Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
There are times when, instead of listening to music to get pumped up or fired up, you deliberately want to listen to poignant or slightly sad songs and have a good cry alone, right?
Upbeat tracks that give you a push are great, but in this article we’ve researched and selected timeless, heart-wrenching English-language songs that empathize with listeners’ feelings, both old and new.
From classic standards to recent hits and the latest buzzworthy tracks, we’re bringing you a genre-crossing selection.
Try listening in whatever setting makes you feel most at ease—whether that’s in your bedroom or on a drive!
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Tearjerkers! Heart-wrenching Western songs — from timeless classics to the latest hits — (81–90)
Stuck with UAriana Grande & Justin Bieber
This is a joint single by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, two leading young stars in today’s pop music scene! Released on May 8, 2020 as part of a charity effort, its proceeds go toward grants and scholarships for the children of healthcare workers, EMTs, paramedics, police officers, and firefighters.
Watching the music video—featuring a wide range of people, from celebrities to everyday folks—paired with the nostalgic, oldies-style track, you can’t help but feel warmed and moved to tears.
Their calm, composed vocals are wonderful, and it’s fair to say this is a tear-jerking masterpiece born of these times.
Nice Knowing YouSadie Jean
This is an expressive song that skillfully weaves together the bittersweetness and forward-looking emotions characteristic of Sadie Jean’s music.
True to her American roots, the lyrics brim with unfiltered, genuine feelings and leave a strong impression.
While conveying the loneliness of a breakup, the song also wishes happiness for the other person, capturing a complex emotional state in a clear, translucent vocal delivery.
Included on her debut EP, “Simple Like 17,” released in December 2023, the track strongly reflects Sadie Jean’s personal experiences and emotions.
The delicate words she crafted while attending New York University make this a song that truly resonates with anyone who has just gone through heartbreak.
I’m YoursJason Mraz
It sounds like a bright and upbeat melody.
With its brisk tempo, it feels like a song that could lift your spirits.
The relatively high male vocals match beautifully with the clean guitar melody.
It’s a song I’d love people who are feeling down to listen to.
Bleeding LoveLeona Lewis
It’s a song that really brings out Leona Lewis’s sexy, powerful vocals.
The melody has a somewhat rhythmic, pop-like structure, and it’s a bittersweet track that sings about the joy that comes from falling in love.
Forget MeLewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi’s songs, which give voice to aching emotions, resonate with those carrying the pain of heartbreak.
Hailing from Scotland, he has continued to captivate listeners worldwide since his 2017 debut.
Released in September 2022, this work is a song born from personal experience.
Capaldi conveys the struggle between an unforgettable past and an uncertain future with his signature rich baritone voice.
Certified 2× Platinum in the UK, this track is perfect for quiet moments alone—whether in your bedroom or on a drive.
Through the RainMariah Carey
It’s a song by a diva known for singing many ballads.
Her voice is husky yet somehow clear and soaring, making it a truly pleasant listen.
If you focus on the lyrics, which are steeped entirely in a ballad mood, the song becomes even more heartrending.
Tear-Jerking! Heartbreaking Songs in Western Music — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (91–100)
California King BedRihanna
It’s a mellow ballad by Rihanna, an artist renowned for working across a wide range of genres like R&B and soul.
Her powerful, clear vocals match the melody perfectly, making it a song that truly resonates with the heart.