Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s

Music has a mysterious power to heal the heart and stir deep emotions.

In particular, the international music scene of the 1990s produced countless masterpieces that moved people around the world.

In this article, we introduce emotional Western hits from the ’90s that continue to resonate with many listeners across generations.

From bittersweet love songs to tracks that give you the courage to live positively, we present a selection of gems that speak to the soul.

Alongside a wave of nostalgia, you’re sure to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

Playlist

Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	ZombieThe Cranberries		The Cranberries’ classic song that sings of anger against violence
2	Don’t Let Go (Love)En Vogue		The moving impact of 90s R&B, En Vogue
3	TornNatalie Imbruglia		A soul-stirring singing voice and a heartrending worldview
4	Nothing Compares 2 USinéad O’Connor		A masterpiece that gently envelopes sorrow—a classic by Sinéad.
5	End of the RoadBoyz II Men		A 90s R&B treasure, a cry of love
6	Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis		Oasis classic “Wonderwall” inspires people
7	Tears in HeavenEric Clapton		Elegy for Eric Clapton’s son
8	More Than WordsExtreme		A moving love song by Extreme
9	November RainGuns N’ Roses		A classic song by Guns N' Roses
10	I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston		The ultimate love song about stepping aside for the one you love
11	Everybody HurtsR.E.M.		The essence of timeless songs that heal loneliness and support the heart
12	I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys		A Backstreet Boys classic that portrays the conflicts of love
13	IrisGoo Goo Dolls		An angel’s heartrending love, a classic by the Goo Goo Dolls
14	Candle in the Wind 1997Elton John		A tribute song for Princess Diana moves the world
15	A Design for LifeManic Street Preachers		The powerful song of Manic Street Preachers
16	AngelSarah McLachlan		A timeless, soul-stirring ballad—a song that heals sorrow
17	Un-Break My HeartToni Braxton		The classic hit by 90s R&B diva Toni Braxton
18	WonderwallOasis		A heart seeking salvation, a wish upon the Wall of Miracles
19	I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith		A love song, I don't want to miss a single moment.
20	My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion		Titanic theme song, a famous masterpiece that sings of love
21	Round HereCounting Crows		The History of the Lead Track “Mr. Jones”
22	Changes2Pac ft. Talent		An explanation of a classic song that sings about the current state of racial discrimination
23	No SurprisesRadiohead		A Radiohead masterpiece of fear and euphoria
24	Cry for HelpRick Astley		Rick Astley’s last hit was affected by his fear of flying.
25	The FreshmenThe Verve Pipe		A heart-wrenching song depicting the experience of abortion
26	HeroMariah Carey		A song about realizing your inner strength
27	Stay (I Missed You)Lisa Loeb		Lisa Loeb classic, music video directed by Ethan Hawke
28	Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyBackstreet Boys		A heartbreaking ballad about lost love, a timeless song that resonates with the heart
29	Mr. WendalArrested Development		A socially conscious song about the hardships of life in Atlanta
30	Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers		A hit song depicting drugs and loneliness
31	Hand in My PocketAlanis Morissette		An iconic song by a leading female singer of the ’90s
32	WaterfallsTLC		A classic hit by the 90s R&B group TLC, a profound cautionary song
33	Foolish GamesJewel		A youthful song about the frustrations of love
34	Take A BowMadonna		An inspiring masterpiece featuring Babyface
35	The World I KnowCollective Soul		Loneliness depicted in a music video of mingled joy and sorrow
36	Anywhere For YouBackstreet Boys		A ballad that sings of the Backstreet Boys’ devoted love
37	Black Hole SunSoundgarden		Soundgarden’s grunge masterpiece song
38	PlushStone Temple Pilots		Stone Temple Pilots' classic song
39	Bitter Sweet SymphonyThe Verve		A masterpiece by The Verve that questions the meaning of life
40	No More I Love You’sAnnie Lennox		Love Song, covered by Annie Lennox
41	Heartbreak StationCinderella		A classic song that sings of the sorrow of lost love
42	Miss MiseryElliott Smith		The theme song of the film “Good Will Hunting”
43	Let Her CryHootie&The Blowfish		A husband struggling with his wife’s alcoholism
44	GalileoIndigo Girls		A famous song that sings of Galileo's soul and rebirth
45	SaltwaterJulian Lennon		Collaborative compositions and activities advocating against environmental destruction
46	Break Your HeartNatalie Merchant		Songs of encouragement, music dedicated to the youth
47	Do You Remember?Phil Collins		Phil Collins's famous song
48	AdiaSarah McLachlan		Sarah McLachlan’s emotional love song
49	DisarmThe Smashing Pumpkins		Song of the Pumpkin Spiders’ Rage
50	OneU2		Bono’s lyrics: diverse interpretations and meaningful donations
51	I’ll Never Get Over You Getting Over MeExposé		Expose's last hit song, composed by Deian
52	One Sweet DayMariah Carey & Boyz II Men		A masterpiece that sings of the pain of bereavement, a song by Mariah Carey.
53	PhiladelphiaNeil Young		The moving theme song from a film depicting AIDS-related prejudice
54	My Favorite MistakeSheryl Crow		A song about a romance with Eric Clapton
55	BlueThe Jayhawks		A classic song by an alt-country band
56	I TryMacy Gray		A sad yet bittersweet song sweeps the charts
57	Shape Of My HeartSting		Film music by Sting and Dominic
58	Sunny Came HomeShawn Colvin		A song about a woman who escapes her past