From classic ballads to rock anthems, no genre is exempt from being affected by great sad songs. From heartbreak of romance ended abruptly to devastating loss, these tunes have seen it all and remain timeless.
This song’s narrative finds the singer yearning for her lover to return and rebuild what they once shared together, complete with an emotive hook and subtle organ work by Booker T – it is truly heart-wrenching!
Paul Simon’s ‘The Great American Novel’
Paul Simon was an artist renowned for blending words and music in ways that were both entertaining and enriching, finding new ways to blend words with music while maintaining his signature sound. In 2000, he released You’re the One, an album which blended folk-pop writing with foreign musical sounds such as grooves from North Africa – becoming both critical and commercial successes, reaching the top 20 albums both in America and Britain.
On his next album, So Beautiful or So What, Simon returned to more traditional songwriting. Enlisting Brian Eno as producer, and focusing on conveying emotion through lyrics as an outlet.
The album explores themes such as mortality, divorce, NYC paranoia and runaway slaves; yet somehow finds light at the end of the tunnel due to Simon’s beautiful vocal tones and delicate acoustic guitar lines complemented by an assortment of tuned and untuned percussion instruments, keyboards flutes bass harmonicas violins and charangos (a South American super ukulele).
The only real blemish on this album is a particularly off-putting Jamaican accent in “Mother and Child Reunion,” an nauseating reggae number about finding hope in reunion after death of parents and children. Overall, though, this album provides a brilliant Kodachrome of an extraordinary artist at work.
The Cranberries’ ‘Enjoy the Silence’
Dolores O’Riordan of Irish band The Cranberries was a shock to music world when she passed away earlier this month. O’Riordan rose to fame during the early 90s due to her powerful singing voice and emotive lyrics, becoming one of the biggest acts before going on hiatus in 2004.
Their 1994 single, Zombie was inspired by Northern Irish conflicts during this turbulent era and specifically an attack set off by IRA in Warrington that killed two children. Its poignant message of violence and sorrow resonated strongly worldwide and remains one of their most revered songs today.
The song features an instantly recognizable chorus, while its band harmonies are exquisite. The track has also been covered by numerous artists – most notably by Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda on his 2004 remix of it; French First Lady Carla Bruni used this track as background music in her 2017 movie Chungking Express; while another version appeared recently on HBO’s award-winning television show Derry Girls!
The Cure’s ‘Ashes to Ashes’
Originating in 1983, this song rose to fame due to its inclusion in British television show Doctor Who. The tune played during Series 3, Episode 3’s opening titles – it has since become one of its most recognizable songs from that show and can also be heard on other compilation albums from that era.
CANDLEMASS have experienced remarkable success since first emerging as a small band in a war-ravaged nation, quickly rising from being unheralded musicians with little hope of success to becoming the biggest metal act in their homeland and an essential presence within European doom metal. After three albums and numerous line up changes, their sixth effort Ashes for Happiness should propel them even further towards greatness.
This album brings back some of their slower doom past, mixing it with more progressive psychedelic elements of their music. Acoustic atmospheres highlighted by Vibeke Stene’s seductive vocals combine with harsh and clean vocals from Alex Turner as well as dark synth sounds for an intriguing mix that should please both old and new fans alike. Production wise, moodier production techniques such as switching smoothly between open chords and palm muting techniques add another level of charm that should keep everyone interested.
Wendy Rene’s ‘I Can’t Help Myself’
Born Mary Frierson, soul singer Wendy Rene gained national renown as one of Stax Records’ homegrown talents during the ’60s. She attained fame after auditioning with gospel group the Drapels before Stax co-owner Jim Stewart auditioned them, leading to them receiving a recording contract and eventually two separate contracts; Rene eventually become known solely by performing her popular ballad “After Laughter Comes Tears.”
Released in 1964, this song addresses the inevitable breakdown of romantic relationships. With its straightforward approach and timeless message, its message remains relevant for those experiencing their loss of someone dear.
Listening to Rene’s original is sure to draw your attention with its mesmerizing strings and emotive vocals, drawing listeners in. But modern artists have also remixed her work to suit their own sound and aesthetic – Wu-Tang Clan made it their own by using synthesizer notes at the beginning to lay down a beat while looping Rene’s chorus into their verses and tell personal stories through it all.
The Clash’s ‘Have You Ever Seen Me Without My Hat?’
On the second night of their Combat Rock shows at Austin’s Armadillo World Headquarters, The Clash arrived early to scout for opening bands – an inspired move which won them great respect from audiences. Instead of booking Double Trouble (whose performances had been eclipsed by Stevie Ray Vaughan the night prior), they made a shrewd choice by selecting local blues band Bobby Fuller Four instead. Their explosive combustion transformed these shows into holy rock & roller tent revival gatherings; seemingly understanding real world politics unlike political punk bands like Sex Pistols.
This show can be found on vinyl from The Clash Box.
The Who’s ‘Another Day in Paradise’
Phil Collins made this list due to his signature drum breaks that often accompany viral videos. In addition, he was an excellent singer-songwriter; producing this song with Hugh Padgham for Billboard Hot 100 Number-one chart and major international success; it portrayed Phil crossing the street to avoid homeless woman; encouraging listeners not to turn a blind eye and take action instead of turning away.
Collins was inspired to write the song by an experience he had while recording it in London, when he came across a homeless mother with children who begged for money from him and did not stop or give any donations to her. According to him, this experience led him to act just as the character from the song does and not stop or give anything.
This song quickly rose to become the first number-one single of the 90s, garnering both Grammy Award and Brit Award honors as Record of the Year, plus being listed 86 on Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All Time list for 2009. Multiple singers have since covered this track including Brandy and Ray J.
Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’
This song is a piano ballad that builds into something strikingly emotive. Like most Coldplay songs, this one deals with romantic longing for someone – usually female – while Martin delivers his lyrics like an imitation of Jeff Buckley with high-pitched quavers that provide emotional depth to the song.
Coldplay released “The Scientist,” their second single from their 2002 album A Rush of Blood to the Head, as the second single. Written collaboratively by all members, it’s an emotionally charged song about human love that conveys power and beauty in equal measures. Corinne Bailey Rae covered this track for Fifty Shades Darker film franchise in 2017, adding full orchestral and choir backing that truly amps up its majesty and makes this track one of Coldplay’s signature tunes.
Coldplay made an assured leap forward with A Rush of Blood to the Head, marking their glossy, arms-wide uplift in 2002 when mainstream rock music was in a strange spot (post-grunge waning and nu metal faded into obscurity). Coldplay understood their audience well and delivered an astounding masterpiece; one with its unparalleled aural clarity and artfully utilized reverb that remains one of the most confident rock albums of this century.