Jimmy Ruffin writers that he should record it himself. His recording of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" became a major success. The song reached #7 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 and #6 on the R&B Chart. It also initially reached #8 in the UK singles chart, rising to #4 when it was reissued in the UK in 1974. "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" remains Ruffin's best-known song. It was the lead single from his debut album "Jimmy Ruffin Sings Top Ten" (released as "The Jimmy Ruffin Way" in the UK), which was released on the Motown's Soul subsidiary label in 1967. Follow-up
Brokenhearted (Karmin song) have a good time. And Amy can sing her ass off, so I knew she could do it." It was also mentioned that the song was inspired by Brandy's Brokenhearted, released in 1995. According to the digital sheet music published at musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, "Brokenhearted" is written in the key of E major with a tempo of 118 beats per minute. Heidemann's vocal range in the song spans from the low note of G♯ to the high note of C♯. "Brokenhearted" received generally positive reviews from critics who commented on Heidemann's vocal prowess and the production's energetic vibe.