Almost everyone has been in that post-breakup blues space where ice cream, tissues, and a blanket are the only acceptable companions while you sob over heartbreak ballads. Sure, it can feel like a sad, warm hug to embrace the gut-wrenching pain of a broken heart. Yet Stephen Thomas’ new single, “Breaking Hearts,” offers a refreshing take on breakup hits.
Gone are the ‘woe is me’ and ‘why don’t they love me’ sentiments. Instead, the song feels like a cinematic epic topped off with an emotional release. Not every relationship is meant to last. Sometimes, you have to walk away for yourself. The single from Thomas’s upcoming EP, The Universal Me, gets that.
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The Charleston, West Virginia, native is all about blending genres like alternative pop, rock, and hip-hop to create a unique sound reminiscent of Post Malone, Tech N9ne, MGK, and Fall Out Boy. His blend of sounds ultimately launched Thomas’ own ‘universal’ genre, which landed him an “Artist To Watch in 2025” label from The Source.
Thomas’ unapologetic coverage of subjects like mental health challenges, autoimmune conditions, and military tributes helped solidify his universal status as someone who sings the hard truths and offers something for everyone. With viral TikTok videos, chart-climbing singles, and music videos streaming, the national touring artist is a desperately needed voice in the music industry.
There’s no shame in a little post-breakup wallowing, but there are thousands of songs with a soul-crushing vibe to choose from if that’s what you need. Thomas is offering fans a different take: one born of defiance.
The longing and hurt are there, but the bold reimagining of a breakup jam takes listeners on a journey through the pain and through to the other end without letting it take over. Ultimately, Thomas offers fans the blueprint and inspiration to choose themselves in a powerful yet gentle way.
Rather than dwelling on the good parts of the relationship, “Breaking Hearts” lets go of the nostalgia to center itself on why it didn’t work, offering strength in that release.
Both the “Breaking Hearts” music video and the song itself build up like a movie score. There’s a palpable tension throughout the number that increases through the last note. This clever personification of heartbreak hammers home that even when you move on, there’s still a part of you that’s affected—and that’s okay.
“Breaking Hearts” emboldens listeners to cut out the toxic things in their lives with the knowledge that it may be intense and a little messy, but at the end of the day, reclaiming your power and your voice is the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Between vulnerability and raw strength, “Breaking Hearts” is a surprising anthem of survival. Rather than focusing on anger or revenge, the goal is release, and fans can do that alongside Thomas. Given his advocacy for mental health, “Breaking Hearts” is the perfect theme song for cultural shifts like soft quitting and maintaining boundaries.
For anyone looking for a reminder to choose yourself, you can now stream Stephen Thomas’ “Breaking Hearts” on Spotify.
Follow Thomas on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
SPIN Magazine newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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