Music can be an incredible force of good; it can uphold, encourage and uplift us – but it can also leave us crying our eyes out!
Olivia Rodrigo’s racecar power ballad “Drivers License” and Lauren Spencer-Smith’s viral breakup anthem which took over TikTok are just two examples of artists creating deeply emotive songs about personal pain that resonate deeply.
Conan Gray
Conan Gray epitomizes post-adolescent heroism through his music. His songs explore lovelorn angst as well as new romance, with Superache his latest release offering songs with powerful imagery and emotional depth. A Texas native himself, 23-year-old Conan built his audience through YouTube channels like his personal blog which contain confessional lyrics written like diary entries.
After his set ended, the crowd demanded an encore; Gray returned to the stage and performed “Memories,” his biggest commercial hit from his album. This song perfectly conveys the hopelessness associated with unrequited love – making for an emotionally charged closer. Gray took considerable risks vocally onstage by belting higher notes than in his recordings.
Gray shared his personal journey of becoming lost while searching for someone else’s idea of an ideal romantic partnership, before explaining that he needed to learn to love himself first in order to fully give himself to anyone else. Gray utilized a large box on stage that opened at various points throughout the evening in order to simulate various settings including bedrooms with posters and books adorning walls.
Faouzia
Faouzia (fouiy), is a Moroccan-Canadian singer who relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her musical dream. As evidence of her talent, her performance of this heartbreaking family song stands as proof. Furthermore, her songs go viral for their relatability on TikTok; make sure you give this tune a listen — you won’t regret it! She has such an enchanting voice; listen closely if possible as soon as the first note hits! Composed by Azad Omar of Fouzia
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes began his singing-songwriter career by posting cover videos to Vine. Soon thereafter, his short six-second renditions of popular songs garnered him an enormous following and eventually led him to signing with Island Records in January 2014. Since then he has released three albums while garnering several awards.
TikTok was abuzz with this song for months, inspiring other songwriters to craft original versions that combined its chorus with their own words. This track explores one of the most heartbreaking aspects of an end relationship–watching someone else find their “better version.”
Renee Rapp, a Broadway veteran and composer of this song that will make you weepy, was inspired both by Matilda and someone in her own family who struggled with an abusive environment. Her lyrics will leave you in tears but also her incredible vulnerability will strike a chord within you.
Joshua Bassett
Joshua Bassett is an emerging singer-songwriter with an intimate and melancholic sound that strikes a deep chord with fans. His intimate, melancholic music provides fans with a safe outlet for expressing feelings and experiences, creating an outlet that they feel empowered to do so through. Joshua has perfected his craft over the years with numerous EPs and single releases highlighting both musical growth and talent; “Sad Songs in a Hotel Room” being his latest powerful artistic vision that showcased both vulnerability and artistic vision.
At the Boston Boch Center Wang Theatre, Bassett’s concert was sold-out, showing his immense popularity among audiences. He delivered an outstanding performance, captivating them with his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence, delighting them with fan favorites such as “Lie, Lie Lie,” “Feel Something,” and “Doppelgnger.” Songs ranged in style from energetic pop hits to emotional introspective ballads showcasing Bassett’s range as an artist.
In 2021, Bassett ignited romance rumors when she and Sabrina Carpenter appeared together in Carpenter’s music video for her song “Driver’s License.” Although neither have confirmed their romance yet, they have been seen together at public events and show mutual support of each other’s careers; additionally they often collaborate on TikTok and are stars in several musical theatre productions together.
Lauren Spencer-Smith
After making her mark on “American Idol 2021,” Lauren Spencer-Smith earned widespread acclaim with her emotional ballad “Fingers Crossed”. It captured the same universal teenage heartbreak felt by Taylor Swift, Debbie Gibson and lovesick girl groups from the ’60s era.
Spencer-Smith dazzles audiences with her emotive and powerfully emotional lyrics that address toxic relationships, best friend breakups, and finding strength through pain. Not shy to be candid and share insecurities when necessary or laugh inappropriately when necessary – that may explain why she has amassed over one billion global artist streams worldwide.
Spencer-Smith has earned her place among this year’s contenders for a best new artist nomination at this year’s Grammys, according to Lenny Beer of music trade publication Hits. A Grammy nomination would help solidify her career while simultaneously persuading those from her small-town home who once dismissed her dreams of becoming a pop star of becoming one. According to Beer: “[A Grammy nomination] increases credibility while simultaneously expanding reach; that is a win-win proposition in an age of streaming-accelerated hits!”
Renee Rapp
Renee Rapp has quickly made her mark in entertainment. From her Broadway musical production of Mean Girls to playing Leighton Murray on The Sex Lives of College Girls, Rapp has established herself in both television and theater – not forgetting her musical career; Snow Angel is her debut album that explores all that comes with being in your twenties.
Personal reflection: she confronts heartbreak and addiction with an incredible raw honesty. The lyrics complement powerful productions and orchestrations, while “Willow,” an ode to her young self’s struggle of letting go, illustrates this theme perfectly.
“Pretty Girls” captures another relatable experience. Rapp exposes toxic relationships through her lyrics and production, portraying these people in an honest yet strikingly candid fashion.
Harry Styles
Harry Styles has long been known for expressing emotion through music. On this track, the British singer reflects upon an affair that ended poorly. His powerful vocals create an emotionally charged environment which allows listeners to empathize with his tale of woe.
The song’s emotive lyrics vividly convey his anxiety over taking on new creative projects after an unhappy love affair ended, as well as its influence on subsequent projects like his debut film Dunkirk and Harry’s House.
Styles first gained recognition through his time with boy band One Direction; since then he has proven that he is an indomitable force as a solo musician. His genre-bending songs and albums showcase his skill at writing and performing which have garnered him many accolades over time. Furthermore, Styles has ventured into film acting; having appeared in several movies such as Don’t Worry Darling alongside Olivia Wilde.