37 Best Angry Breakup Songs
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14. “Superman” by Eminem
Song Year: 1992
“Superman” commemorates a brief but catastrophic romantic relationship between rapper Eminem and Mariah Carey.
The song has a fast, furious sound with an unrelenting percussive beat. It’s the ideal angry break-up song because it critically dissects why these two artists had such a disastrous and short-lived romance.
15. “Der Holle Der Rache” by Diana Dimrau
Song Year: 2017
Not all break-ups are romantic, and few relationships are as fraught as that between mother and daughter. In this show-stopping and operatic angry break-up song, a mother threatens to disown her daughter if she doesn’t murder her father.
Even if your break-up was romantic, it’s still cathartic. Music is only a half-step from the primal scream and all those high F sharps sound like nothing more than one extremely articulate and outraged scream.
16. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
Song Year: 2003
“Fighter” splits its time between being an angry break-up song and an anthem of female empowerment.
The speaker is patently furious at their ex. But they also realize how much better off they are without that person in their life. Even as the song rattles off a litany of grievances the ex committed, it acknowledges that the speaker is stronger for surviving them. Crucially, they will know better next time.
17.“Smile” by Lily Allen
Song Year: 2006
“Smile” is another wonderful example of an angry break-up song.
The speaker explores their feelings for their ex. They admit that while they were initially confused, the more they learn about their ex, the angrier they become.
They rattle off many misdemeanors that may sound familiar to listeners. But the thing that makes them angriest is the ex trying to re-establish contact as if all these past transgressions were acceptable.
18. “Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects
Song Year: 2009
The All-American Rejects blend punk music with rock in this jaunty but angry break-up song.
As the song progresses the tempo speeds up to reflect the speaker’s mood. Like other songs discussed, it lists the ex’s transgressions. The speaker hopes they regret these, but not enough to give them a second chance.
19. “I Hate Everything About You” by Three Days’ Grace
Song Year: 2003
From the title onwards, “I Hate Everything About You” is the consummate angry break-up song.
It expresses a blend of frustration towards the speaker’s persistent feelings for their ex and fury at their ex for the effect they still have on the speaker.
20. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Song Year: 1977
What’s remarkable about this angry break-up song is that the broken-up couple stayed together artistically and performed it.
Despite this, it gives vent to the frustrations of putting up long-term with someone else’s foibles and getting nothing in return. It’s a sentiment anyone in a recently-soured romance can appreciate.
21. “Never Again” by Kelly Clarkson
Song Year: 2007
Here’s another angry break-up song with a speaker who takes pleasure in imagining their ex’s ongoing misfortune.
Most of these tribulations are the petty kind we all fantasize about post-break-up. The speaker also takes delight in saying they never read their ex’s attempt at apology. They want many things for their ex, but comfort and forgiveness aren’t on the list.
22. “Ex Factor” by Lauryn Hill
Song Year: 1998
While still an angry break-up song, this one is more mellow than other songs on the list. The tempo is slower and Hill sings with vulnerability.
The vocals are high, exposed, and raw. It cuts to the quick of that sad and angry sensation that’s all too familiar for anyone who’s survived a breakup, and it lets you cry as much as it allows you to shout.
23. “ShadowBoxer” by Fiona Apple
Song Year: 1996
“ShadowBoxer” also has a slow, even seductive tempo. But there’s a quiet anger there, too.
It condemns the subterfuge of the speaker’s ex, who gets people's on-side by seeming friendly. Only later do their faults emerge. And once they do, the speaker can’t unsee them. She’s furious and she won’t be going back, whatever the ex tries.
24. “Shut Up And Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings
Song Year: 2008
This song doesn't pull its punches. Its speaker isn’t happy about the recent breakup. They didn’t want it to happen, but even less do they want anything to do with their former partner.
It candidly rattles off the pain and anguish the break-up inflicts on them, making it cathartic listening for anyone in the same boat.
25. “Better Than Revenge” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2010
From the start, Swift’s “Better Than Revenge” is angry and condemnatory. It wants the speaker’s ex and new partner to feel a proportionate amount of guilt for what happened.
It’s also a warning. The speaker practiced revenge and never misses an opportunity to inflict it. It’s not something the average person can get away with. But you can take vicarious pleasure in listening to someone else daydream about realizing your revenge fantasies.
