Top Tearjerker Western Songs Ranking [2026]

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys15rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

It was released as the lead single from the 2001 album Millennium.

The song is by the five-member American pop idol group Backstreet Boys.

While they had been popular in Europe, this track became the catalyst that ignited their popularity in their home country.

It’s a quintessential pop song of the ’90s that wistfully portrays the misunderstandings caused by differences in how men and women think.

Viva La VidaColdplay16rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

Coldplay is an award-winning British rock band.

This song was released in 2008.

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

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

It is a collaboration with the avant-garde musician Brian Eno.

you were good to meJeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler17rank/position

Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler – you were good to me (Official Video)

From the fact that the title is in the past tense, you can already sense the end of a relationship.

It’s a song released in 2019 by rising talent Jeremy Zucker from New Jersey, USA.

The track features guest vocals from Chelsea Cutler, the female singer known for her work on a Kygo track, and the interplay and harmonies between the two are truly beautiful.

Jeremy is an artist who blends electronic and acoustic elements, but this time he captivates with an organic, piano-centered sound kept to a minimum number of layers.

The lyrics depict what is likely a relationship between lovers that has come to an end; even as they try to look forward, the bittersweet inner landscapes they each carry are portrayed with a poignant, melancholic atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis18rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

Oasis, the Manchester-born band that made their name resound across the globe as a standard-bearer of Britpop, released a classic song in February 1996 that delivers an uplifting message of hope and resonates deeply with the heart.

This track, the first to feature Noel Gallagher as lead vocalist, sings about letting go of past anger and hate and moving forward toward a brighter future.

Beginning with a beautiful piano intro heavily influenced by the Beatles and building into a majestic chorus, the song’s structure is breathtaking.

It debuted at number one in the UK and later became a symbol of solidarity and hope in the midst of sorrow when it was sung at a memorial gathering after the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

It’ll Be OkayShawn Mendes19rank/position

Shawn Mendes – It’ll Be Okay

A piano ballad released in December 2021.

Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes delivers a quiet portrayal of the pain and acceptance of facing a breakup.

It begins by questioning the end of a relationship, then offers a vow to keep loving the other person—a message that resonates, wrapped in organ-like synths and strings.

When you’ve parted ways with someone important, whether in friendship or romance, there are moments when you want to tell yourself, “It’s going to be okay.” This song gently stays by your side in those moments.

The music video, set against nighttime views of his hometown Toronto and snowy scenes, leaves a strong impression with its world that balances loneliness and warmth.

Recommended for those going through heartbreak, as well as middle schoolers struggling with a relationship.

SomedayMariah Carey20rank/position

Mariah Carey – Someday (Official HD Video)

I thought this song was very relatable because it portrays a girl who’s putting on a brave face despite the sadness of heartbreak, telling the person who dumped her, “You’ll regret turning me down.” I believe many girls feel this way, so it’s a song I want lots of girls to hear.

Need You NowLady Antebellum21rank/position

Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

It is by a country music group from the state of Tennessee in the United States and is included on their second album, ‘Need You Now,’ which itself achieved records such as reaching No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

It is also well known that Lea Michele covered it on the TV show ‘Glee.’