Top Sad Songs by Western Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Rankings [2025]

StoreCarly Rae Jepsen15rank/position

Store

This is a song included on Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2016 EP, Emotion Side B.

Following the opening line, “I woke up next to you,” the shocking lyric, “but honestly, I wish I were next to him,” could be seen as a new take on the unrequited love song.

It’s a track where you can enjoy the contrast between the upbeat pop sound and the lyrics.

Too MuchCarly Rae Jepsen16rank/position

Carly Rae Jepsen – Too Much [Official Music Video]

From the very beginning—the A verse—the song straightforwardly sings about unrequited love.

“Too Much” literally means “overdoing it” or “excessive,” and many phrases are sung with a nuance like “loving too much” in the context of a one-way romance.

It’s a heartbreaking track about loving someone so much that your feelings can’t reach them.

The intro uses a wistful melody that fits the lyrics very well, so please try a side-by-side translation.

In the opening of the music video, her beloved gear—the Roland AIRA series—makes an appearance.

It’s a modern piece of equipment, but a classic.

That eerie green glow is beautiful, isn’t it?

Heart ForecastEVE17rank/position

Heart Forecast – Eve MV

This pop and upbeat song, sung while reflecting the feelings of a boy in love, follows a protagonist who gets giddy as Valentine’s Day approaches yet still harbors a negative sense that it has nothing to do with him.

You can feel him mustering the courage to confess his feelings to the person he likes.

The lyrics strikingly portray the change in his heart, shifting from white to pink and finally being dyed red.

The song also collaborated with Lotte’s chocolate brand “Ghana,” and a special animated short film was produced.

Snow WhiteEVE18rank/position

Shirayuki (White Snow) – Eve MV

Shirayuki is a bittersweet song about the wish to “hold on to the time spent with someone precious, even if only in a dream.” Released in 2022 by Eve, who is active as both a Vocaloid producer and singer, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Black Night Parade.

Set against a snowy landscape where the world is dyed pure white, it portrays treasuring the brief moments from night until morning.

It’s a winter song where transparent, pure feelings in the lyrics interweave with the beautiful sound of strings.

Be sure to listen for his warm vocals that seem to nestle close to the cold and to loneliness.

Love At First SightKYLIE MINOGUE19rank/position

Kylie Minogue – Love At First Sight (Official Video) [Full HD Remastered]

A song by Kylie Minogue that captures the moment of love at first sight set to exhilarating dance-pop.

Released as a single from the 2002 album “Fever,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the UK charts.

The fluttering heartbeat and the joy of falling in love are expressed through a catchy melody and rhythmic beat.

Nominated for a Grammy, this track cemented Kylie’s international success.

It’s perfect not only for those with a crush, but for anyone who wants to revel in the feeling of being in love.

Thinking Of YouKaty Perry20rank/position

Katy Perry – Thinking Of You (Official)

This is a love ballad by Katie, who usually has a lot of upbeat, pop-tinged songs.

Even while she’s with her current boyfriend, she can’t help but suddenly remember her ex, making it hard to move forward—it’s a song about a girl still hung up on a past love.

Her beautiful voice and unwavering feelings are sure to bring you to tears.

UnconditionallyKaty Perry21rank/position

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

A sweet, bittersweet ballad by Katy Perry themed around unconditional love.

The lyrics portray a pure, profound affection that embraces everything about the other person, flaws and all.

With sweeping orchestration and crystal-clear vocals that resonate deeply, this piece offers comfort to those struggling with unrequited love.

Released in October 2013 and included on the album Prism, it was reportedly inspired by her visit to Madagascar with UNICEF.

It’s a perfect song for anyone experiencing a crush, giving courage to a heart in love.