Tear-jerking Western songs: The world's recommended weep-inducing tracks

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

Let me introduce a timeless ballad by Ed Sheeran, the world-renowned singer-songwriter representing the UK.

Featured on his acclaimed 2014 album ‘x,’ this piece captivates with its gentle guitar tones and soulful vocals.

The lyrics, which vow eternal love—growing old together and loving each other just the same even in their seventies—are sure to move listeners to tears.

It’s also known for achieving a historic feat: remaining in the UK Top 40 for 52 consecutive weeks.

Perfect for moments when you quietly want to cry while thinking of someone dear, or when you want to immerse yourself in a heartwarming love song.

The dance in the music video is deeply moving as well, so be sure to check it out!

The One That Got AwayKaty Perry

Katy Perry – The One That Got Away (Official Music Video)

A deep regret over past love tightly grips the heart with a poignant ache.

It’s a song by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry.

Included on the classic 2010 album Teenage Dream, it became the sixth single from the record and started hitting big around October 2011, peaking at No.

3 in the U.S.

Looking back on the passionate days of youth, it sings of the sorrowful what-ifs—“What if I had made a different choice back then?” The tie-in video with the popular game The Sims 3: Showtime also drew attention.

Its story, where joyful memories intersect with a present sense of loss, will deeply resonate with anyone bearing the pain of heartbreak.

It’s recommended for nights when you want to quietly shed a tear alone.

Stay ft. Mikky EkkoRihanna

Rihanna – Stay ft. Mikky Ekko

How about a heart-shaking ballad in which Rihanna, the songstress from Barbados, lays bare her vulnerability? Featured on her 2012 album Unapologetic and released as a single the following year, it pairs her with American artist Mikky Ekko to sing of aching emotions over a simple arrangement of piano and sparse strings.

The song conveys the turmoil of wanting someone even while knowing the relationship may be falling apart, and the desperate wish for them to stay by your side.

Many will be moved to tears by her trembling vocals, so different from her usual strong persona.

The understated performance she delivered at the 2013 Grammy Awards in February also became a talking point.

It’s the perfect song to listen to on a night when you don’t want to see anyone—soak in the bath and let the quiet tears fall.

Talking To The MoonBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Talking To The Moon (Official Lyric Video)

The wistful piano melody and powerful vocals deeply stir the emotions buried in your heart.

It’s a song by Bruno Mars, a Hawaii-born singer-songwriter with worldwide acclaim.

It’s included on the classic 2010 album Doo-Wops & Hooligans.

In 2011, it was featured in the Brazilian TV drama Insensato Coração and set an astonishing record by holding the country’s top chart position for 22 consecutive weeks.

The lyrics convey a lonely, urgent longing—speaking to the moon about feelings that cannot reach a loved one far away.

Its melancholy melody and sincere vocals are the kind that gently stay with you on a night when you want to quietly shed tears alone.

Adore YouHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Adore You (Official Video)

Harry Styles, a member of One Direction who also enjoys worldwide popularity as a solo artist.

This track, included on his December 2019 album Fine Line, perfectly blends a ’70s-style groove with a contemporary pop sensibility.

The lyrics, which express deep love and devotion for another, gently stay close to a lonely heart and wrap it in warmth.

The song has been widely embraced in many contexts, including its inclusion in the game Just Dance 2021.

The music video—like a film set on a fictional island—is also a must-see.

Give it a listen on nights when you want someone to affirm you, or when you’d like to quietly let your emotions out and have a good cry.