Saddest Western Songs Ranking [2025]

Viva La VidaColdplay22rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

Coldplay is an award-winning British rock band.

This song was released in 2008.

At the 51st Grammy Awards, it won in three categories.

Its Japanese title is “Utsukushiki Seimei” (“Beautiful Life”), but it sings of the sorrow of a king driven from his country.

when the party’s overBillie Eilish23rank/position

Billie Eilish – when the party’s over

As of 2020, Billie Eilish had become the most famous teenage female singer.

Her lyrics aren’t dreamy or adolescent in tone; instead, they’re introspective, often centering on loneliness and self-loathing, and at times convey feelings so real they’re chilling.

Billie softly sings lines of bravado to a crush who won’t pick up the phone, saying she likes “the silence when I walk home alone” and that she “can lie, too.” These delicate emotions—where sadness and anger intertwine—surely resonate not only with people her age, but with adults as well.

Un-Break My HeartToni Braxton24rank/position

Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart (Official HD Video)

A song about the intense heartache left behind by a former lover.

It was written by Diane Warren, who has crafted many emotionally charged songs.

The track spent 11 weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift25rank/position

Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Taylor Swift’s smash hit “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” If you don’t know the lyrics, it might seem bright and poppy, but it’s actually a seriously savage breakup song! The title basically translates to something like, “There’s absolutely no way we’re getting back together.” The catchy melody almost makes it even scarier, right? (lol) It’s a great recommendation for anyone who’s feeling refreshed after breaking up with a boyfriend.

Definitely give it a listen!

i hate u, i love u ft. olivia o’briengnash26rank/position

gnash – i hate u, i love u ft. olivia o’brien (music video)

Nash is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity on social media.

He’s also active as a music producer, providing songs to numerous famous artists.

His hit song “i hate u, i love u ft.

olivia o’brien” features the artist Olivia O’Brien, and blends poignant lyrics with a stylish melody.

Although it’s a sad song about saying goodbye, its chic sound makes it seem well-suited for driving music.

Say SomethingA Great Big World, Christina Aguilera27rank/position

A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera – Say Something (Official Video)

The New York-based musical duo A Great Big World collaborated with R&B singer Christina Aguilera on the song “Say Something.” Released in 2014, this track won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for its poignant yet catchy lyrics and distinctive melody.

It’s a rare song that reveals a different side of Christina Aguilera, known for her energetic vocals.

Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey28rank/position

Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness (Official Music Video)

“Summertime Sadness,” a signature song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey.

It’s an achingly beautiful track that sings of the radiant days of summer and the sense of loss brought on by a friend’s tragic end.

Lana Del Rey’s languid, dreamlike vocals match the song’s melancholic atmosphere perfectly.

The chorus, pleading “Kiss me hard before you go,” feels like the climax of a tragic film.

As you listen, happy memories resurface even as you’re confronted with the reality that there’s no going back—you may find yourself unable to hold back tears.