[2026] Tearjerker love songs by Western bands: A roundup of recommended popular tracks

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

A Britpop track released in 1995 by the British rock band Oasis.

It was rumored to be about Noel Gallagher’s then-girlfriend, Meg Mathews, but Noel himself later denied this.

The track reached the Top 10 on charts around the world.

RelationshipsHaim

HAIM – Relationships (Official Video)

Haim, the three-sister rock band captivating the world with a California-sunshine sound, have skillfully woven 70s rock and 90s R&B into their music and have been nominated for Grammys.

The tear-jerking love song I want to recommend from them is a track released in March 2025.

It’s the lead single from their currently in-progress fourth album, portraying the paradox of love: despite your feelings, you just can’t bear the complexity of the relationship.

Its raw depiction of that inescapable pain cuts deep into the listener’s heart.

The music video also drew attention for featuring actor Drew Starkey.

It’s a song that stands beside anyone grappling with the kind of complicated love that hurts precisely because you care.

Calling After MeWallows

Wallows – Calling After Me (Official Video)

This is a track by Wallows, a Los Angeles–based band whose breezy, light sound lingers in your ears.

They’re also known for featuring Dylan Minnette, star of the film series “13 Reasons Why.” Released in March 2024, the song appears on the album “Model.” In contrast to its pleasant indie-pop melody, the lyrics poignantly depict the frustration of unrequited love—chasing someone who won’t turn around.

The protagonist’s earnest wish to be called by the person they love evokes sweet yet bittersweet scenes.

Reaching No.

8 on the UK rock chart, this song is perfect for those moments when you feel a distance between you and someone you care about.

Not Strong Enoughboygenius

boygenius – Not Strong Enough (official music video)

Formed by three brilliantly talented artists who represent the contemporary US indie scene—Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus—boygenius is a band of rare caliber.

This track from their acclaimed 2023 March release, The Record, captures the piercing feeling of being unable to meet a loved one’s expectations.

While it’s a confession of being too weak to be your partner, it also reveals overconfidence beneath the surface—beautifully portraying the contradictory sway between self-loathing and self-affirmation.

The song won Best Rock Song at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024.

It’s a masterpiece that empathizes with the complex emotional state of suffering over one’s own inadequacy precisely because you care so deeply in love.

HeavyFlorence Road

Florence Road – Heavy (live from the garage)

Florence Road is a band drawing major attention in Ireland’s rock scene.

Formed by childhood friends and endorsed by Olivia Rodrigo, their song here captures the inescapable heaviness of the heart that can come with love.

Inspired by the vocalist’s own turbulent two weeks, the track’s roaring, grunge-tinged guitars and emotive vocals tighten the listener’s chest.

Released as their debut single in March 2025, the song was later included on the EP “Fall Back.” Recommended for those seeking a companion to the real, not-just-sweet aches of love.

Always Get This WayThe Aces

The Aces – Always Get This Way (Official Lyric Video)

The Aces are an indie-pop band from Utah, known for their sound that blends 80s-inspired guitar tones with a glittering pop sensibility.

From their catalog, we’re highlighting a heart-wrenching track that sings about the difficulty of loving oneself.

Set to an upbeat, bright arrangement, the lyrics convey deep anxiety and self-loathing in the context of love.

The piercing cry of “I always end up like this in front of someone I like” is truly heartbreaking to hear.

The song was written by the vocalist during one of her most difficult emotional periods, released in February 2023, and included on the album “I’ve Loved You For So Long.” It’s a piece that stays by your side when you’re troubled by love and have lost your confidence.

IrisGoo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris [Official Music Video] [4K Remaster]

A deeply moving rock ballad born from the story of the film City of Angels.

Released by America’s Goo Goo Dolls in April 1998, the song richly conveys the poignant emotions of an angel who falls in love with a human.

Its beautiful melody weaves together a gentle gaze toward people striving to live and the protagonist’s resolve to seek love, even at the cost of eternal life.

Included on the band’s album Dizzy Up the Girl, the track became a massive hit, spending 18 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart.

In the mid-2020s, the song was rediscovered—especially on TikTok—and went viral among younger listeners, a testament to its enduring appeal.