Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

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.

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!

Stay ft. Mikky EkkoRihanna

Rihanna – Stay ft. Mikky Ekko

How about a heart-shaking ballad in which Rihanna, the songstress from Barbados, lays bare her vulnerability? Featured on her 2012 album Unapologetic and released as a single the following year, it pairs her with American artist Mikky Ekko to sing of aching emotions over a simple arrangement of piano and sparse strings.

The song conveys the turmoil of wanting someone even while knowing the relationship may be falling apart, and the desperate wish for them to stay by your side.

Many will be moved to tears by her trembling vocals, so different from her usual strong persona.

The understated performance she delivered at the 2013 Grammy Awards in February also became a talking point.

It’s the perfect song to listen to on a night when you don’t want to see anyone—soak in the bath and let the quiet tears fall.

Better DaysOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Better Days (Audio)

This is a song by OneRepublic, a pop-rock band formed in Colorado, USA, known for captivating the world with their catchy melodies.

It was created in March 2020, right after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, while the band members were actually living in isolation.

Featured on the album “Human,” the track conveys a warm message of hope: no matter how hard things are now, better days will surely come.

It was also used as a campaign song by the car manufacturers Jeep and Fiat, offering support to many people.

It’s recommended for those weary of uncertain days who want someone to gently be by their side.

Let yourself cry it all out—you’ll likely find the strength to face tomorrow.

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.

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.

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

It powerfully sings of the unbearable loneliness after a loved one leaves and the growing heartache when you see the clothes left behind in the room.

This is a signature ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne.

Included on her 2007 album “The Best Damn Thing,” it begins with a piano melody and gradually builds as strings layer in, creating a sweeping progression that brings tears to your eyes.

In Japan, it drew attention as the song used in Toyota’s Alphard commercial, and overseas it was featured on MTV’s “The Hills.” With over 500 million views on YouTube, this track is one to listen to when you’re grieving a breakup or on nights when you want to let all your emotions out.

Her straightforward vocals truly resonate with the heart.