Music is the soundtrack to love: Which songs are topping American playlists through romance and heartbreaks?
Have you ever found yourself turning to music to match your relationship status? Whether you’re singing along to your favorite romantic ballad while deeply in love or belting out a heartbreak anthem after a recent breakup, music has a unique ability to express emotions and speak the language of love.
Language and culture experts Preply conducted a data study combining Spotify playlist data and national search data to determine which love songs and breakup songs Americans listen to the most.
Let’s find out which songs are the soundtracks to America’s love stories and breakups!
What makes music an effective method for coping with a breakup?
- Music is a potent tool for navigating the intricate emotions of a breakup.
- She was belting out romantic songs while in love contrasts with finding solace in music during heartbreak.
- Expressing sadness, anger, or confusion through song aids in healthy emotional processing.
- Knowing that others understand your feelings through lyrics provides reassurance.
- Singing along to favorite tracks, whether at home or during daily commutes, offers comfort.
- It’s beneficial to diversify your playlist with sassy, empowering, and upbeat songs to uplift spirits and reclaim your sense of self on the path to healing.
What are the most famous love songs and breakup songs in America?
From heartfelt love ballads to soul-stirring breakup anthems, some songs strike the right chord with listeners more than others. Music, whether recent releases or timeless classics, possesses the ability to resonate with our innermost emotions.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the tunes that have captivated Americans across the nation, from sea to shining sea.
The 30 Most Beloved Love Songs in the United States
- Singing romantic songs evokes a special feeling, especially when experiencing love firsthand.
- Both enduring classics and contemporary favorites serve as the melodic backdrops to moments of love and intimacy.
- Ballads are the preferred genre among Americans for expressing love and affection.
- Coldplay’s “Yellow” from the 2000s tops the list, showcasing its enduring appeal.
- Surprisingly, Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” secures the 17th spot, prompting reflection on romantic experiences.
- Hindi love songs like “Raabta” by Pritam and “Saibo” by Sachin-Jigar feature in the top 30, highlighting Americans’ diverse musical tastes and cultural openness in romantic expression.
The 30 Most Popular Heartbreak Anthems in America
- Sometimes, wallowing in heartbreak anthems can be therapeutic.
- America’s popular breakup songs often carry a sassy undertone.
- Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” is the ultimate anthem for empowerment and independence post-breakup.
- Emerging artists dominate the list of top 10 breakup songs.
- Olivia Rodrigo’s poignant lyrics resonate deeply with heartbroken listeners, earning her four top entries.
- Not all breakup songs are sad; tracks like Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” and Dua Lipa’s “IDGAF” infuse sass, reflecting resilience and self-assurance.
Regarding the significance of music as a conduit for love, Sylvia Johnson, Preply’s Head of Methodology, asserts, “Undoubtedly, music functions as a universal language, communicating human emotions seamlessly through a blend of linguistic and musical elements. Love ballads and breakup anthems, in particular, offer a profound avenue for expressing and comprehending the intricate emotions entwined within relationships, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Our resonance with such melodies, whether jubilant or poignant, reflects our individual encounters with love and heartache.”
The Most Popular Love Songs and Breakup Anthems Across U.S. States
Exploring how different states express their feelings of love and heartbreak through music, Preply utilized search trends data to uncover the most popular songs in each region. Whether cranking up sentimental ballads or blasting sassy breakup anthems, each state’s musical preferences offer insights into their emotional landscapes.
The most famous love songs in each U.S state
- Californians, known for their eclectic spirit, have a diverse array of love songs on their playlist, including “Kesariya,” “Until I Found You,” “Love On The Brain,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “Saibo,” and the timeless classic “Fade Into You.”
- In Rhode Island and neighboring states like Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, affectionate listeners gravitate towards Prince’s sultry hit “Kiss.”
- Southern states showcase unique musical preferences, as evidenced by Kentucky’s affinity for Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Tennessee’s embrace of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.”
- In both the Midwest and the South, there exists a mutual admiration for timeless classics such as Etta James’s “At Last,” underscoring the timeless charm of traditional love ballads.
- These regional preferences provide a captivating glimpse into the diverse musical tapestry woven through America’s love stories.
Most popular love songs by region:
- Midwest: “At Last” by Etta James
- Northeast: “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
- South: “At Last” by Etta James & “Kiss” by Prince
- West: “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer
Breakup Anthems: Top Picks Across Every U.S. State
- The South, encompassing states like Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee, reveals its vulnerability through multiple favorite breakup anthems, reflecting the complex emotions of heartache and resilience.
- In Michigan, Olivia Rodrigo’s 2021 hit “Traitor” strikes a chord with audiences, providing comfort through its unfiltered and intense depiction of betrayed love.
- Iowa holds admiration for hometown artist Julia Michaels despite her departure for California at a young age. Michaels’s music connects with Midwesterners, providing a sense of connection and understanding amid the trials of love and loss.
Most popular breakup songs by region:
- Midwest: “ABCDEFU” by GAYLE
- Northeast: “Lovely” by Billie Eilish
- South: “Be Alright” by Dean Lewis
- West: “Happier” by Ed Sheeran
Expressing and affirming our emotions about love, music stands as a favored medium. From soothing love melodies to empowering breakup tracks that help us rebound, Americans readily curate personalized playlists in homage to love. So, what tunes will accompany your Valentine’s Day?
Check out the playlists for America’s top love and heartbreak songs here to get inspired.
