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Sad Songs by Foreign Female Singers: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
What do you do when you feel sad?
Some people talk to friends or cry, but I think it’s also good to listen to sad songs and immerse yourself in the world of music.
Here, we’re introducing a ranking of sad songs by female Western artists.
Sad Songs by Western Female Singers: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Time to Say GoodbyeAndrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman1rank/position
British soprano Sarah Brightman and former Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli perform a duet.
Released in 1996, this song became a worldwide hit and helped turn classical crossover into a global movement.
In Japan, Sarah Brightman’s music has been used as a news program theme, making it feel familiar to many.
Strange FruitBillie Holiday2rank/position
This is a historic song by American legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday.
The shock I felt upon learning that the “strange fruit” in the title is a metaphor for Black people hanging from trees is beyond measure.
After an opening of piano that cuts through the silence, her voice—like it’s carving away at her soul—vividly depicts that terrifying scene.
This is not about the heartache of love; it’s a searing indictment of social injustice and a well of deep sorrow.
Intertwined with the epic hardships of her own life, her expression transcends mere music and seems to speak directly to the listener’s heart.
It’s a soul-shaking piece that can hardly be heard without tears.
BeautifulChristina Aguilera3rank/position
A song written by Linda Perry.
It is also known as a track embraced by the gay community.
Released as a single by Christina Aguilera in 2002, the song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper4rank/position
Released in 1983 on Cyndi Lauper’s album She’s So Unusual, it was issued as a single the following year, in 1984.
It reached No.
1 in the U.S.
and has been covered by many famous artists, including Miles Davis.
Across The UniverseFIONA APPLE5rank/position
There are countless artists and bands who cover songs by the Beatles, the greatest band in the world.
However, most of them fall far short of the originals, and you’d be much better off just listening to the source material.
Fiona Apple’s cover version, however, is truly outstanding.
sad dayFKA Twigs6rank/position
This is a track from the second album, MAGDALENE, released in 2019 by the uniquely individual British singer-songwriter FKA twigs, five years after her debut.
As the title suggests, it’s a song that evokes sadness, said to express the feeling of growing apart from a lover.
Throughout the album, she sings about various hardships and losses she experienced after her debut, and it captures her real self, who in fact also went through a breakup with her fiancé.
Why not immerse yourself in FKA twigs’ distinctive world while reflecting on your own experiences?
goodbyeKelly Clarkson7rank/position
A powerful song by Kelly Clarkson that resonates with anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or betrayal.
Centered on self-worth and strength, it captures the sense of liberation after overcoming trials and hardships.
Included on the deluxe edition of the album “Chemistry,” it was released in September 2023.
Clarkson’s vocal prowess—backed by over 25 million albums sold and three Grammy Awards—further elevates the song’s appeal.
It’s highly recommended not only for those who’ve endured a painful breakup, but also for anyone who needs the courage to step into a new stage of life.