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

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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Hunger of the PineAlt-J

alt-J – Hunger Of The Pine (Official Video)

A track from the British three-piece rock band alt-J’s second album, This Is All Yours, released in 2014.

Often labeled as art rock, their sound isn’t straightforward rock, nor is it overtly catchy pop, yet they enjoy enough popularity to have topped the UK Albums Chart.

This song samples Miley Cyrus’s track “4×4.” Its lyrics aren’t easy to parse, but be sure to experience it together with the thought-provoking music video.

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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.

22 (OVER S∞∞N)Bon Iver

Bon Iver – 22 (OVER S∞∞N) [Bob Moose Extended Cab Version] – Official Video

Bon Iver, formed around what originally began as Justin Vernon’s solo project.

This song is both the title track and the opening number of their third album, 22, A Million.

Recognized as one of the most important bands in the U.S.

indie scene since the late 2000s, their distinctive folk-rock sound has been highly acclaimed, though it’s also true they struggled with the sudden fame that followed.

The sound world, which attempts something different from their past works, channels those feelings yet is transfigured into something like a divine hymn.

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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.