling isolated and longing after a breakup.

6. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron

Album: Strange Trails (2015)
Label: IAMSOUND Records
This haunting ballad from Lord Huron’s 2015 album ‘Strange Trails’ gained widespread recognition for its inclusion in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. The song’s ethereal sound, combined with poignant lyrics about regret and loss, makes it a perfect addition to any breakup playlist. Released under IAMSOUND Records, “The Night We Met” stands out for its atmospheric production

and evocative storytelling. I chose this song for its ability to capture the feeling of wanting to turn back time and relive a moment, a sentiment often felt in the aftermath of a breakup.

7. “Liability” by Lorde

Album: Melodrama (2017)
Label: Universal Music
“Liability” from Lorde’s critically acclaimed 2017 album ‘Melodrama’ is a heart-wrenching piano ballad that delves into themes of loneliness and feeling like a burden in a relationship. Released by Universal Music, the song showcases Lorde’s unique voice and her skill in crafting deeply personal and introspective lyrics. It’s included in this list for its raw emotional power and the way it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt too much in a relationship. Lorde’s candidness in expressing her vulnerabilities makes “Liability” a standout track.

8. “Call Out My Name” by The Weeknd

Album: My Dear Melancholy, (2018)
Label: XO and Republic Records
The Weeknd’s “Call Out My Name” from his 2018 EP ‘My Dear Melancholy,’ is a soulful and intense track that explores the pain of an unreciprocated love. Released under XO and Republic Records, the song features The Weeknd’s signature moody and atmospheric sound. It’s chosen for this list for its raw portrayal of the desperation and longing often felt in the wake of a breakup, combined with The Weeknd’s powerful vocal performance.

9. “Thin Line” by Honeyhoney

Album: Billy Jack (2011)
Label: Lost Highway Records
“Thin Line,” from Honeyhoney’s 2011 album ‘Billy Jack,’ is a blend of Americana, folk, and country. The song, released under Lost Highway Records, features Suzanne Santo’s soulful voice and a narrative that speaks to the blurred lines in a failing relationship. It’s included here for its unique sound and storytelling approach, offering a perspective on breakups that’s both bitter and introspective.

10. “Sleep on the Floor” by The Lumineers

Album: Cleopatra (2016)
Label: Dualtone Records
The Lumineers’ “Sleep on the Floor” from their 2016 album ‘Cleopatra’ is a folk-rock anthem filled with a sense of longing and escapism. Released by Dualtone Records, this song stands out for its narrative-driven lyrics and the emotive delivery of Wesley Schultz. I chose it for its ability to capture the feeling of wanting to start over after a breakup, encouraging listeners to take a leap into the unknown.

11. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi

Album: Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent (2019)
Label: Virgin EMI Records
Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved,” from his 2019 debut album, became a global hit for its poignant portrayal of loss and heartache. Released under Virgin EMI Records, Capaldi’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional depth make it a modern classic in the breakup song genre. Its inclusion in this list is due to its universal appeal and Capaldi’s ability to convey deep emotions in a relatable way.

Fun Facts: Underrated Breakup Songs

“Smoke Signals” by Phoebe Bridgers

• Fun Fact: In “Smoke Signals,” Phoebe Bridgers references the musician David Bowie and his death. The song was actually written on the day of Bowie’s death, which adds a layer of poignancy and depth to the lyrics.

“Cherry Wine” by Hozier

• Fun Fact: “Cherry Wine” was recorded live in one take. Hozier wanted to capture the song’s raw and vulnerable essence, which he felt was best achieved through a live recording. The simplicity and authenticity of this process are palpable in the final track.

“Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers

• Fun Fact: “Motion Sickness” is somewhat autobiographical for Phoebe Bridgers. It’s reported to be about her relationship with another musician, Ryan Adams. This song stands out for its candid and personal storytelling, a hallmark of Bridgers’ songwriting style.

“Landfill” by Daughter

• Fun Fact: Daughter, led by Elena Tonra, started as a solo project before evolving into a band. “Landfill” is one of their earlier works and showcases the introspective and haunting style that would become the band’s signature.

“From the Dining Table” by Harry Styles

• Fun Fact: “From the Dining Table” is known for its stripped-down and intimate feel, a contrast to Styles’ more upbeat and pop-centric tracks. Harry Styles has mentioned that the album was heavily influenced by 70s rock and folk music, which is evident in the acoustic and raw nature of this song.

“The Night We Met” by Lord Huron

• Fun Fact: After “The Night We Met” was featured in “13 Reasons Why,” the band Lord Huron released a new version of the song featuring Phoebe Bridgers. This version added another layer of emotional depth to the already poignant track.

“Liability” by Lorde

• Fun Fact: Lorde has said that “Liability” was inspired by a moment of feeling very alone and thinking about how her fame affects personal relationships. The song was also influenced by Rihanna’s “Higher,” which Lorde admired for its emotional rawness.

“Call Out My Name” by The Weeknd

• Fun Fact: “Call Out My Name” is often speculated to be about The Weeknd’s brief relationship with Selena Gomez, particularly due to references that hint at their time together and the aftermath of their breakup.

“Thin Line” by Honeyhoney

• Fun Fact: Honeyhoney, the band behind “Thin Line,” is known for blending genres like folk, soul, and rock. Their unique sound is evident in this song, which showcases their ability to weave storytelling with diverse musical influences.

“Sleep on the Floor” by The Lumineers

• Fun Fact: The music video for “Sleep on the Floor” is part of a trilogy that includes the videos for two other songs from the ‘Cleopatra’ album. The trilogy tells a continuous story, adding a visual narrative to the already vivid storytelling of their music.

“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi

• Fun Fact: “Someone You Loved” was a massive success for Lewis Capaldi, topping charts in several countries. Interestingly, Capaldi is a distant relative of the actor Peter Capaldi, who starred in the song’s music video and helped bring the emotional narrative to life.

And there you have it, folks – a deep dive into 11 underrated breakup songs that deserve a spot on your playlist. Each one tells a unique story, providing a soundtrack for those heartache moments. Remember, music is a journey, and every song has a tale waiting to be discovered.

Thanks for reading.

TBone