[Masterpiece] Tear-jerking Western songs. The tears won’t stop… truly sad songs [2026]

The greatestLana Del Rey

The greatest

When it comes to Lana Del Rey, many of us strongly associate her with being a singer-songwriter who sings songs steeped in sorrow—so much so that she openly describes her own musical style as “sadcore.” This track is included on her August 2019 album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!.

Listening with the knowledge that Lana, a New York native, moved her base to California and found success there may inspire a range of feelings.

The sense of longing she expresses for a bygone America stirs a similar nostalgia in us Japanese listeners as well.

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RetrogradeJames Blake

James Blake – Retrograde

James Blake, who grew from a young rising star of post-dubstep into a singer-songwriter emblematic of his era.

This track is included on his second album, Overgrown, released in 2013.

Written right after a fight with his girlfriend, the song beautifully conveys the complex feelings he had toward her and the realizations that came with the break of dawn.

It’s not exactly a breakup song, but perhaps the sense of sorrow we feel comes from the sound and his voice…

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Harvest MoonNeil Young

Neil Young – Harvest Moon [Official Music Video]

In Japan, the Beatles and Eric Clapton are popular, but Neil Young hasn’t reached that level.

I find that personally very disappointing.

This masterpiece has a touch of sadness, yet it’s purely a wonderful song.

VCRThe xx

The xx – VCR (Official Video)

This is a track by the London-based trio The xx, included on their 2010 debut album xx.

Their sound is often labeled as indie pop or dream pop, but the uniquely minimalist sonic world they create emphasizes delicacy and a languid, wistful mood rather than the brightness and glamour typically associated with the word “pop.” VCR refers to a video cassette recorder, and it’s employed effectively within the story sung from both male and female perspectives, evoking a curious sense of nostalgia.

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Let’s All Make BelieveOasis

Let’s All Make Believe

This song is included on Oasis’s fourth album, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants,” released in 2002, by the band centered on the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam.

It is a bonus track available only on the Japanese edition.

The lyric “Let’s all pretend we trust each other…” conveys a sense of hopeless despair.

AngieThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Angie – OFFICIAL PROMO (Version 1)

Among the Rolling Stones’ many timeless classics, I think this is the one a lot of people like best.

Even recently, it was featured on a certain news program in connection with a divorce story.

Though it’s a sad song, it also gives a sense of hope for tomorrow.

It’s one of my personal favorites, too.

Off At The Next ExitBeady Eye

Beady Eye – Off At The Next Exit – HQ Video

Compared to Oasis, it’s completely underrated, and I’d really like to ask Oasis fans whether they truly understand music.

If you still have complaints, I’d rather quietly let this song speak for itself.

Liam’s vocals blossom wonderfully on this track.