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[2026 Edition] Tear-Jerking! A Roundup of the Best New Western Pop Ballads

No matter the era, magnificent ballads with heart-wrenching melodies and sound continue to move countless music fans.

Across genre preferences, most people can quickly think of one or two ballad songs they count among their favorites.

Among such ballads, this time we’re focusing on “tear-jerking ballads,” delivering a selection that includes the latest popular tracks as well as hidden gem ballads tucked away on albums.

Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, these songs are moving enough to make you cry—but this review also touches on the lyrical content, so be sure to use it as a reference.

[2026 Edition] Tearjerkers! A Curated List of the Newest English-Language Ballads (1–10)

Love Me MoreSam Smith

Sam Smith – Love Me More (Official Music Video)
Love Me MoreSam Smith

Sam Smith, who captivates many with his gentle singing voice.

The song I’d like to highlight as one that truly touches the heart is “Love Me More.” It portrays a man who, after a failure, has lost his self-esteem.

However, the lyrics aren’t negative; they carry the message, “Please love yourself once more.” If you’re feeling down or on the verge of breaking, this song will surely soothe you.

And be sure to pay attention to his soaring high notes as well!

Losing YouFLO

Flo is a British girl group.

When it comes to their poignant songs, Losing You stands out.

As the title suggests, it’s about reflecting on someone you’ve lost.

The key point is that it portrays how someone you took for granted can suddenly be gone.

If you’ve experienced an unexpected goodbye, you’ll surely relate.

Also, pay attention to the expressiveness and harmonies in the chorus—you can feel the message coming through there as well.

Gone GirlSZA

SZA – Gone Girl (Audio)
Gone GirlSZA

In romance, some people may end up restricting their partner out of love.

And sometimes, the partner who dislikes being controlled may leave.

Gone Girl portrays a sad episode born from such possessiveness.

It’s a track released by R&B singer SZA.

Over a calm, acoustic guitar–driven sound, the story unfolds in an understated, matter-of-fact way.

Easy On MeAdele

Adele – Easy On Me (Official Lyric Video)
Easy On MeAdele

Adele is a singer-songwriter who skillfully switches between a wistful voice and a powerful one.

She debuted in 2007 with “Hometown Glory” and has released a string of hits like “Someone Like You” and “Hello.” Among her many ballads, “Easy On Me” is especially tear-jerking.

Literally, the title means “go easy on me,” but in the song it seems to carry the nuance of “forgive me.” Coupled with her beautiful falsetto, this phrase brings the tears on all at once.

Hold My Hand (From “Top Gun: Maverick”)Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Hold My Hand (From “Top Gun: Maverick”) [Official Music Video]
Hold My Hand (From “Top Gun: Maverick”)Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand (From ‘Top Gun: Maverick’)” is a song whose gentle message—“Go ahead and cry tonight, you can lean on me”—feels like it could support you in tough times.

Her beautiful vocals even seem to wash away unpleasant feelings.

Also, since this track serves as the lead song on the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack, listening to it after watching the movie may let you feel the lyrics even more deeply!