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!

Playlist

Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	All of MeJohn Legend		John Legend’s masterpiece “All of Me”
2	See you againWiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth		Theme song of the film, a masterpiece about friendship and mourning
3	HappierEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s masterpiece “Happier” resonates with the heart.
4	Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey		Lana Del Rey’s wistful vocals and aesthetics
5	Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi		A singer from Scotland with a moving voice
6	MemoriesMaroon 5		It’s a nostalgic masterpiece music video by Maroon 5.
7	I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith		Aerosmith's hit song from the movie 'Armageddon'
8	Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis		The greatest rock act born in the UK in the ’90s...
9	Good DaysSZA		Music that overcomes pain and believes in hope
10	So SickNe-Yo		Ne-Yo’s early classic “So Sick” is a heartrending song.
11	You asked for thisHalsey		A song of wavering hearts and self-exploration within society
12	Be AlrightDean Lewis		A talented singer-songwriter from Sydney
13	I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys		A classic hit sung by a representative boy band of the 90s
14	Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez		Selena’s ballad tops the U.S. charts at No. 1
15	Adore YouHarry Styles		Harry Styles' music filled with kindness and love
16	Fix YouColdplay		Coldplay’s soothing song that comforts the heart
17	FlowersMiley Cyrus		A powerful classic that sings of self-love and independence
18	Easy On MeAdele		A soul’s cry singing Adele’s feelings after her divorce
19	someone like youAdele		Adele’s signature song that expresses the heartbreak of a painful breakup
20	Happier Than EverBillie Eilish		A moving work that sings of growth and independence after heartbreak.
21	Your SongElton John		Elton John's classic song with bittersweet lyrics
22	Angels CryMariah Carey		An earnest desire to repair a relationship on the verge of breaking
23	drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo		A heartbreak song about a driver's license, a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart
24	Stay With MeSam Smith		Sam Smith's hit song 'Stay With Me'
25	Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi		The heartbeat of Capaldi from Scotland
26	Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabello		An emotive ballad by Camila Cabello
27	Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran		A sweet ballad that expresses romantic feelings
28	PompeiiBastille		A sad song that feels the emptiness of life
29	HurtChristina Aguilera		A masterpiece that makes you deeply feel the importance of what was lost
30	The One That Got AwayKaty Perry		A poignant love song that resonates in Katy's heart
31	If I die youngThe Band Perry		Moving music that sings of life and of birth and death
32	In Your FeelingsMariah Carey		An R&B song that portrays emotional fluctuations
33	Wrong DirectionHailee Steinfeld		Hailee Steinfeld makes her debut as a singer
34	Big girls don’t cryFergie		Singing of the strength of a woman who overcomes heartbreak
35	Say SomethingA Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera		A heartrending masterpiece, a moving movie insert song
36	Say You Won’t Let GoJames Arthur		An inspiring comeback song by a tattooed singer
37	you were good to meJeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler		Expressing the sorrow of parting in beautiful harmony
38	Without YouMariah Carey		A famous song sung by Mariah, a moving ballad
39	Let her goPassenger		Lessons from Heartbreak: Gratitude and Awareness for Happiness
40	Rolling in the DeepAdele		Adele’s revenge song against an unfaithful man
41	Anywhere I Lay My HeadTom Waits		A song that expresses the feelings of a man who envies other people's happiness.
42	Because of youKelly Clarkson		Sing the pain of divorce and express anxiety about love
43	I Eat DinnerRufus Wainwright feat. Dido		Rufus Wainwright’s sorrowful singing voice and lyrics
44	When your goneAvril Lavigne		A song of sorrow and resolve for a cherished person
45	BreakevenThe Script		The Script’s hit song tops the chart at number one.
46	No OneAlicia Keys		Alicia Keys’s singing voice and worldview are captivating.
47	You & IOne Direction		Their pop-style mellow ballad
48	ImaginationShawn Mendes		Shawn Mendes’s bittersweet unrequited love song
49	I Still…Backstreet Boys		Shifting the helm toward a rock sound, and becoming more mature…
50	Tears In HeavenEric Clapton		Eric Clapton’s sad masterpiece
51	Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s new song, a tribute to a friend
52	Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson		Debbie Gibson’s singing and piano are captivating.
53	Pale Blue EyesVelvet Underground		A gentle love classic from a debut album
54	When I Was Your ManBruno Mars		Bruno Mars’s poignant love classic
55	Just Want You to KnowBackstreet Boys		Feelings I couldn’t fully convey to the person I broke up with…
56	All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles		A gentle, heartwarming masterpiece by The Beatles
57	SonnetThe Verve		Transition from psychedelic to pop
58	EverytimeBritney Spears		A poignant ballad that showcases Britney’s vocal prowess.
59	MapsMaroon 5		A sad song about extreme PVs, cheating, and accidental death
60	Whatcha sayJason Derulo		An adultery song imagined with Tiger Woods in mind
61	When She Loved MeSarah McLachlan		Impressive background music from Toy Story 2
62	Love HurtsNazareth		A classic song that has been covered many times by various artists.
63	Depression (feat. Coconut Records)Ben Kweller		I suddenly lost my beloved family, and the color vanished from the world...
64	It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Men		Parting with a loved one and the pain in the heart
65	Missing YouBackstreet Boys		The American ... that dominated the music scene of the ’90s
66	I Don’t Like YouGrace VanderWaal		A heartfelt cry singing about the stress of love
67	I’m not the only oneSam Smith		A poignant masterpiece that sings of the pain of infidelity
68	We Are the WorldUSA For Africa		An inspiring classic song for African hunger relief
69	Bleeding LoveLeona Lewis		A poignant song expressing the joy of love
70	Through the RainMariah Carey		A ballad singer’s heartrending, clear, translucent voice
71	SmileMorgan Wallen		Morgan's new song that portrays a past love
72	How can you mend a broken heartBee Gees		The first No. 1 hit song in America
73	I Can’t Make You Love MeBonnie Raitt		A poignant song that tells a story about the pain of heartbreak
74	CryingRoy Orbison		Song of a Belated Reunion and Sensitivity
75	Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi		A poignant classic by a Scottish singer is popular.
76	ou’re The Best ThingThe Style Council		A pop song with a classic feel and a mature, sweet singing voice
77	Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouse		A poignant classic that sings of the sorrow of love.
78	You Break Me FirstTate McRae		Canadian singer-songwriter, Tay...
79	I’m YoursJason Mraz		A song with a bright, uplifting melody
80	The LovedPaul Weller		A powerful song about overcoming the pain of heartbreak
81	California King BedRihanna		Rihanna’s R&B ballad, touching the heart
82	Eternal FlameThe Bangles		A classic love song performed by an all-female band
83	The Wind Cries MaryThe Jimi Hendrix Experience		A song of feelings Jimmy wrote after an argument
84	Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grande		The popular remix song on TikTok, The Depth of Love
85	Out of LoveAlessia Cara		Alessia Cara, a singer who expresses her emotions straightforwardly
86	I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth		A masterpiece that sings of the pain and anxiety of love
87	Slide AwayMiley Cyrus		Miley’s heartbreak song, a melody that resonates with the heart
88	Love Is A BattlefieldPat Benatar		A love song that became a global hit
89	Cut You OffSelena Gomez		Selena’s realistic heartbreak song
90	Forget MeLewis Capaldi		Capaldi’s heartfelt song about the pain of heartbreak
91	Dancing On My OwnRobyn		The heartache of seeing a loved one dance with someone else
92	Don’t Cry, Put Your Head On My ShoulderTom Odell		Tom Odell’s heart-wrenching ballad
93	Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters		A song of love and nostalgia for old-time music
94	Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland		A heartrending love song, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart
95	Stuck with UAriana Grande & Justin Bieber		An inspiring masterpiece as a charity single
96	This Ain’t A Love SongBon Jovi		A captivating song with an emotional chorus and bittersweet lyrics.
97	Not A Day Goes ByLonestar		A classic song that sings of deep loss and longing for love
98	Leave Herd4vd		An emotional song depicting heartbreak and self-discovery
99	Hate MeBlue October		A song about recovery from drug addiction and apologizing to people
100	Waiting For YouCharly Bliss		Charlie Bliss’s new song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows
101	I don’t want you backEamon		A song expressing anger and emotions toward an ex-girlfriend
102	Crying My Eyes OutStephen Puth		A song with sad lyrics and an upbeat melody
103	Wish You Were HereAvril Lavigne		A song by Avril Lavigne that resonates with the heart
104	Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyBackstreet Boys		A heartbreaking ballad about lost love, a timeless song that resonates with the heart
105	I SurrenderCéline Dion		Celine Dion’s love songs, heart-stirring ballads
106	OutsideCalvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding		A club song about struggling with the distance between lovers
107	TornNatalie Imbruglia		A song from Denmark, covered by Natalie
108	White HorseTaylor Swift		A hopeful song for a woman recovering from heartbreak
109	Nice Knowing YouSadie Jean		Sadie Jean’s heart-wrenching breakup song
110	the way things gobeabadoobee		A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of a broken heart
111	What it takesAerosmith		A classic song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the yearning to get back together
112	I’m SorryAli Gatie		New song by Ali from Canada is making waves
113	Lead Me OnFLETCHER		Fletcher’s poignant love song that portrays love and conflict
114	Heavy In Your ArmsFlorence & The Machine		A dark song that sings about the weight of love
115	Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon		Givion’s heartbreak song—its deep vocals and lyrics seep into the heart.
116	Hold OnGood Charlotte		The appeal of iconic songs that encourage the anguish of adolescence
117	In The Living RoomMaggie Rogers		A poignant new song that captures the pain of heartbreak—moving.
118	I’ll Be Over YouTOTO		A slow-tempo, moving ballad with a sunset backdrop
119	Now Is The HourThe 1975		A moving long-distance love ballad that resonates with the heart
120	Last NightMorgan Wallen		Morgan Wallen’s bittersweet love song
121	GeneradeBruno Mars		A bittersweet song filled with one-sided feelings
122	The FlameCheap Trick		A pop ballad, a song by Cheap Trick
123	Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day		An anti-war song protesting the 9/11 attacks
124	No AirJordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown		A duet song by two people singing about a dying relationship
125	Please Don’t Fall In Love With MeKhalid		A masterpiece with wistful lyrics and a melody that touches the heart
126	How Am I Supposed To Live Without YouMichael Bolton		Soul music that sings the sorrow of heartbreak
127	This Is The Sound OfSnow Patrol		A long-distance love song by Snow Patrol
128	Casimir Pulaski DaySufjan Stevens		A song that sings about a memorial day in Illinois
129	If I Were To DieWinona Oak		A poignant love song that sings of the fragility and beauty of love
130	WILDFLOWERBillie Eilish		Billie Eilish’s heart-wrenching breakup song
131	Empty BenchDavid Kushner		The grief of loss woven into a Christmas song
132	Tears can be so softChristine&the Queens		A song depicting the loneliness of a French singer
133	When I Get ThereP!nk		A famous song filled with Pink's feelings for her father.
134	Have You EverBrandy		The classic song that earned its first Billboard No. 1
135	The Voice WithinChristina Aguilera		A translucent, clear singing voice stirs the heart.
136	Where’d You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga		A musical work filled with feelings for family far away
137	This I LoveGuns N’ Roses		Inspiring piano and passionate vocals
138	Take Me To ChurchHozier		A protest song against discrimination toward LGBT people
139	Car’s OutsideJames Arthur		A moving song that sings of the heartache of a long-distance relationship.
140	Free FallingJames Arthur		An emotional ballad by James
141	Happiest YearJaymes Young		A heartwarming song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and gratitude
142	Queen Of DenmarkJohn Grant		A quiet, heartwarming ballad
143	Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith		A breakup song that became a huge hit on TikTok
144	Breaking PointLogan Michael		A moving song that captures the intense emotions of a breakup
145	Don’t Forget MeMaggie Rogers		Maggie Rogers’s new song is emotionally rich.
146	D-I-V-O-R-C-ETammy Wynette		A masterpiece that sings about divorce from a woman’s perspective
147	feel like shitTate McRae		Tate's ballad expresses the pain of parting.
148	Run To YouWhitney Houston		The moving theme song from a film starring Whitney
149	Cry Me A RiverJustin Timberlake		Justin's song about his feelings for Britney
150	Damn You For Breaking My HeartCaitlyn Smith		An epic song with a chorus full of speed and drive.
151	CryinAerosmith		A bittersweet song about parting with someone dear
152	The Power Of LoveCéline Dion		Power of Love is a famous song and a masterpiece.
153	Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley		Elvis Presley’s first No. 1 hit song
154	I’m Not Gonna Miss YouGlen Campbell		A song of love for family amid the battle with Alzheimer’s
155	RainMadonna		A famous song featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto with a distinctive melody
156	CirclesPost Malone		Foreign song lyrics are difficult, but they have unexpected depth too.
157	What Hurts The MostRascal Flatts		A song that sings about the importance of expressing your feelings.
158	How Do You Sleep?Sam Smith		A sad song lamenting a lover's betrayal
159	Don’t need you toSamantha Mumba		A song about a woman who’s positive and strong, yet has her vulnerabilities
160	Heaven’s Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynne		Sing about the tragedy of my mother being shot by my father.
161	PerfectSimple Plan		Singing about the struggles of adolescence and feelings toward one’s parents
162	LostSoccer Mommy		Soccer Mommy’s fleeting and heartrending new song
163	Little BonnieDrive-By Truckers		Tribute to Bonnie: Family Bonds and Memories
164	Fall On MeA Great Big World, Christina Aguilera		An emotional R&B collaboration track
165	You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson		Michael Jackson's masterpiece
166	You should be sadHalsey		A tear-jerking song that stirs the emotions, with a melody that resonates in the heart.