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!

Playlist

Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	All of MeJohn Legend		John Legend’s masterpiece “All of Me”
2	See you againWiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth		Theme song of the film, a masterpiece about friendship and mourning
3	HappierEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s masterpiece “Happier” resonates with the heart.
4	Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey		Lana Del Rey’s wistful vocals and aesthetics
5	Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi		A singer from Scotland with a moving voice
6	Good DaysSZA		Music that overcomes pain and believes in hope
7	MemoriesMaroon 5		It’s a nostalgic masterpiece music video by Maroon 5.
8	Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis		Oasis’s classic song “Don’t Look Back in Anger”
9	You asked for thisHalsey		A song of wavering hearts and self-exploration within society
10	I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith		Aerosmith's hit song from the movie 'Armageddon'
11	So SickNe-Yo		Ne-Yo’s early classic “So Sick” is a heartrending song.
12	Be AlrightDean Lewis		A talented singer-songwriter from Sydney
13	Fix YouColdplay		Coldplay’s soothing song that comforts the heart
14	Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez		Selena’s ballad tops the U.S. charts at No. 1
15	FlowersMiley Cyrus		A powerful classic that sings of self-love and independence
16	Happier Than EverBillie Eilish		A moving work that sings of growth and independence after heartbreak.
17	Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi		The heartbeat of Capaldi from Scotland
18	Easy On MeAdele		A soul’s cry singing Adele’s feelings after her divorce
19	drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo		A heartbreak song about a driver's license, a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart
20	Your SongElton John		Elton John's classic song with bittersweet lyrics
21	ImaginationShawn Mendes		Shawn Mendes’s bittersweet unrequited love song
22	someone like youAdele		Adele’s signature song that expresses the heartbreak of a painful breakup
23	I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys		A classic hit sung by a representative boy band of the 90s
24	Stay With MeSam Smith		Sam Smith's hit song 'Stay With Me'
25	Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran		A sweet ballad that expresses romantic feelings
26	I Still…Backstreet Boys		A bittersweet love song by the Backstreet Boys
27	Missing YouBackstreet Boys		A gem of a ballad by a vocal group that epitomized the ’90s
28	Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabello		An emotive ballad by Camila Cabello
29	PompeiiBastille		A sad song that feels the emptiness of life
30	If I die youngThe Band Perry		Moving music that sings of life and of birth and death
31	Big girls don’t cryFergie		Singing of the strength of a woman who overcomes heartbreak
32	HurtChristina Aguilera		A masterpiece that makes you deeply feel the importance of what was lost
33	Say You Won’t Let GoJames Arthur		An inspiring comeback song by a tattooed singer
34	Depression (feat. Coconut Records)Ben Kweller		A father's grief in accepting his son's death
35	Say SomethingA Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera		A heartrending masterpiece, a moving movie insert song
36	The One That Got AwayKaty Perry		A poignant love song that resonates in Katy's heart
37	Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouse		A poignant masterpiece that sings of love’s emptiness
38	Just Want You to KnowBackstreet Boys		A Backstreet Boys song that sings about the sadness of parting.
39	BreakevenThe Script		The Script’s hit song tops the chart at number one.
40	It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Men		A timeless, heart-touching masterpiece that sings of the pain of parting.
41	No OneAlicia Keys		Alicia Keys’s singing voice and worldview are captivating.
42	Because of youKelly Clarkson		Sing the pain of divorce and express anxiety about love
43	you were good to meJeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler		Expressing the sorrow of parting in beautiful harmony
44	Anywhere I Lay My HeadTom Waits		A song that expresses the feelings of a man who envies other people's happiness.
45	You & IOne Direction		Their pop-style mellow ballad
46	Wrong DirectionHailee Steinfeld		Hailee Steinfeld makes her debut as a singer
47	Rolling in the DeepAdele		Adele’s revenge song against an unfaithful man
48	Let her goPassenger		Lessons from Heartbreak: Gratitude and Awareness for Happiness
49	I Eat DinnerRufus Wainwright feat. Dido		Rufus Wainwright’s sorrowful singing voice and lyrics
50	Pale Blue EyesVelvet Underground		A gentle love classic from a debut album
51	SmileMorgan Wallen		Morgan's new song that portrays a past love
52	Whatcha sayJason Derulo		An adultery song imagined with Tiger Woods in mind
53	You Break Me FirstTate McRae		Tate McRae’s heartbreak song
54	Don’t Cry, Put Your Head On My ShoulderTom Odell		Tom Odell’s heart-wrenching ballad
55	Not A Day Goes ByLonestar		A classic song that sings of deep loss and longing for love
56	When I Was Your ManBruno Mars		Bruno Mars’s poignant love classic
57	MapsMaroon 5		A sad song about extreme PVs, cheating, and accidental death
58	I’m not the only oneSam Smith		A poignant masterpiece that sings of the pain of infidelity
59	Tears In HeavenEric Clapton		Eric Clapton’s sad masterpiece
60	When your goneAvril Lavigne		A song of sorrow and resolve for a cherished person
61	Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s new song, a tribute to a friend
62	When She Loved MeSarah McLachlan		Impressive background music from Toy Story 2
63	How can you mend a broken heartBee Gees		The first No. 1 hit song in America
64	Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson		Debbie Gibson’s singing and piano are captivating.
65	Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland		A heartrending love song, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart
66	Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters		A song of love and nostalgia for old-time music
67	Love HurtsNazareth		A classic song that has been covered many times by various artists.
68	All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles		A gentle, heartwarming masterpiece by The Beatles
69	Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grande		The popular 'Die For You (Remix)' on TikTok
70	I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth		A masterpiece that sings of the pain and anxiety of love
71	SonnetThe Verve		Transition from psychedelic to pop
72	EverytimeBritney Spears		A poignant ballad that showcases Britney’s vocal prowess.
73	I Can’t Make You Love MeBonnie Raitt		A poignant song that tells a story about the pain of heartbreak
74	The Wind Cries MaryThe Jimi Hendrix Experience		A song of feelings Jimmy wrote after an argument
75	The LovedPaul Weller		A powerful song about overcoming the pain of heartbreak
76	I Don’t Like YouGrace VanderWaal		A heartfelt cry singing about the stress of love
77	We Are the WorldUSA For Africa		An inspiring classic song for African hunger relief
78	Love Is A BattlefieldPat Benatar		A love song that became a global hit
79	CryingRoy Orbison		Song of a Belated Reunion and Sensitivity
80	Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi		A poignant classic by a Scottish singer is popular.
81	ou’re The Best ThingThe Style Council		A pop song with a classic feel and a mature, sweet singing voice
82	Out of LoveAlessia Cara		Alessia Cara, a singer who expresses her emotions straightforwardly
83	Slide AwayMiley Cyrus		Miley’s heartbreak song, a melody that resonates with the heart
84	Cut You OffSelena Gomez		Selena’s realistic heartbreak song
85	Stuck with UAriana Grande & Justin Bieber		An inspiring masterpiece as a charity single
86	Nice Knowing YouSadie Jean		Sadie Jean’s heart-wrenching breakup song
87	I’m YoursJason Mraz		A song with a bright, uplifting melody
88	Bleeding LoveLeona Lewis		A poignant song expressing the joy of love
89	Forget MeLewis Capaldi		Capaldi’s heartfelt song about the pain of heartbreak
90	Through the RainMariah Carey		A ballad singer’s heartrending, clear, translucent voice
91	California King BedRihanna		Rihanna’s R&B ballad, touching the heart
92	Dancing On My OwnRobyn		The heartache of seeing a loved one dance with someone else
93	Eternal FlameThe Bangles		A classic love song performed by an all-female band
94	Wish You Were HereAvril Lavigne		A song by Avril Lavigne that resonates with the heart
95	Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyBackstreet Boys		A heartbreaking ballad about lost love, a timeless song that resonates with the heart
96	I SurrenderCéline Dion		Celine Dion’s love songs, heart-stirring ballads
97	Empty BenchDavid Kushner		The grief of loss woven into a Christmas song
98	What it takesAerosmith		I let go of the woman I love, and now I’m helpless…
99	I’ll Be Over YouTOTO		A slow-tempo, moving ballad with a sunset backdrop
100	Last NightMorgan Wallen		Morgan Wallen’s bittersweet love song
101	I don’t want you backEamon		A song expressing anger and emotions toward an ex-girlfriend
102	Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day		An anti-war song protesting the 9/11 attacks
103	PerfectSimple Plan		Singing about the struggles of adolescence and feelings toward one’s parents
104	WILDFLOWERBillie Eilish		Billie Eilish’s heart-wrenching breakup song
105	You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson		Michael Jackson's masterpiece
106	The FlameCheap Trick		A pop ballad, a song by Cheap Trick
107	When I Get ThereP!nk		A famous song filled with Pink's feelings for her father.
108	D-I-V-O-R-C-ETammy Wynette		A masterpiece that sings about divorce from a woman’s perspective
109	Heaven’s Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynne		Sing about the tragedy of my mother being shot by my father.
110	Tears can be so softChristine&the Queens		A song depicting the loneliness of a French singer
111	the way things gobeabadoobee		A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of a broken heart
112	I’m SorryAli Gatie		New song by Ali from Canada is making waves
113	Have You EverBrandy		The classic song that earned its first Billboard No. 1
114	The Voice WithinChristina Aguilera		A translucent, clear singing voice stirs the heart.
115	Lead Me OnFLETCHER		Fletcher’s poignant love song that portrays love and conflict
116	Heavy In Your ArmsFlorence & The Machine		A dark song that sings about the weight of love
117	Where’d You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga		A musical work filled with feelings for family far away
118	Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon		Givion’s heartbreak song—its deep vocals and lyrics seep into the heart.
119	Hold OnGood Charlotte		The appeal of iconic songs that encourage the anguish of adolescence
120	This I LoveGuns N’ Roses		Inspiring piano and passionate vocals
121	Take Me To ChurchHozier		A protest song against discrimination toward LGBT people
122	Car’s OutsideJames Arthur		A moving song that sings of the heartache of a long-distance relationship.
123	Free FallingJames Arthur		An emotional ballad by James
124	Happiest YearJaymes Young		A heartwarming song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and gratitude
125	Queen Of DenmarkJohn Grant		A quiet, heartwarming ballad
126	Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith		A breakup song that became a huge hit on TikTok
127	Breaking PointLogan Michael		A moving song that captures the intense emotions of a breakup
128	Don’t Forget MeMaggie Rogers		Maggie Rogers’s new song is emotionally rich.
129	In The Living RoomMaggie Rogers		A poignant new song that captures the pain of heartbreak—moving.
130	feel like shitTate McRae		Tate's ballad expresses the pain of parting.
131	Now Is The HourThe 1975		A moving long-distance love ballad that resonates with the heart
132	Run To YouWhitney Houston		The moving theme song from a film starring Whitney
133	Leave Herd4vd		An emotional song depicting heartbreak and self-discovery
134	CryinAerosmith		A bittersweet song about parting with someone dear
135	Hate MeBlue October		A song about recovery from drug addiction and apologizing to people
136	This Ain’t A Love SongBon Jovi		A captivating song with an emotional chorus and bittersweet lyrics.
137	GeneradeBruno Mars		A bittersweet song filled with one-sided feelings
138	OutsideCalvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding		A club song about struggling with the distance between lovers
139	Waiting For YouCharly Bliss		Charlie Bliss’s new song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows
140	The Power Of LoveCéline Dion		Power of Love is a famous song and a masterpiece.
141	Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley		Elvis Presley’s first No. 1 hit song
142	I’m Not Gonna Miss YouGlen Campbell		A song of love for family amid the battle with Alzheimer’s
143	No AirJordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown		A duet song by two people singing about a dying relationship
144	Please Don’t Fall In Love With MeKhalid		A masterpiece with wistful lyrics and a melody that touches the heart
145	RainMadonna		A famous song featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto with a distinctive melody
146	How Am I Supposed To Live Without YouMichael Bolton		Soul music that sings the sorrow of heartbreak
147	TornNatalie Imbruglia		A song from Denmark, covered by Natalie
148	CirclesPost Malone		Foreign song lyrics are difficult, but they have unexpected depth too.
149	What Hurts The MostRascal Flatts		A song that sings about the importance of expressing your feelings.
150	How Do You Sleep?Sam Smith		A sad song lamenting a lover's betrayal
151	Don’t need you toSamantha Mumba		A song about a woman who’s positive and strong, yet has her vulnerabilities
152	This Is The Sound OfSnow Patrol		A long-distance love song by Snow Patrol
153	LostSoccer Mommy		Soccer Mommy’s fleeting and heartrending new song
154	Crying My Eyes OutStephen Puth		A song with sad lyrics and an upbeat melody
155	Casimir Pulaski DaySufjan Stevens		A song that sings about a memorial day in Illinois
156	White HorseTaylor Swift		A hopeful song for a woman recovering from heartbreak
157	If I Were To DieWinona Oak		A poignant love song that sings of the fragility and beauty of love
158	Little BonnieDrive-By Truckers		Tribute to Bonnie: Family Bonds and Memories
159	Cry Me A RiverJustin Timberlake		Justin's song about his feelings for Britney
160	Damn You For Breaking My HeartCaitlyn Smith		An epic song with a chorus full of speed and drive.
161	You should be sadHalsey		A tear-jerking song that stirs the emotions, with a melody that resonates in the heart.
162	Fall On MeA Great Big World, Christina Aguilera		An emotional R&B collaboration track