Music can be an incredible medium for communicating emotion. A poignant melody constructed around intimate memories can touch listeners deeply.
No matter the circumstances of your relationship problems or heartache, music can offer comforting relief in many situations. From romantic comebacks to processing heartbreak, there are many great songs out there to choose from that offer relief and can serve as therapy.
1. It’s All Over Now
No matter the situation, whether it is trying to reignite an old flame or dealing with quarantine-related distance drama, chances are your heart may be hurting from something. Take solace from one of these powerful yet poignant love songs and find relief from these emotional strains.
This soulful song first recorded by The Valentinos and Bobby Womack reached #94 on the Billboard Hot 100 before being covered by The Rolling Stones as their debut chart hit of 2016. Their version became an immediate charting hit that set up their subsequent hit “Spoonful”.
Martina McBride recorded this country classic for her 1985 archiveal album Rich Kid Blues. Her version is haunting, conjuring up images of haunted clubs, boarded up windows, and harsh morning hangovers.
Joni Mitchell’s version of this elegiac folk ballad is an ode to shifting perspectives, making it the ideal track for those uncertain where their relationship stands but who want to remain open-minded towards new experiences. Her delicate vocals soar across an understated piano part.
2. Let It Go
Sometimes it can be extremely hard to part ways with someone you love, and this Dylan song serves as a poignant reminder that love doesn’t always last and that it is okay if something no longer brings joy in life.
Sometimes people don’t recognize what they have until it is no longer there, which is exactly the theme of this 1960s classic film. It follows someone whose love has left them and how difficult it can be to accept that they won’t return.
This song is perfect for anyone who has recently been dumped and is having difficulty moving on from it. Its haunting piano ballad will break your heart even further; therefore it makes a wonderful accompaniment while relaxing alone at home or when feeling sad.
When you’re going through a breakup, this song can help. Broadway star Renee Rapp sings about missing her former lover on this powerful love track that will have you crying no matter the occasion or your mood.
3. I Will Always Love You
Dolly Parton created one of the most iconic country love songs ever with “This Is What Love Means to Me.” Her 1974 version became an international success, topping charts around the globe and becoming the best-selling single of 1974; contributing to make the Bodyguard soundtrack one of the best-selling of all time. Fans and singers of all genres continue to love singing her rendition today.
Parton’s version of “You Will Find Love Again” is undeniably beautiful, yet she uses it to explore something much deeper than romance. She wrote it as an emotional farewell song for Porter Wagoner when he left the show that had launched her career – an emotional decision for both parties that caused some understandable resentment; yet through song, Parton and Wagoner managed to remain friends after parting ways.
Parton’s rendition is characterized by softness and intimacy that’s almost unnervingly intimate, while Houston’s is completely different, featuring dramatic builds ups with powerful vocals that soar effortlessly atop music producer David Foster’s production. Vocal coach Yvie Burnett calls Houston’s rendition “a masterpiece”.
Its popularity and longevity have made the song an icon for romantic love and friendship alike, inspiring numerous other artists to cover it, with even infamous figures like Saddam Hussein using an Arabic version for his reelection campaign!
While its lyrics appear simple at first glance, this song conveys an important message about true and lasting love which anyone who listens can appreciate. It serves as a powerful reminder that there’s nothing greater in life than authentic relationships and meaningful love.
4. The One I Love
Heartbreak can be devastating. And this song beautifully expresses that feeling. A breathtaking ballad with lyrics that will have you reaching for tissues to soothe away the tears; Britney makes her voice sound even more heart-wrenching with its haunting effects on vocals. Listening to it when feeling low serves as a great reminder that they will always remain part of your life, no matter where life may lead us all.
No list of sad love songs would be complete without at least one track from the ’90s, featuring Toni Braxton singing of her persistent memories of an ex and her plea to him to undo any damage done is pure poetry.
R.E.M is known for their outstanding songs from the 90s, such as this heartbreaking track from them. Their lyrics speak about loving someone but knowing they cannot commit and will instead serve only as temporary props until personal growth can occur.
If you’re in need of some soulful music that will leave you feeling even sadder, check out R.E.M’s album Sad Love Songs. Not only will this amazing collection give you all the feels but it will help remind you why letting go is sometimes good and who wouldn’t enjoy listening to such sad songs?
5. Goodbye
If you’re feeling down and in need of emotional support, a sad song may help. Studies have demonstrated that music with lyrics tailored specifically to match your mood can have an enormously therapeutic effect, similar to how having an empathic friend would. Your brain may connect with its characters as it seeks meaning within what’s happening around it.
This beautiful pop song explores leaving behind the love that’s not meant to be. The narrator in this track acknowledges she must move on after their relationship has ended, yet is holding onto fond memories they shared together.
Though this song may be on the slower side, it still offers a moving tale about leaving someone after experiencing heartache. While recognizing their duty to themselves, they hope one day to meet again and be together.
Anytime someone needs to say goodbye, this song can speak directly to them. The narrator in this track finds comfort knowing their previous relationship wasn’t right for them and finds peace within themselves after realizing the one they had wasn’t meant for them. The tempo of this tune makes it ideal for anyone trying to come to terms with a breakup.
This rock song is an indispensable addition to any playlist of songs about breakup. The narrator in this tune is moving forward from an abusive relationship, complete with lies and hurtful accusations; they want a fresh start with someone new; however they’re uncertain whether their ex will accept what the truth holds for them.