Top 10 Most Empowering Breakup Songs Ever
#10: “Stronger” (2000) Britney Spears
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In this early noughties track, Spears sings about moving on and finding strength after things ended with a partner. If you ever needed a song to help you dance the post-break-up blues away, this is it— just maybe leave the chair-ography to the pros. Elevated by its empowering lyrics and phenomenal music video, “Stronger” is perhaps one of Britney’s best songs of the era. Watching her sing about how much better off she is now, while accompanied by those killer moves, is bound to leave the subject of the track feeling weak at the knees. Also, “my loneliness ain’t killing me no more?” We see what you did there, Ms. Spears!
#9: “Flowers” (2023) Miley Cyrus
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The singer’s new musical era blossomed with this apparent revenge breakup song that seemingly takes multiple jabs at her ex-husband. Fans quickly picked out the Easter eggs, including allusions to their shared home burning down, seeming callbacks to Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man,” and a potentially calculated choice of location for the music video. However, at the heart of this earworm is a message of self-love, self-care, and just enjoying your own company. Who says you shouldn’t buy yourself flowers? In fact, we should all take a petal out of Miley’s bouquet and happy dance around our homes to celebrate living our best solo lives to the fullest.
#8: “Survivor” (2001) Destiny's Child
While the ending of a romantic relationship can suck, friend breakups are arguably much worse. This song was supposedly inspired by rifts between inaugural band members LaTavia Roberson, LeToya Luckett and the Knowles family as well as the lineup changes involving Farrah Franklin. A radio station apparently took a dig at the group’s quick turnover, comparing it to the reality show “Survivor.” Bey wanted to find the silver lining in this negative press and co-wrote this banging empowerment anthem. And we think it’s fair to say she got the last laugh. “Survivor” is all about knowing your self-worth and channeling your resilience. It might not be about romantic breakups, but the sentiments can apply to a plethora of situations. Plus, what a tune!
#7: “Shout Out to My Ex” (2016) Little Mix
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When this song was released, fans spotted several clues hinting that it might be about band member Perrie Edwards' ex-fiancé Zayn Malik. However, the group has never confirmed this, instead opting to share a more optimistic inspiration for the catchy tune. Edwards told "E!" that people typically listen to sad songs during a breakup, and they wanted to offer something more upbeat and affirming. With its lively melody, positive lyrics, and bright music video, "Shout Out to My Ex" is exactly what we needed. Who hasn't wanted to round up the besties and celebrate singledom after listening to this jam? Significant others come and go, but your ride-or-die crew is for life.
#6: “So What” (2008) Pink
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Pink’s 2008 “Funhouse” album was largely influenced by her separation from her husband, Carey Hart. While she’s described the album as her “most vulnerable to date,” nothing says “I’m better off without you” than its first single, “So What.” It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek number that sees the artist let loose as she comes to terms with her then-relationship status. Hilariously though, Hart’s still in the music video (and they would confirm their reunion in 2010). If you need an outlet for your post-breakup rage, we suggest rockin’ out to this tune rather than following Pink’s example of trashing your surroundings. You’ll feel better after, trust us.
#5: “Truth Hurts” (2017) Lizzo
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Talk about putting “the sing in single!” In 2017 Lizzo dropped the ultimate self-assuredness and self-love track, reminding us that we can easily brush off any breakup when our DNA is one hundred percent fierce and fabulous. The song’s lyrics ooze confidence as Lizzo tells all potential suitors that she is the prize, but no one’s more deserving of her love and companionship than she is. The world slept on this relatable earworm for far too long before propelling it into the charts in 2019. It even earned her the Guinness World Record for “Most weeks at No.1 on the US singles chart for a rap single by a female artist.”
#4: “You Don't Own Me” (1963) Lesley Gore
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Younger generations will likely know this song from Saygrace’s 2015 cover featuring rapper, G-Eazy. However, “You Don’t Own Me” has been making waves since its release in 1963. Songs that called out men for objectifying women or treating them like possessions were in short supply. So, this unstoppable anti-patriarchal anthem, sung by artist and activist Lesley Gore, was quite groundbreaking for its time. The singer said she didn’t imagine it’d become allied with the feminist movement, but was delighted that it had. It has continued to be the rallying cry of wronged people everywhere, most notably in the iconic end scene of the 1996 film, “First Wives Club.” You tell ’em, ladies!
#3: “Irreplaceable” (2006) Beyoncé
Bey's awarded the Hive with numerous feel-good breakup tracks over the years. "Best Thing I Never Had" is undeniably empowering, but we went with a song that is, well, "Irreplaceable." Interestingly, it was initially co-penned by Ne-Yo with a male narrator in mind and a more country vibe. A revised R&B version was presented to Beyoncé, who decided to record it. "Irreplaceable" is perfect for anyone who needs to be reminded of their self-worth after a breakup. It's a great choice when you want to remind that person of what they've "left (to the left)" behind and tell them that you won't settle for less than you deserve.
#2: “Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)” (2012) Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson’s multi-award-winning “Since U Been Gone” is the perfect breakup track to thrash around to. Once you’ve exorcized all that rage, it’s time to switch to another Clarkson hit that channels the anger into something more powerful and self-affirming. In “Stronger,” the lyrics reflect on a past relationship and celebrates the joy of no longer having to put up with that person’s rubbish. The title and lyrics are highly relatable and a reminder that even the darkest clouds can have silver linings. “Stronger” lets anyone getting out of a relationship know there’s a light waiting at the end of the tunnel. It’s also just a great mantra to live by. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Look at Her Now” (2019), Selena Gomez For When You Know You’re Better off without Them “It's Not Right but It's Okay” (1999), Whitney Houston A Song to Make Them Regret Ever Stepping Out “Bye Bye Bye” (2000), *NSYNC We Could Never Say “Bye Bye Bye” to This Catchy Danceable Tune “Sorry Not Sorry” (2017), Demi Lovato For When You Want Them to Know You’re Out There “Lookin’ Like Revenge” “Part of Me” (2012), Katy Perry A Reminder That You’re Strong, Resilient & Your Best Damn Self
#1: “I Will Survive” (1978) Gloria Gaynor
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Does anyone else have the urge to pull out their best disco moves when they hear the opening bars of this song? Although today it’s considered among the most iconic breakup power anthems of all time, it was actually inspired by Dino Fekaris, who co-wrote the track, bouncing back after being dismissed from Motown Records. The lyrics describe someone rediscovering their self-confidence after a difficult breakup, asserting that they’ve moved on and that there’s no turning back. The song has taken on a life of its own, finding new interpretations for different individuals. Gaynor teaches us to hold our heads high as we groove to this funky melody and declare.
