Tear-jerking, moving songs in Western music
Western music has far more songs than Japanese music.
Among them, I think there are many tracks that can make you cry.
We’ve gathered a lot of songs you’ll want to listen to when you feel like crying.
I think a storm of emotions awaits you.
I hope you discover some songs you haven’t heard before!
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- Moving Western songs: classic and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs.
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- [Tearjerker] From ballads that will make you sob to timeless classics—moving songs that touch the heart
Tear-Jerking, Moving Western Songs (1–10)
I’m With YouAvril Lavigne
Included on the 2002 album “Let Go.” Born in 1984.
A singer-songwriter from Canada.
The harmony between the acoustic guitar tones that flow throughout the track and the powerful rock sound that intersects with them is beautiful, and her soulful vocals riding on top sink into your heart and bring you to tears.
Love Will Tear Us ApartJoy Division
A single released in 1980.
A four-piece rock band from Manchester formed in 1976.
It was the band that members of New Order once belonged to, and it strongly influenced later bands such as Radiohead.
This song features an introspective melody, and the chorus line “love will tear us apart again” is striking and really hits deep.
Don’t Forget MeMaggie Rogers
A song brimming with intimacy and bittersweetness, as if speaking to a lover.
Through a friend’s wedding, it reflects on one’s own views on love, carried by a polished folk-pop sound.
Released in February 2024, this track is the lead single from Maggie Rogers’s third studio album.
Its fresh, pleasant melody makes you want to sing along at full volume in the car.
It’s a warm song that gently gives a push to those stepping into a new stage of life, or those who are afraid of change yet trying to embrace it.
Tear-Jerking, Moving Western Songs (11–20)
Rolling in the DeepAdele
A powerful song swirling with anger and sorrow was created by Adele, a singer from the United Kingdom.
Candidly voicing the pain of heartbreak and a thirst for revenge, this track appears on Adele’s second album, 21, and was released in November 2010.
Characterized by deeply emotive vocals and a striking rhythm, it reached number one on the charts in 12 countries worldwide.
It won three Grammy Awards and is known as one of Adele’s signature songs.
It’s a recommended track for those looking to heal the wounds of a broken heart or to channel intense emotions through music.
Bohemian RhapsodyQueen
This is a track that resonates like a grand, roughly six-minute tale, as if you’re watching a single film.
Created by Queen, the song’s structure is breathtaking as it whirls from a beautiful ballad to opera and then into fierce rock.
Yet behind its dramatic sound lies the anguished cry of a protagonist who regrets his sins and struggles against fate, tightening your chest with sorrow.
Released ahead of the landmark album A Night at the Opera in October 1975, it’s also known for its memorable use in the film Wayne’s World.
When you’re crushed by inescapable loneliness or despair, surrendering yourself to this vast sonic world will let emotions well up from the depths of your heart.
Heal The WorldMichael Jackson
Included on the 1991 album “DANGEROUS.” Born in 1958, a singer-songwriter from Indiana.
With a gently unfolding rhythm, strings, and chorus that convey a sense of kindness matching the beautiful melody line, the lyrics about life and the problems of the world are deeply moving.
Lover, You Should’ve Come OverJeff Buckley
This is an achingly beautiful soul ballad left behind by the legendary American singer Jeff Buckley, who died far too young at 30.
It sings of the helpless regret and burning longing after a breakup.
If you’ve ever let go of someone precious because of youthful mistakes, you’ll likely find this song deeply relatable.
Wishing “I wanted you to come see me,” only to realize it’s too late—those feelings with nowhere to go are truly painful.
The track appears on the classic album Grace and was also featured in the drama FlashForward.
Even decades after its August 1994 release, it continues to move hearts.
On a quiet night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, you might let yourself sink into this heavenly voice.