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

IllusionDua Lipa1rank/position

Dua Lipa – Illusion (Official Music Video)

The world of psychological mind games depicted by UK-born Dua Lipa is as deep and complex as the ocean.

Released in April 2024, this song is an intriguing piece that sings of seeing through the other person’s façade while still having the composure to enjoy the situation.

Produced by Kevin Parker, its sound—skillfully weaving in elements of psychedelia and French house—envelops the listener like waves of emotion from the depths of the heart.

As a track on the album Radical Optimism, it stands as a symbol of her musical evolution.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re worn out by complicated relationships or want to reclaim your sense of self.

New RulesDua Lipa2rank/position

Dua Lipa – New Rules (Official Music Video)

Released in 2017, “New Rules” is a song by British female singer Dua Lipa.

It portrays a woman who, falling harder and harder for an unrequited love, tries to stop her feelings by setting new personal rules.

The lyrics capture the pain and heartache of one-sided love.

Women experiencing unrequited feelings or struggling in love will likely relate to it.

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton3rank/position

Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

Starting with an unforgettable piano riff, this song beautifully captures the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.

The more you long to see someone precious, the more the distance seems to grow—that feeling really resonates.

Released in 2002, the track became a massive hit as the lead single from Vanessa Carlton’s debut album, Be Not Nobody.

It was nominated for a Grammy and has become a beloved classic worldwide.

When you’re thinking of a lover far away, listening to this song will surely give you courage.

It’s a piece that will stay close to your heart.

You sent me flyingAmy Winehouse4rank/position

Amy Winehouse – You sent me flying

A song about her feelings toward the ex-boyfriend who broke Amy Winehouse’s heart.

Amy was known for dedicating this song in concerts to “those who have loved someone who didn’t love you.” It was released in the UK as a double A-side single together with ‘In My Bed.

’

Baby IAriana Grande5rank/position

Ariana Grande – Baby I (Official Video)

Have you ever had the experience of getting nervous in front of someone you like, and your words get stuck whenever you try to say something? It’s a bright, poppy unrequited love song in Ariana’s style, capturing the feelings of a shy girl with a cute voice and charming melody.

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne6rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

A bold, feel-good rock song about falling for a boy who already has a girlfriend and charging ahead with lines like, “I hate your girlfriend!” and “I should be your girlfriend!” It was a big hit in Japan, and it’s a track you’ve probably heard somewhere at least once.

I’m a MessBebe Rexha7rank/position

I’m a Mess

American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha is known not only as a vocalist but also for writing many songs.

This track is included on her 2018 album Expectations, released as a singer.

Her distinctive voice and candid, straightforward lyrics about seeking love are likely to hook many listeners after just one play.