Sad Songs by Foreign Female Singers: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Time to Say GoodbyeAndrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman1rank/position

Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman – Time To Say Goodbye (Live From Teatro Del Silenzio, Italy / 2007)

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

Billie Holiday – “Strange Fruit” Live 1959 [Reelin’ In The Years Archives]

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

Christina Aguilera – Beautiful (Official HD Video)

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

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

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

Fiona Apple – “Across The Universe”

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.