Top Sad Western Songs [2025]

So SickNe-Yo22rank/position

Ne-Yo – So Sick (Official Music Video)

Am I the only one who realizes that the lyrics of great Western pop songs often feature the telephone? They skillfully use the “phone” as a device to express longing and frustration.

Ne-Yo, in particular, is truly masterful at this.

As both a top-tier songwriter and producer, he’s blessed with talent and superb taste, and you can feel that vividly in this track.

Lonely DaySystem Of A Down23rank/position

System Of A Down – Lonely Day (Official HD Video)

This is a song by System of a Down that candidly portrays emotions swaying in loneliness.

Featured on the American nu-metal band’s fifth album, Hypnotize, it was released as the second single in 2006.

Guitarist Daron Malakian wrote and composed the track and also performs the lead vocals.

The lyrics, which powerfully express a sense of isolation, are layered with a melancholic melody, resulting in a ballad that resonates deeply.

It has struck a chord with many, being featured in the 2007 film Disturbia and the 2023 Netflix series Beef.

Why not give it a listen on a night spent alone, when someone comes to mind?

You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson24rank/position

Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, affectionately known as the King of Pop.

While his dance numbers are famous, he also has a wealth of ballads that sink deeply into the heart.

The song I’d like to recommend today is a profoundly warm piece that gently stays close to those who are in deep loneliness or despair.

To anyone who feels they can no longer carry the burden alone, this track speaks softly yet powerfully: “You are not alone.” His compassionate voice is like a single beam of light cutting through the darkness.

Released as a single in August 1995 from the album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, it debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard chart—a first in the chart’s history.

If you listen to it on a desperately lonely night, your heart will feel a little lighter, along with warm tears.

Be sure to check it out!

Englishman In New YorkSting25rank/position

Sting – Englishman In New York

A signature song by STING, who is also famous as the frontman of THE POLICE.

When you can’t shake off a lonely feeling, it might be good to fully immerse yourself in it.

The melody evokes a sprawling metropolis swept by autumn winds, and STING’s slightly husky vocals gently captivate you.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis26rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

Oasis, the Manchester-born band that made their name resound across the globe as a standard-bearer of Britpop, released a classic song in February 1996 that delivers an uplifting message of hope and resonates deeply with the heart.

This track, the first to feature Noel Gallagher as lead vocalist, sings about letting go of past anger and hate and moving forward toward a brighter future.

Beginning with a beautiful piano intro heavily influenced by the Beatles and building into a majestic chorus, the song’s structure is breathtaking.

It debuted at number one in the UK and later became a symbol of solidarity and hope in the midst of sorrow when it was sung at a memorial gathering after the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers27rank/position

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge [Official Music Video]

A melancholic song that represents the early Red Hot Chili Peppers.

From the guitar arpeggios in the intro, the atmosphere makes it impossible not to feel sadness, and the depiction of someone writhing in lonely suffering feels painfully raw—a somewhat tough song to listen to.

No SurprisesRadiohead28rank/position

Radiohead – No Surprises

It’s a song about death, which you wouldn’t imagine from its gentle sound and vocals.

It’s by the popular British rock band Radiohead, included on their 1997 album OK Computer.

It seems to convey the chilly feeling of autumn.