Best Breakup Songs Ever! BONUS

In this special BONUS Sidetrax episode, Dan and Carl explore the ultimate breakup anthems from each decade—spanning the 1970s through the 2020s. Inspired by their not-so-loving take on Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye, the duo softens their edge to reveal their emotional (and still hilarious) sides. With personal rules, heartfelt justifications, and a few sharp jabs, they each select one breakup song per decade that defines heartbreak, healing, or hell-yeah-I’m-free energy. No honorable mentions—just the definitive list, as decided by the Backwards Beats team.

Key Points

• Sidetrax Defined: Bonus episodes where Dan and Carl chase down tangents that didn’t fit in the regular season.
• Breakup Song Criteria:
  • Dan: Songs about being post-breakup—it’s over, not ending.
  • Carl: A breakup song could be sad, angry, or even joyful—anything that hits emotionally during or after a breakup.
• The Format: One song per host, per decade—from the 1970s to today. No deep cuts or obscure indie picks; these are widely relatable tracks.
• Tone: Equal parts sincere reflection and comedy. The hosts blend emotional honesty with their usual satire and banter.

This episode is for anyone who’s loved, lost, or just needs the perfect song to ugly cry or dance through it.

 

1970s

• Carl's Pick Baby Come Back by Player
• Dan's Pick She's Gone by Hall and Oates

1980s

• Carl's Pick Purple Rain by Prince
• Dan's Pick And So It Goes by Billy Joel

1990s

• Carl's Pick Don't Speak by No Doubt
• Dan's Pick Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor

2000s

• Carl's Pick Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
• Dan's Pick Sparks by Coldplay

2010s

• Carl's Pick Don't Gotta Work It Out by Fitz and The Tantrums
• Dan's Pick I Love You by Billie Eilish

2020s

• Carl's Pick You Should Probably Leave by Chris Stapleton
• Dan's Pick Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo

 

Music Referenced

• Abandoned Luncheonette by Hall and Oates
• Joe Farrell
• Return to Forever by Chick Corea
• Bernard Purdie
• Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
• I Can't Tell You Why by Eagles
• Storm Front by Billy Joel
• Lost in Love by Air Supply
• All Out of Love by Air Supply
• Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt
• Spiderwebs by No Doubt
• Just a Girl by No Doubt
• Nothing Compares 2 U by Prince
• Chris Cornell
• Grassroots by 311
• Lose by 311
• Luck of the Draw by Bonnie Raitt
• I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
• I Can't Make You Love Me by Adele
• I Can't Make You Love Me by Boyz II Men
• I Can't Make You Love Me by George Michael
• Parachutes by Coldplay
• Continuum by John Mayer
• Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
• Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
• Never Gonna Be Alone by Jacob Collier
• Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine
• All I Wanted by Paramore
• Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye

Join us next week when we cover our mistake recording of the album Fine Line by Harry Styles. Our mistake, your BONUS!