Anybody who’s experienced the heartache of a breakup knows it can be difficult to move on after losing that special someone, yet music can provide comforting relief from these emotional feelings.
Research indicates that slow, melancholic melodies possess high aesthetic value and may serve as an effective form of self-regulation. Listening to them may also act as a catharsis by helping us experience and release emotions freely.
1. Tellier
Any music lover knows there’s an ideal playlist for every situation: workout music, party tunes or sad songs are always available as solutions to help with emotional wellbeing. And it seems this year has provided plenty of fodder for musicians around the globe to compose heartbreaking and emotionally charged new sad songs.
Sebastien Tellier is an internationally acclaimed master of silky electro-pop with an elegant cinematic flair. He first rose to prominence in 2004 after his sultry chanson-pop track ‘La Ritournelle’ was picked up by chill-pop icons Air and signed to their Record Makers label. Since then he has explored many genres and styles ranging from sensual French house music, Brazilian rhythms and grandiose cinematic compositions worthy of Sofia Coppola’s films.
Tellier’s style may be difficult to pinpoint, yet he does possess an extraordinary talent for creating exquisitely beautiful yet imaginative songs that transport listeners on an imaginative musical journey. His vocal range ranges from warm and charming to powerful when performing live, often switching between French and English as he does so (recalling Joaquin Phoenix in terms of their singing styles) while his unmistakably bold hairy beard and mesmerising gaze make him an unstoppable force on stage.
2. Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight and the Pips remain one of the greatest soul acts ever to grace music history, known for their powerful lead vocals and silky smooth harmonies that helped them conquer charts with multiple hit songs worldwide. Their music continues to connect people from across cultures around the globe and remains a touchstone for generations yet to come.
One of their greatest hits was “Midnight Train to Georgia”, an iconic soul music hit which tells the tale of a woman leaving everything she knows to follow her man across country lines and beyond. Boasting an exquisite melody and lyrics, “Midnight Train To Georgia” should be required listening for any soul music enthusiast.
“Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).” This song tells of a couple who discover they no longer make an ideal pair and decides to part ways, with an emotional vocal hook making this perfect for anyone experiencing relationship breakdown.
Gladys Knight is an esteemed singer-actress with an extensive music career. She made her first performance at Mount Mariah Baptist Church in Atlanta at four years old before winning Ted Mack’s original Amateur Hour competition at eight. Since 1996 she has been honored by being honored with membership of both Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as an induction onto Hollywood Walk of Fame; additionally she has appeared in movies and TV shows.
3. The Shangri-Las
The Shangri-Las were well known for creating heartbreak-inducing pop teen drama in the ’60s with their string of doomed romances and motorbike accidents that featured prominently. Perhaps their most haunting song was this poignant ballad, set to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata by Mary Weiss’ stunning vocals which capture all the emotion associated with losing someone close. Coupled with slow melodies and sparse instrumentation this track remains powerfully moving long after listening has stopped.
Following several less-than-successful singles by The Shangri-Las, George “Shadow” Morton wrote and produced one of their more bizarre pop hits ever. Composed solely of spoken narrative over lush near classical music, Weiss’ dramatic monologue conveyed both heartache and helplessness; an unusual combination that somehow worked.
No matter if it is dealing with a breakup or simply feeling down in general, music can always help! Listening to tracks by Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, Phoebe Bridgers and Harry Styles may bring up feelings that you need help processing! Make sure you keep a box of tissues close by (or use some from those used up already!) but these sad songs are great ways to explore all emotions!
4. Ol’ Dec
Shawn Mendes’ tearjerker about his real-life split from Camila Cabello to a viral breakup anthem on TikTok for months are among this year’s tearjerkers, which perfectly capture the feelings of loss, loneliness and unrequited love that we often feel. These sad songs may bring tears to your eyes but it is okay – feel free to cry away your emotions with us!
Corrido music from Mexico will leave you in tears; British singer Jill Scott can get you bobbing your head with its soft melodies as they bring on an emotionally poignant performance. Regional Mexican acts Junior H and Eslabon Armado have dominated charts this year with emotional lyrics about pain, sorrow and struggle – often called sad sierreno by fans – powered by traditional acoustic guitars such as bajo sexto and requinto for an achingly melanconic sound.
Townes Van Zandt is known for penning some of country music’s most heartbreaking ballads. From outlaw tragedy of ‘Pancho and Lefty’ to folksy melodrama like ‘Tecumseh Valley’, his lyrics encapsulate America’s most poignant stories of loss, struggle and heartache – such as tearjerker “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, featuring Otis Redding’s soulful rendition.
5. Young
No matter your emotional state – from grieving over lost loves or global issues to simply going through some rough patches – giving into your emotions is never wrong. Our favorite artists have created some amazing sad songs to help ease any difficulties you’re going through this year, so grab some Kleenex and a big glass of water and allow these sob-inducing tunes take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
No list of music sad 2021 would be complete without this iconic TikTok hit, which made an indelible impactful statement in terms of both emotion and popularity. Written and produced by Basildon synthpop superstars Giveon, Montell Fish’s song explores one of the most heartbreaking aspects of breakup: watching your ex find solace in another dream that was once shared.
Adele is known for crafting stunning heartbreak ballads. Her classic hit “When Your Ex Leaves You Behind” perfectly conveys the pain associated with seeing an ex move on with someone else – no matter if it’s just you listening or an entire roomful! – and will leave you wiping tears from your eyes in no time at all.
6. The Beatles
The Beatles, one of the world’s most beloved bands of their era and throughout history, have become synonymous with pop and rock. But their legacy also bears some sadness; even non-fans know of their tragic end and Have you seen Get Back yet? the grainy documentary that chronicled its final days feels like the end of an adventure.
1965’s In My Life by the group showcased their ability to be both sad and reflective. Boasting simple acoustic instrumentation and beautiful lyrics, this ode to love was melancholic yet nostalgic, the sound of acoustic guitars and strings contributing an extra powerful element that brought out their strength as musicians.
While The Beatles are well known for their melancholic ballads, they also excelled at blues. John Lennon was renowned for being a spiritual rebel who associated himself with literary and artistic radicals – so much so that his unexpected gunshot death in 1980 sent shockwaves through society.
The original stereo mix of this song features Ringo’s tambourine during each chorus. Furthermore, unlike its mono counterpart, this version contains George’s guitar phrases at the end of each verse – evidence of Ringo’s significant contribution to The Beatles as an important drummer and testament to how essential his presence was in creating their sound.