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