Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

OceansSeafret

Seafret – Oceans

This song resonates in the heart like a deep ocean, capturing the poignant ache of longing for a distant lover.

Seafret’s vocalist, Jack, delivers a clear, airy voice that washes over you like waves, ebbing and flowing with emotion.

The lyrics liken the distance between two lovers to the “sea,” leaving a profound impression on the listener.

Released in January 2016, the track garnered attention as a follow-up to their debut EP, “Give Me Something.” It’s a song we especially recommend to those in long-distance relationships or anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

It gently embraces the feelings that lie deep within your heart.

Golden LadyStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Golden Lady

A track from the 1973 album Innervisions, it’s a work from the artist’s peak in both composition and performance.

Guided by quiet piano phrases, the song begins as if speaking gently, unfolding the vivid world of Stevie Wonder.

I Shall Be ReleasedThe Band

The Last Waltz (The Band) Shall Be Released – 1976

It’s a song written by Bob Dylan that has been covered by many artists.

You can hear this track on several recordings by The Band, but I recommend the version included in The Last Waltz, which also became a film featuring renowned artists they were close with.

You can fully enjoy the stellar lineup of guest vocal performances.

Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeThe Smiths

The Smiths – Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

When it comes to the headliners of the UK’s ’80s new wave scene, The Smiths inevitably come to mind.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Morrissey’s dark, brooding lyrical world and Johnny Marr’s guitar defined the band.

For Smiths fans, the most tear-jerking song is the one on their fourth album, “Strangeways, Here We Come.” I strongly feel it’s filled with a sadness that foreshadows their later breakup—what do you think?

Wild HorsesThe Sundays

The Sundays – Wild Horses

“Wild Horses” is a song by The Rolling Stones, a country-tinged number that evokes a ruinous love.

Sung like a confession of heartache, it has been cherished by rock fans for many years.

The song was covered by The Sundays, who were active in the UK in the early 1990s.

Harriet Wheeler’s sole-female, crystalline vocals render it even more melancholic and beautiful, enhancing the appeal of the original and bringing listeners to tears.

The Good LifeWeezer

Weezer – The Good Life

It’s pop and powerful, yet somehow off-kilter and loose.

Weezer’s signature track that distills that twisted charm is “The Good Life.” It’s been called crybaby rock, music that sounds like it’s smiling while it’s actually crying.

You could say it perfectly embodies the awkward modern person who’s always worrying about how they look to others.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston, who captivated the world with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

This work, sung by the American-born artist, is a grand ballad that vows eternal love.

It portrays a self-sacrificial love that chooses separation for the other person’s happiness—a universal theme that resonates with many.

Released in November 1992, the song was used as the theme for the film The Bodyguard and became a massive hit.

It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 chart.

If you want to feel profound love and the bittersweetness of parting, give it a listen.