[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.

Playlist

[2026 Edition] Tear-Jerking! A Roundup of the Best New Western Pop Ballads
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	PointlessLewis Capaldi		A Lewis Capaldi song that depicts a sense of loss
2	Creepin’Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage		A song depicting a man's sorrow and anger upon discovering infidelity
3	Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)Rihanna		Rihanna’s song “Lift Me Up” is moving.
4	When You’re Sad I’m SadCharlie Puth		A heartfelt ballad to save you from your sadness
5	Let Me GoDaniel Caesar		The song “Let Me Go,” which depicts the pain of a broken heart
6	Love Me MoreSam Smith		Moved by Sam Smith’s “Love Me More.”
7	Losing YouFLO		Flo's heartbreaking song 'Losing You' resonates with the heart.
8	Gone GirlSZA		Possessiveness is the flip side of love and can risk ruining a relationship.
9	Easy On MeAdele		Adele’s poignant singing resonates in my heart.
10	Hold My Hand (From “Top Gun: Maverick”)Lady Gaga		A voice that supports the heart, conveying emotion together with the film
11	Didn’t Say feat. LattoElla Mai		A woman's song about overcoming the pain of parting
12	Glimpse of UsJoji		A poignant song by a Japanese singer active on the global stage
13	Snow On The BeachTaylor Swift ft. Lana del Rey		Snowy coast, the masterpieces of Swift and Del Rey
14	Waiting on You (feat. Sabrina Claudio)Pink Sweat$		There is an emotional appeal in Pink Sweat$’s song.
15	SuperwomanMeghan Trainor		A song that resonates with Meghan Trainor’s heart
16	I’ll Never Know WhyJessie J		Jessie J's moving new ballad
17	The Day That I DieLewis Capaldi		A moving ballad filled with deep feelings for family
18	People Always ChangeCeleste		A moving piece that reflects Celeste’s emotions
19	oh to be lovedJVKE		Jake’s moving ballad from “golden hour”
20	AlmostLewis Capaldi		A ballad from the pain of parting to recovery
21	Here For It AllMariah Carey		A moving work that sings of the joy of living after overcoming hardships
22	Something In The HeavensLewis Capaldi		Lewis Capaldi’s emotion-filled new song
23	In Your FeelingsMariah Carey		An R&B song that portrays emotional fluctuations
24	Secrets (ft. Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood)Miley Cyrus		Miley unveils a cross-generational ballad
25	A COLD PLAYThe Kid LAROI		An emotional song that depicts the pain of heartbreak
26	4x4xULainey Wilson		Love Song with a Four-Wheel-Drive Metaphor
27	To Be FreeSam Smith		Sam Smith’s new song sings of the liberation of the soul
28	lesson learnedMatt Hansen		A moving song that sings of the pain and lessons of heartbreak
29	Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi		A poignant song that cherishes a lost love
30	I Won’t Miss A ThingTom Grennan		Tom Grennan: A Heartfelt Ballad of Memories and Farewell
31	the way things gobeabadoobee		Beabadoobee, a masterpiece that sings the pain of heartbreak
32	WonderfulTones and I		Tones and I’s moving ballad
33	Someone Like YouAdele		Adele’s heartbreak ballad: the complex feelings of wishing happiness for an ex-lover
34	Sad ForeverLauren Spencer Smith		Lauren Spencer Smith's heart-wrenching ballad
35	Thank God I DoLauren Daigle		A moving ballad expressing gratitude and trust in God
36	emails i can’t sendSabrina Carpenter		Introduction to a song about unspoken feelings
37	Don’t Cry, Put Your Head On My ShoulderTom Odell		Tom Odell’s heart-wrenching ballad
38	lomlTaylor Swift		Taylor Swift’s heartbreak ballad
39	Old PhoneEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s soul-stirring ballad
40	Monsters In The HouseKelly Jones		Kelly Jones's new song resonates with the heart.
41	LostSoccer Mommy		Soccer Mommy’s fleeting and heartrending new song
42	EmbersJames Arthur		James Arthur releases a love ballad
43	Broken BoyDanielle Bradbery		The new country-pop song resonates with my heart.
44	Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon		A masterpiece that sings of the pain of heartbreak, delicately portraying emotions
45	Forget MeLewis Capaldi		A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of a broken heart
46	SmileMorgan Wallen		A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of a broken heart
47	Keep ItCoi Leray		A moving work that sings of the pain of a betrayed heart
48	Free FallingJames Arthur		A moving ballad that sings of self-worth and time
49	Me, Myself & YouPerrie		Perry’s new song is an emotional power ballad
50	Glue Songbeabadoobee		A heartwarming love song: Beabadoobee’s new track
51	I’m SorryAli Gatie		A bittersweet love song, a longing to reclaim
52	LifelineAlicia Keys		Alicia Keys’ soothing singing voice
53	From The StartLaufey		A heartfelt ballad that portrays the feelings of love
54	Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith		A heartbreaking breakup ballad popular on TikTok
55	All I WantTori Kelly		A moving ballad that vows eternal love
56	wherever u rUMI, V		A special song where hearts connect and love endures