Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

Save You A SeatNEW!Alex Warren

Alex Warren – Save You A Seat (Official Lyric Video)

While also having a presence as a social media creator, singer-songwriter Alex Warren moves many hearts with his emotional vocals and down-to-earth lyrics.

This work is a single released in March 2024 and later included as a key track on the album “You’ll Be Alright, Kid.” Born from the reality that both of his parents have passed away and cannot attend his wedding, the song’s earnest theme—leaving an empty seat for lost family—resonates deeply alongside serene acoustic tones.

It also marked a turning point in his career, including his first appearance on the Billboard charts.

It’s a comforting song to listen to when you think of someone important at life’s milestones.

HelloAdele

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

It’s a hit tune that used to play on FM radio all the time, with a deeply reverberant vocal that leaves an impression like it keeps resonating deep in your ears.

When you listen to it at times of extreme fatigue, when your emotions feel drained, it seems to soothe you and revive your spirit.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

Let me introduce a timeless ballad by Ed Sheeran, the world-renowned singer-songwriter representing the UK.

Featured on his acclaimed 2014 album ‘x,’ this piece captivates with its gentle guitar tones and soulful vocals.

The lyrics, which vow eternal love—growing old together and loving each other just the same even in their seventies—are sure to move listeners to tears.

It’s also known for achieving a historic feat: remaining in the UK Top 40 for 52 consecutive weeks.

Perfect for moments when you quietly want to cry while thinking of someone dear, or when you want to immerse yourself in a heartwarming love song.

The dance in the music video is deeply moving as well, so be sure to check it out!

Angels CryMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Angels Cry (Official Music Video) ft. Ne-Yo

A gem-like R&B ballad imbued with a heartfelt desire to mend a relationship on the brink of breaking.

Featured on the 2009 album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel,” a duet version with singer-songwriter Ne-Yo was released in January 2010.

Riding on luminous strings and resonant piano, Mariah Carey’s vocals are showcased to the fullest.

The longing to restore a bond with a loved one is woven through delicate harmonies, evoking a beauty like an angel shedding tears.

It’s a song to listen to when you feel uncertain about your relationship, or when you want to reflect on the bond you share with someone you love.

HallelujahJeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah (Official Video – Live at Bearsville)

It’s a work by the Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, but it’s a classic that has been sung by many different artists.

Owing in part to its use in foreign TV dramas, Jeff Buckley’s version is probably the one most widely known to the general public.

In Your FeelingsMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – In Your Feelings (Official Lyric Video)

Featured on the album “Here for It All,” released in September 2025, this track is an R&B number that delicately weaves shifting emotions.

Co-produced with Anderson .Paak, it achieves a soundscape where the warmth of the drums melds with the luster of the strings.

It sings of an inner journey—from moments of heart-flutter and loss to gradually reclaiming confidence in oneself.

Mariah’s signature delicate melisma and richly resonant lower register lend profound conviction to every word.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone feeling swept away by their emotions.

Adore YouHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Adore You (Official Video)

Harry Styles, a member of One Direction who also enjoys worldwide popularity as a solo artist.

This track, included on his December 2019 album Fine Line, perfectly blends a ’70s-style groove with a contemporary pop sensibility.

The lyrics, which express deep love and devotion for another, gently stay close to a lonely heart and wrap it in warmth.

The song has been widely embraced in many contexts, including its inclusion in the game Just Dance 2021.

The music video—like a film set on a fictional island—is also a must-see.

Give it a listen on nights when you want someone to affirm you, or when you’d like to quietly let your emotions out and have a good cry.