Take a deep breath, grab some Kleenex, and prepare to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster by these sad chill songs that are sure to have you sobbing into your pillow.
Tinkling piano keys, velvety strings and celeste’s beautiful raspy crooning combine in this song about sorrowful memories that will never again be the same. A perfect slowcore tearjerker.
1. Labrinth & Billie Eilish – “Never Felt So Alone”
Tinkling piano keys, soft strings and subtly melancholic lyrics combine beautifully with Celeste’s beautifully raspy vocal to form this 2019 track about loss and why breakups hurt so much.
Radiohead surprised fans who thought they had reached their artistic peak with OK Computer three years later with Kid A, showing there were still vast depths of electronic melancholy to be explored – this song in particular (recorded at Dorchester Abbey) being one of them.
Euphoria fans have been patiently waiting over a year for the full release of this mesmerizing song from Rue’s special episode during season two, featuring Labrinth and Billie Eilish singing the track with its trippy beat about feeling lonely; its worth the wait; take a look at its accompanying video for even more emotion-inducing action! Euphoria truly creates stunning works of art like these that leave listeners speechless!
2. Adele – “Home”
Adele has made waves in music with her emotional vocals and traditional-inspired songwriting, becoming one of the top selling artists. When performing, Adele commands attention on stage – her London shows are like massive singalongs!
At times, her show can be marred by terrible backing vocals that appear on every upbeat track – squawking and constantly touching up to sound more theatrical than anything else. It’s unfortunate, since her beautiful voice could have been put to much better use. Still, she manages to connect with her audience by asking what they’re watching on Netflix or what special occasion is being celebrated by them; showing such human warmth on stage makes for an enjoyable performance experience.
3. Joni Mitchell – “Mother & Son”
Joni Mitchell’s songs unfold slowly like chapters from a book. Her melodies linger long in your memory as she explores subjects of isolation and alienation – as evidenced in her 1971 album Blue.
She became a highly esteemed artist, earning some popular hits like Big Yellow Taxi and Woodstock while amassing an extensive discography of classics. On Hejira and Mingus albums she further explored jazz improvisation by working closely with bassist Charles Mingus while drawing upon themes that transcended her personal experience.
Mitchell’s music has inspired numerous cover versions. For example, her song “Woodstock” has been covered by numerous artists such as Crosby Stills & Nash, Cat Power and Sarah McLachlan.
4. Etta James – “Stormy Weather”
Etta James had an extraordinary soul/R&B voice, making her one of the greatest soul singers ever recorded. From her first album At Last! she wowed us with tracks like A Sunday Kind of Love, Stormy Weather and I Just Want to Make Love To You; these now become iconic tracks associated with her career.
The album opens with “Title Track”, featuring a slow jazz arrangement with standup bass and shivering strings, before Etta’s vocals fill with emotion and power to convey her regret over an incomplete relationship. Since its original release it has been covered by many artists such as Swedish DJ Avicii on his chart-topping single “Levels”.
5. Adele – “Stay With Me”
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins MBE is an English singer-songwriter-musician known for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and emotive songwriting. A highly respected live performer, she has won 16 Grammy awards – she is widely revered.
She first achieved fame through the release of her 2008 debut album 19, which became a smashing success and garnered comparisons to Amy Winehouse. Her fluid phrasing and subtle arrangements gave her music wide-reaching appeal.
In 2011, she released 21 which featured more eclectic songs inspired by her experiences with love. The hit singles Rolling in the Deep and Someone Like You both came from this album; moreover, in 2015 she issued 25 which was an emotionally candid work in which many tracks addressed her divorce proceedings. Recently in 2021 she released her fourth studio album 30 to rave reviews from critics.
6. Labrinth & Billie Eilish – “Never Felt So Alone”
Basildon synthpop superstars The Basildon Synthpop Stars can often be criticized for being too focused on sleaze in their music; but on this track from ‘Violator’ Damon Albarn switches into sensitive mode for an emotional look at ending relationships that remains relevant today. The result is a sad song which still sounds current.
Celeste’s soothing piano keys, velvety strings and melancholic lyrics serve as a poignant reminder of just how difficult breakups are. While it was popular as is, its success increased exponentially when Oscar Isaac’s character from Inside Llewyn Davis utilized it in their movie adaptation.
Trip hop was an indelibly sad soundtrack in the ’90s, with this haunting rework of an old Portishead track standing out among its peers. Sinead O’Connor’s haunted vocals gave the tune an undeniable sense of loss that brought solace from within its four corners.
7. Celeste – “Strange”
Celeste stands out on her debut album with an emotive yet melancholic single that stands out. Critics have likened Celeste’s voice to Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin; yet her compositional techniques demonstrate she stands apart as an individual artist.
Other singles on the album don’t quite reach the heights of ‘Strange,’ yet are nonetheless impressive. String instruments provide depth to songs like ‘Ideal Woman’ and ‘Tonight Tonight, showcasing her range.
This album is a hauntingly beautiful depiction of heartbreak, loss and nostalgia. Close your eyes and be transported back in time to smoky jazz bars, empty sidewalks and cozy coffee shops where her voice merges seamlessly into every note – undoubtedly making an impactful debut with her Ad-supported track “A Little Love.” However there are other gems on here as memorable too – be sure to listen out for all those unforgettable melodies as well!
8. Radiohead – “Ghosts”
Radiohead are an English rock band formed in 1985 with frontman Thom Yorke on vocals, guitar, piano and keyboards; brothers Jonny Greenwood (guitar, electronics) and Colin Greenwood (bass); as well as guitarist Ed O’Brien. They are widely recognized for pioneering alternative rock. Their experimental approach has helped advance its sound.
Creep (1992), Pablo Honey (1993), and The Bends (1995) proved their breakthrough, followed by Kid A (2000) which showcased their diverse musical influences including electronica, jazz, classical music, and krautrock.
Radiohead released their groundbreaking album OK Computer in 1997 to rave reviews around the globe and is widely considered one of the greatest works in music history. As its 20th anniversary approaches, Radiohead have recalled working on it in a haunted house where band members slept – St Catherine’s Court being an eleventh century English mansion that once belonged to Jane Seymour whose history includes various supernatural happenings and many tales of ghostly encounters!
9. Otis Redding – “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”
This haunting cover of Jimmy Webb’s country hit is an emotional reminder of loss – whether that means parting ways with loved ones or memories, this poignant song captures the agony of moving forward while holding onto memories of what once was.
Redding’s powerful voice was enough to break hearts as Booker T & the MGs supported this heart-wrenching folk melodrama, providing Redding with one last powerful song before his passing.
Although dance-pop troupe Saint Etienne may have outshone Redding’s original version, their catchier rendition has outdone it in terms of popularity. The timeless melody and lyrics make an indelible mark, leading to numerous covers by everyone from Natalie Imbruglia to Psychic TV – truly classic!
10. Dolly Parton – “Always Alone”
Dolly Parton is an iconic figure in country music who commands audiences whenever she performs, as an accomplished instrumentalist and film actress with an affinity for scene stealing. Additionally, she successfully built Dollywood theme park into one of Tennessee’s premier attractions with her business acumen and leadership abilities.
She’s known as an artist who seeks to please audiences rather than spark debate on divisive political topics and tackle taboo subjects that would place other artists in difficult positions. Due to this approach, many have labeled her Backwoods Barbie; yet her music never succumbs to cheesey sentimentality.
Like her best work, this song conveys hope in redemption with the conviction of a true storyteller. A choir backing vocal and Junior Vasquez’s soaring house drums provide a lush backdrop for her Cat Stevens-penned lyrics; adding a touch of gospel into this acoustic country ballad.