Through all of life's ups and downs, I'm thankful for all the impact Christian music has had in my life. It helps me and all of us feel like we're not alone. It gives us hope and something to relate to. To point us to Jesus and His heart in all of life's storms.
One storm that seems less talked about in Christian music is breakups. Many of us have experienced one: a failed relationship, a toxic relationship, or even a rejection that left its mark on us. It's a part of many of our stories: the hurt, healing, overcoming, and God's hand with us through every moment. If you're going through a breakup or feeling depressed by a broken relationship, here are nine Christian songs to help you know you're not alone; you can get through this. You're loved and you can have faith in God's plan for your life; even still.
Joseph O'Brien - "Give Up On Love"
Pop artist Joseph O'Brien is no stranger to releasing vulnerable music that connects with listeners. America's Got Talent alum showed this on the forefront with his debut single with Gotee Records, "Give Up On Love," an honest and hopeful song for those burnt out by failed relationships.
It can be easy to want to give up, especially after losing someone you thought could be "the one." I've been there, too, wanting to be in a relationship and going through the rejection that I thought could have turned into something more. It's essential to desire God's plan and timing before seeking a relationship, even when feeling stuck. He knows our desires; just like the good Father He is, we can trust Him through waiting.
Hollyn - "I wasn't enough for you"
Former Gotee Records artist Hollyn did more than release a breakup song—she released a whole EP of them. Bye, Sad Girl is a project that includes six songs reflecting the artist's breakup story. The purpose is to give listeners a sense of solidarity and show them that they're not alone. These songs have reached millions of listeners, including the EP's closing song, "I wasn't enough for you."
The song tells the story of someone breaking the news to their boyfriend or girlfriend, wanting to part ways, and processing the hit emotions. Whether you broke up with someone or they broke up with you, there's a reason and hope in the pain. No one should be in a toxic relationship or one that causes mental, physical, or even spiritual pain. Even though no breakup is easy or without floods of emotions, choosing to get closer to healing and accepting is the best thing you can do.
Sarah Reeves - "Billboards On Sunset"
Pop artist Sarah Reeves recently shared on social media that she had gone through a painful divorce over the past few years, making a bold and vulnerable decision to open up to her audience. The worship leader gave listeners an honest look at her life and encouragement for those going through broken seasons, including breakups. Many of her songs over her last couple of albums touch on love, life, joy, brokenness, and breakups.
"Billboards On Sunset" is a song about a one-sided relationship that isn't working and accepting the need to move on. It's a fun and catchy pop song that gives you the truth to not stay in a place with someone who is overly selfish and thinking little of you. These types of breakups can have a level of joy knowing you are stepping in the right direction and dodging a bullet in hindsight.
Jordan Blaine - "Already Gone"
Jordan Blaine, formerly known as JSteph, is one of my favorite artists due to his storytelling and artistic vision. He was recently nominated for the We Love Awards Next Big Thing accolade. His debut album, MMXXII, features several songs tackling the subjects of breakups, finding love, and letting go. The album's standout song on the topics is "Already Gone," possibly my favorite breakup song.
Recently, I went through a breakup with someone I thought could be my forever. I was confused, heartbroken, and felt lost. This is one of the songs that helped me grieve and feel what I was feeling before I could reach a place of healing. Break-ups come with heartache, and it's okay to process it. Even if it's slow, God knows our hurt and is there with us through the broken dreams and memories. If someone is gone, know God's with you and hold your story when everything feels broken.
Rachel Mac - "Ask My Exes"
The newest artist on this list, Rachel Mac, is a recent signee to Captial Christian Label Group and is catching the audience's ears. The Voice Season 20 alumni released her first two singles, including the alt-pop/rock breakup anthem "Ask My Exes." His song puts a spin on breakup songs by being on God's love for us despite our flaws.
It's easy for an ex to focus on our flaws and tear us apart more than most. Whether true or not, it can be easy to see ourselves in that light instead of how God sees us. His love for us is more significant than any other love that can end in heartbreak. He sees us for who we are. Even when we fail in loving and following Him like we need to, He's so passionate in love with us that He is always there.
Riley Clemmons - "Stuck Inside My Head"
Over the past few years, pop artist Riley Clemmons has become a fan favorite in Christian music. She has delivered several radio hits and released several albums tackling multiple topics, including letting go of and overcoming toxic relationships. In 2021, she released the catchy pop song "Stuck Inside My Head" on her hit album, Godsend.
Breaking up with someone who isn't suitable for you is more challenging than it might be. Maybe you had a long history with that person or special memories with them that are hard to shake. Even when you know you've done the right thing and feel free, it can be hard to cut ties, especially mentally. "Stuck Inside My Head" encourages listeners not to go back and keep pushing forward to that better place. Even if it takes time, don't give up on the healing and life God has for you beyond the craziness of a breakup. He has so much better for you.
Eli Gable - "All Out"
Being friend-zoned isn't a good feeling. Upcoming folk singer-songwriter Eli Gable perfectly carries that emotion in his song "All Out." Although still relatively new, Eli Gable is gaining a solid fanbase of listeners looking for honest Christian music with a folky acoustic flair. Eli's music went viral on TikTok with his "All Out" song, showcasing its relatability.
Over the years, I've experienced the dreaded friend zone and, even worse, getting stuck in a situationships. Although sometimes they can turn around for good, in most cases, like mine, I found myself exhausted and stressed, wondering where we stood in our relationship. We all need real love in relationships, not a back-and-forth situation built on uncertainty and doubt. Having those conversations can be challenging, but relationships must thrive and be all in or not.
Rachael Nemiroff - "What I Thought I Wanted"
One of the top names in the indie Christian songwriting community is Rachael Nemiroff. Rachael has seemingly done everything music-wise and continues to pull off creative new things to keep her fans wanting more from her voice and songwriting. One of her songs, "What I Thought I Wanted," is catchy and touches on many themes, including relationships.
So often, we think we know best and choose our path instead of seeking God's will for our lives. This can be with our jobs, friendships, family, careers, and relationships. I know I've made mistakes so often. However, looking back, I'm thankful for God's protection in my rejection. In my loss, breakups, and failed attempts, He's kept me safe for the one He has in store. We can look back with gratitude for what He has done and forward with faith in His plan.
Anne Wilson - "Rain In The Rearview"
So, "Rain In The Rearview" isn't specifically a breakup song. However, it's a track that covers the topic of the place of healing. Country artist Anne Wilson has become one of the biggest names in Christian music, with many hit songs from her debut album. Leading up to her sophomore album, Rebel, Anne released her recent hit country single "Rain In The Rearview." The song is more than just amazing and impactful. It has also helped me through my breakup.
Maybe healing is hard to imagine in your current heartbreak. Maybe healing feels just out of reach. I felt like I couldn't shake the self-doubt and hurt that crawled its way into my heart of losing someone that I loved and a friendship that meant so much to me. There was a time to cry and process, but I eventually had to lift my head. I had to remember God's faithfulness in every season of my heartbreak. Because of Him, I know I'll be okay and can get back up. Healing isn't as complicated as it seems in the end. It takes time, effort, surrender, and sometimes crying your eyes out, but also picking yourself up and placing your heart in God's hands. He's holding you. If you can believe that, please know that He's speaking truth over you and calling you to move ahead. Your best days and the best chapters of your story are ahead.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
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