Top Tearjerker Western Songs Ranking [2026]

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi8rank/position

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

This is a heartbreak song marked by a poignant piano melody and moving vocals.

The lyrics convey the sorrow and loneliness of losing a loved one, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in May 2019, the track became one of Lewis Capaldi’s signature songs and a massive hit, charting in over 29 countries worldwide.

It’s a recommended listen when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or immerse yourself in the grief of losing someone dear.

Capaldi’s soulful voice will stay close to your heart and bring you comfort.

FifteenTaylor Swift9rank/position

Taylor Swift – Fifteen

This ballad from the album Fearless, which sings about memories of being fifteen with a best friend, gently observes the growth of a girl who begins high school with a fluttering heart yet faces the disappointment of first love and her friend’s heartbreak.

The backstory—that Taylor Swift wrote the lyrics based on real experiences with her best friend Abigail, with Abigail’s permission—makes it even more moving.

Set to country-pop centered on acoustic guitar, its words unfold like reading aloud from a diary over a near album-long runtime of 4 minutes and 54 seconds, and each line really resonates.

Released as a single in August 2009, it also tied in with a project supporting teen charitable activities.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel nostalgic about your high school days or want to revisit the bittersweetness of youth.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper10rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

The ballad that sings of deep love and bonds—connections that transcend time—is known as a signature song representing Cyndi Lauper’s career.

Released in January 1984, it became a major hit as the second single from the album “She’s So Unusual.” With its universal theme and beautiful melody, it continues to resonate with many people.

The lyrics, which vow unwavering support for a loved one, are embraced as a message of hope and reassurance, and the song has been covered by various artists.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when facing a breakup or when you want to feel the bond with someone important.

White horseTaylor Swift11rank/position

Taylor Swift – White Horse

The queen of love songs, Taylor Swift, delivers a tear-jerking classic with “White Horse.” It’s a song about longing for a movie-like romance, only to find that real life doesn’t unfold like a dream—and even the prince you believed in ends up breaking your heart.

It’s a message that any woman who’s ever yearned for love can relate to at least once.

One Call AwayCharlie Puth12rank/position

Charlie Puth – One Call Away [Official Video]

This song, which celebrates unconditional support for a loved one, is a classic that deeply resonates with people struggling with long-distance relationships or physical separation.

Released in August 2015 by American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, this pop-soul ballad features a warm melody with gospel influences.

As the second single from his debut album, Nine Track Mind, it peaked at No.

12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified triple platinum.

It’s a recommended track for those who spend a lot of time apart from their partner or loved ones, and for anyone hoping to build a supportive relationship.

Someone Like YouAdele13rank/position

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

This is a gem of a ballad sung by Adele, a singer-songwriter from the UK, that brought tears to listeners around the world.

It’s based on her own real-life experience of learning that her ex had found someone new.

The lyrics, which bravely claim “I’ll find someone like you” while her heart cries out “It isn’t over for me yet,” are so honest they make your chest tighten.

That complicated state of mind—holding painful lingering feelings yet trying to wish the other person happiness—is something anyone who’s been through a hard breakup can’t help but relate to.

Listening to this song may bring back memories of a love you can’t forget.

Her soulful voice etches that sorrow even more deeply into the heart.

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne14rank/position

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

It powerfully sings of the unbearable loneliness after a loved one leaves and the growing heartache when you see the clothes left behind in the room.

This is a signature ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne.

Included on her 2007 album “The Best Damn Thing,” it begins with a piano melody and gradually builds as strings layer in, creating a sweeping progression that brings tears to your eyes.

In Japan, it drew attention as the song used in Toyota’s Alphard commercial, and overseas it was featured on MTV’s “The Hills.” With over 500 million views on YouTube, this track is one to listen to when you’re grieving a breakup or on nights when you want to let all your emotions out.

Her straightforward vocals truly resonate with the heart.