Prepare to weep as these songs about heartbreak make you cry! Get some Kleenex handy.
Music researchers suggest that vicarious emotion, or the sensation of experiencing someone else’s emotions without actually experiencing them directly, may be one of the key reasons we enjoy listening to sad music. Some examples include Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, and PVRIS.
1. Billie Joe Armstrong’s “October 1st”
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong takes offense when people prank call him telling him it’s October 1 and telling him to wake up. Their song about his father’s passing makes this song particularly personal for him and it would not be fair or right to mock or taunt him for something that wasn’t his responsibility. He has gone on record saying such actions do not constitute “acceptable treatment”.
Composer Cliff Masterson manages to capture vivid emotions on such an epic scale with this song written for string orchestra by following all the conventions of musical melancholy: slow and deliberate tempos and chords within a tight range are typical hallmarks of musical melancholy that provide a captivating listen. Natalie Imbruglia, Corrs, Psychic TV have all covered it but none can rival Otis Redding when it comes to this performance of pure emotion.
2. Inside Llewyn Davis’ “Sleepy Time”
This song’s combination of acoustic strumming, synth drones and Thom Yorke’s haunting baritone makes it sound like the audio documentation of a post-OK Computer mental breakdown. This track speaks about how insanity and depression can sneak up on even those who believe themselves strong.
Anyone who’s ever experienced the agony of heartbreak will recognize this song’s slow, methodical relationship post mortem. Gladys Knight’s melancholia-laced vocal gives this track more depth than its typical teenage breakup ballad counterparts.
Researchers suggest that people may enjoy sad music for similar reasons as why they enjoy an empathic conversation – that feeling of connecting to an emotionally charged experience. But why can songs do this so well? Health consulted experts for insight.
3. Adele’s “Skyfall”
A song filled with emotion and power, this one tells the tale of a woman leaving her lover behind. With its intricate lyrics and haunting music, this track has been described as perfect theme music for films – not to mention that Adele shows off her powerful vocal range without overexertion.
This moody and slow song captures that exact feeling when heartbreak has you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. A classic for when it’s time to let out all your feelings – even if that means having a big cry session!
4. Billie Joe Armstrong’s “Frosty”
For anyone devoted to contemporary emo and pop punk music, The Maine are an unmissable staple. Boasting their clever name and annual Sad Summer Festival, their songs reverberate across venues nationwide where young fans don bright pink and black clothing as amplified mosh-pop riffs shatter the air with infectious energy.
The band’s self-titled debut was an enormous success, while their follow up album ‘Dookie’ expanded upon their underground sound to reach a wider audience. One of their most striking songs, ‘Welcome To Paradise,’ chronicles Billie Joe Armstrong’s experience leaving home as a teenager to live in West Oakland neighborhood where hopes and dreams die; an experience which proved tremendously difficult and is captured vividly through lyrics that bring to mind its intensity; its orchestral arrangement adds further crushing despair into the mix.
5. Inside Llewyn Davis’ “In the Dark”
As shown by the Coen brothers’ film, Llewyn Davis is an extremely discontented individual. His interactions with others annoy them (including his own musical partner who commits suicide), he cannot afford a coat and lives off of friends’ generosity – all which contribute to making him miserable.
This heartbreaking track from the film’s soundtrack stands out. Dolly’s smoky voice epitomises lived-in melancholy while remaining pragmatic.
Townes Van Zandt’s country music has long been considered melancholic, and this devastating ballad from Townes Van Zandt certainly falls into that category. A tragic tale of loss and despair comes to life through Sinead O’Connor’s powerful rendition – her emotive vocals combined with layers of weeping synth strings make this track the musical equivalent of an emotional therapy session.
6. Adele’s “Why?”
Adele’s songwriting can elicit strong emotional responses in listeners. Her hoarse voice may not sound convincing at times, but its delivery conveys emotion and character as few others can do.
This song’s soaring melody and moving lyricism make for an extraordinary listening experience, conveying both heartbreak and hope in equal measures, sure to move you and bring tears.
This song has become one of the most iconic in music history. So iconic was its effect that it inspired a Saturday Night Live skit where coworkers come together and play along together – perfect for exploring collective emotion and mood as well as inspiring nations! Even today people still speak of its effect.
7. Billie Joe Armstrong’s “Memories”
With its nostalgic string arrangement and longing piano keys, this song expresses nostalgia for times past while acknowledging that some things will never be the same again. Furthermore, this track expresses heartache associated with love and loss.
Damon Albarn unleashed his sensitive side for this tune, deviating from his usual bravado for a meaningful look at relationship endings and providing us with an affecting track that’s frequently played at graduations and weddings.
Nimrod was their follow-up album after Dookie, and this track speaks about watching someone you care for move on without you and accepting that they must find happiness without you. Additionally, this song discusses that moment when it becomes clear that this could possibly be your last opportunity to see them ever again.
8. Billie Joe Armstrong’s “Stay With Me”
Jimmy Webb’s tearjerker “To the Moon and Back”, made famous by Glen Campbell and later covered by velvet-voiced Isaac Hayes, is an operatic tale of heartache on an epic scale, complete with strings and horns swell to accompany soaring vocals from its narrator.
Pheobe Bridgers captures an aching sense of loss with this emotive song, written after her relationship was severed due to drugs and alcohol. She wonders whether she will ever be able to move past their time together.
Mac DeMarco’s entire new album is full of emotive songs that pull at our heartstrings and this track is no different. A haunting keyboard melody, soft strings and raspy yet tender vocal tell a tale of love lost and hope of finding another soulmate; melancholy has never sounded so beautiful!
9. Inside Llewyn Davis’ “Between the Lines”
The Coen Brothers are masters at creating musical melancholy, and this movie’s soundtrack showcases this skill with Sam Cooke’s civil rights gospel message drowned under widescreen orchestral despair as an unforgettable reminder of life’s inevitable cycle.
Owen Ashworth’s project specializes in depictions of millennial misery reminiscent of Girls without any humor, with vocals that sound too worn-out for suicide over 8-bit keyboard beats. But he also creates melodies on the more tragic side of twee.
Mac DeMarco’s instrumental album may not feature vocals, but his melancholic soundscapes still manage to move listeners. His latest is about mourning the death of a family member with violins that soar in heartbreaking sorrow; enough to leave you feeling as though life has suddenly taken an unfair turn for you.
10. Billie Joe Armstrong’s “Farewell”
No matter your circumstance – quarantine-related long distance drama, or simply trying to cope with loneliness – nothing beats an enjoyable cry session and nothing tops Etta James for providing the right soundtrack to vent out your feelings. Her emotive ballads provide the ideal environment for venting.
Damon Albarn turned introspective for this one, going beyond his typically forthright approach to exploring the end of a relationship. With an airy melody resonant of lullabies and heartbreaking sadness, the song earned Platinum certification from RIAA; an honor fitting of such an emotional farewell.