7 types of sad songs: tear-jerker tracks for every scene

Until your night breaks (into dawn)Kasamura Tōta

Until Your Night Breaks / feat. IA (& Fukase)

This is one of Tota Kasamura’s signature works, beginning with a question posed to a broken world and a mistaken world.

The sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching wish to meet them again resonate deeply.

The melody, woven to accompany the listener’s emotions, and the lyrics, imbued with profound love, are beautifully harmonized.

Released in January 2019 and included on the February 2021 album “How to Become a Wonderful Adult,” this piece—together with its counterpart, “Lily of the Endless Night”—is highly regarded as one of Kasamura’s representative Vocaloid songs.

It is a gem that offers comfort and healing to those facing the grief of losing someone dear, as well as to anyone who loves someone deeply.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A back number song about lost love and memories, and the journey of moving forward.

Even when someone precious is gone, life goes on—a reality expressed through winter’s chill and the changing seasons.

The belief that the happy days spent together and the joys shared have become part of oneself conveys a deep bond.

Released in October 2011 as their third single, it is also included on the album “Superstar.” This is a song that offers empathy and comfort to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

NAOHY

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.

The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.

Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.

It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.

Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.

If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?

me me sheRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – me me she [Official Music Video]

A ballad by the rock band RADWIMPS whose aching melody and candid lyrics pierce the heart.

The title is read as “Memeshii,” and it portrays a complex state of mind where lingering attachment to an ex and a self-centered kind of love are intertwined.

Many listeners will likely relate to the contradictory feelings of acknowledging one’s own weakness as “memeshii” while still wishing happiness for the other person.

Included on the classic 2006 album RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~, it’s not a single, yet it has remained beloved for years.

When you want to let your overflowing emotions out through song, or sink fully into the pain of heartbreak at night, try singing it at karaoke—you might find your heart feels a little lighter.

Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

On sleepless nights, I suddenly remember someone precious who’s no longer by my side.

This is a tear-jerking rock ballad that sings of a heartbreak so intense it feels like your chest might burst.

It’s a work by the Fukuoka-born band God Doesn’t Roll Dice, included on their mini-album “A View on Lambda,” released in May 2019.

Starting with an intro that feels like turning back the hands of a clock, it builds to a dramatic chorus where emotions spill over all at once, sending shivers through your heart.

It also served as the theme song for the film “Little Subculture Wars: The Rebellion of Village Vanguard!” released in October 2020.

It’s a song that gently stays with you on nights when you can’t let go of a love you can’t forget, or when you want to sing your heart out and cry at karaoke.

nape (of the neck)aiko

aiko - “Eriashi” music video

Opening with the sound of a beautiful piano, this is a supreme ballad from aiko.

The lyrics delicately trace lingering feelings for a past lover and memories that don’t fade even as the seasons turn, gently comforting hearts fresh from heartbreak.

While accepting the breakup, the earnest wish to meet again in a few years with a smile is a message that’s sure to tug at anyone’s heart.

Released in November 2003, this song was a lead single from the acclaimed album “Akatsuki no Love Letter” and was also performed at the 54th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a piece that suits the quiet winter air—on nights when you want to cleanse your sadness, try singing it out and letting your overflowing emotions flow with it.

I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.aratayo

Atarayo - Forgetting You, the Quiet One in October (Music Video)

There’s a bittersweet breakup song that you find yourself humming when you feel that somewhat melancholic air of the season.

Created by Atarayo, known as a “band that grows by feeding on sorrow,” this piece features vocalist Hitomi delivering an emotional performance that lays bare the lingering attachment and pain of a relationship coming to an end.

When the music video was released in November 2020, it quickly resonated across social media, becoming a hit with over 100 million total views for related videos on TikTok.

It was also selected as the theme song for the ABEMA drama “The Night I Became a Beast,” tightening our chests with its dramatic progression and lyrical worldview.

If you let your emotions flow and sing it out at karaoke, it might help you let go of a bit of the heartache of a breakup.

Choose this song when you want to let the tears stored in your heart flow.