Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

It’s a song by the British rock band Oasis that captures a faint hope and a sense of loneliness—the feeling that someone might come to save you.

Sung over an acoustic backdrop, it conveys a heartfelt plea for a “wonder wall” of sorts, a presence that could rescue the singer.

The protagonist’s yearning for help from someone dear, even while burdened by anxiety and solitude, is something many can relate to.

Featured on the classic 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and released as a single the same year, the song’s music video won a BRIT Award in 1996.

When you’re a bit worn out by life or facing a vague unease at night, listening to this track might let its warmth seep into your heart and give you the courage to lean on someone.

Don’t Let Go (Love)En Vogue

En Vogue – Don’t Let Go (Love) (Official Music Video)

The music scene of the ’90s was a golden era when talented female R&B groups lit up the charts.

Among them, En Vogue stood out with an exceptional presence thanks to their remarkable vocal prowess and artistic harmonies.

Released in 1996 as the theme song for the film Set It Off, this piece later appeared on their album EV3 as a gem of a ballad.

Over a soulful, blues-tinged melody, their layered vocals are nothing short of breathtaking.

Lyrically, it portrays a pure and earnest plea—begging a lover not to leave—and its searing emotion grips the softest parts of the listener’s heart.

On nights when your chest trembles with an ache you can’t shake, lend your ears to this song.

I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

This ballad, which sings of boundless feelings for a loved one, is a moving piece that expresses deep affection for moments you never want to let slip by—not even for an instant.

The pure desire to keep gazing at someone, even at the expense of sleep, resonates through the powerful vocals of the American rock band Aerosmith.

Released in 1998 as the theme song for the film Armageddon, it became the band’s first U.

S.

No.

1 hit, holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks.

Its emotional connection with the film’s portrayal of a father–daughter bond gives it a universality that can be felt not only as romantic love but also as love for family.

It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone who wants to savor time with someone precious or who is approaching a milestone in life.

IrisGoo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris [Official Music Video] [4K Remaster]

A heart-stirring rock ballad born from the story of the film City of Angels.

Released in April 1998 by the American band Goo Goo Dolls, this song poignantly expresses the bittersweet emotions of an angel who falls in love with a human.

A gentle gaze toward people striving to live and the protagonist’s resolve to seek love even at the cost of eternal life are woven memorably into its beautiful melody.

Included on the band’s album Dizzy Up the Girl, the track became a massive hit, spending 18 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart.

Its universal appeal is evident in how younger generations rediscovered it on TikTok in the 2020s, sparking a revival hit.

My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion

Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert)

A signature work by Canadian artist Celine Dion, released in November 1997 as a movie theme song celebrating eternal love.

Created as the theme for James Cameron’s film Titanic, it seamlessly blends James Horner’s sweeping composition with Will Jennings’s poetic lyrics.

Also included on the album Let’s Talk About Love, it achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and four Grammy Awards.

Its message—singing of the enduring power of love that lives on in the heart even amid the profound sorrow of losing a loved one—resonates with everyone who holds dear someone special.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

Released in April 1999, this is one of the Backstreet Boys’ signature songs.

Included on the album Millennium, it climbed high on the charts in the United States and around the world.

The powerful vocals of the five members blend with tight harmonies and a captivating melody, enchanting countless fans as a landmark of 90s pop.

The song conveys the tension in a relationship caused by emotional or physical distance between lovers, exploring the complexities of love and desire.

It’s a recommended track for those struggling with romance or wanting to express their feelings for someone special.

Hand in My PocketAlanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette – Hand In My Pocket (Official 4K Music Video)

Dubbed the “Queen of Alternative Rock” in the ’90s and a global phenomenon, Alanis Morissette released this track as a single from the landmark 1995 album Jagged Little Pill.

Set to a warm, acoustic-driven sound, it humorously sings about life’s contradictions and uncertainties.

Even when you’re lost or feeling down, the lyrics reassure you in the end that “everything’s going to be okay,” like a close friend encouraging you by your side.

It reminds us of the importance of someone who accepts us just as we are.

Many will also remember its striking use in the coming-of-age film Lady Bird.

It’s a perfect classic for moments when you want to reminisce about memories shared with friends who understood your anxieties.