Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
There are times when, instead of listening to music to get pumped up or fired up, you deliberately want to listen to poignant or slightly sad songs and have a good cry alone, right?
Upbeat tracks that give you a push are great, but in this article we’ve researched and selected timeless, heart-wrenching English-language songs that empathize with listeners’ feelings, both old and new.
From classic standards to recent hits and the latest buzzworthy tracks, we’re bringing you a genre-crossing selection.
Try listening in whatever setting makes you feel most at ease—whether that’s in your bedroom or on a drive!
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Tearjerkers! Heartbreaking Songs in Western Music — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (131–140)
Have You EverBrandy
The song with which Brandy earned her first No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster.
In 2007, it was covered by the Irish boy band Westlife on their album Back Home.
The Voice WithinChristina Aguilera
Even just the pure, incredibly clear and beautiful singing voice alone makes this song moving.
On top of that, the gentle, wistful melody turns it into a ballad.
With its powerful vocals, it feels like it gives you a push forward as you listen.
Where’d You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
Fort Minor is a side project of Mike Shinoda, the rapper from Linkin Park.
This song is written from the perspective of someone left behind in a long-distance relationship and carries a message about placing a career ahead of family.
The music video features real people, including a girl with divorced parents and the parents of a soldier who was killed in Iraq during the Gulf War.
This I LoveGuns N’ Roses
The very memorable piano intro draws you in with a full-on ballad vibe.
Axl Rose’s powerful, slightly shouted vocals, along with the gradually added rock elements as the song progresses, make it a cool, compelling ballad.
Take Me To ChurchHozier
When I first listened to this song, I was absolutely blown away.
At first I didn’t really understand what it meant, but I was drawn to the fact that it deliberately doesn’t use a trendy melody line.
It’s a song pushing back against LGBT criticism, and the music video focuses on the persecution of gay people in Russia.
However, from what I’ve looked up, Hozier himself apparently isn’t gay.
Car’s OutsideJames Arthur
A ballad that stays close to the hearts of those carrying bittersweet feelings—that’s James Arthur’s music.
Released in October 2019, this song explores the difficulties of a long-distance relationship, poignantly expressing the loneliness of living apart from the one you love.
Arthur, a UK native, delivers a vocal performance that is both powerful and delicate, resonating deeply with listeners.
Through the lyrics, the protagonist’s inner struggle—forced into frequent travel—and their earnest wish to be with their loved one come vividly to life.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who has experienced a breakup or is pained by the distance separating them from someone important.
Free FallingJames Arthur
James Arthur has led a turbulent life.
As a singer-songwriter from the UK, he won The X Factor in 2012 and drew widespread attention.
This track, included on his album Bitter Sweet Love released in January 2024, is a ballad that stirs deep emotions.
Arthur’s distinctive baritone voice poignantly conveys the search for self-worth and the anxiety of an uncertain future.
The song’s structure—beginning with a quiet piano accompaniment and gradually building—offers a compelling listen.
It’s a piece that gently stays by your side when you’re dealing with heartbreak or loneliness.
On a night you want to listen alone in silence, give it a try.