Valentine’s Day often conjured images of roses, chocolates, and romantic dinners, but for many South Africans, the true mood of the season was captured not by love songs, but by the aching strains of heartbreak anthems.
According to data from Spotify, the pain of lost love had become the unexpected soundtrack of the holiday, with streaming numbers for tear-jerking tracks soaring to unexpected heights during Valentine’s week.
For the past three years, Valentine’s week (February 13–15) had seen a dramatic rise in streams of melancholic tunes, with South African listeners tuning in more than ever to songs about heartbreak. Since 2022, the streaming platform recorded a staggering 116% jump in the popularity of these sad songs.
But what really grabbed attention this year was a massive 532% surge in male listeners seeking solace in tunes of despair. This revelation highlighted a significant shift: men were increasingly turning to music to navigate their emotions, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Female listeners rode the same wave, with a heart-wrenching 711% increase in streams of heartbreak tracks.
Peak listening times for these emotional anthems fell between 4 PM and 6 PM, right when the day started to wind down, and the weight of emotions took over. With defences lowered as the evening set in, listeners found themselves reaching for playlists that offered comfort and catharsis.
So, what were the most popular songs in South Africa’s Valentine’s heartbreak playlist?
Here are the top ten tracks that dominated Spotify streams over the past three years:
- Adele – Easy On Me
- Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved
- GIVĒON – For Tonight
- John Legend – All of Me
- Lauren Spencer Smith – Fingers Crossed
- Tate McRae – you broke me first
- Olivia Rodrigo – driver’s license
- Lloyiso – Seasons
- GIVĒON – Heartbreak Anniversary
- James Arthur – Say You Won’t Let Go
From global powerhouses like Adele and Lewis Capaldi to homegrown talent such as Lloyiso, the list served as a powerful reminder that heartbreak didn’t recognize borders—it was a universal experience, felt by people everywhere. Whether listeners turned to the soulful notes of “Easy On Me” or the haunting lyrics of “driver’s license,” these songs resonated with anyone who had ever known the sting of a broken heart.
The surge in heartbreak song streams went beyond mere entertainment. It demonstrated that music was more than just a soundtrack; it was a guide through life’s emotional journey. For South Africans this Valentine’s season, these tracks offered more than just a way to pass time, they were a means to process loss, reflect on love, and perhaps even find a sense of closure.
While many still celebrated with flowers and chocolates, a growing trend saw melancholic melodies take centre stage. For those who felt the weight of unrequited love or a recent breakup, the perfect Valentine’s Day playlist wasn’t necessarily a collection of love songs, but one filled with bittersweet anthems that spoke directly to the heartache of the season.
Main Image: Spotify
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