Sad songs can serve as powerful anthems of sorrow and loss. Their melodic strain can instantly put us in an emotive mood while making tears well up in our eyes.
Human voices were found to be the most frequently used means of conveying sadness, followed by piano and violin. Below you can find a selection of notable sad songs:
1. Beyonce – I’d Rather Go Blind
Beyonce’s feminist anthem album Lemonade features this striking track as its opening single, and its powerful lyrics serve as a call for women everywhere to live their own truth and resist societal expectations. Additionally, its bluesy rock sound and assertive lyrics demonstrate Beyonce’s evolution as an artist who dares to push boundaries while confronting social issues through music.
Beyonce’s 2011 video for Countdown stands out as one of her most memorable and iconic clips to date. In it, Beyonce plays Yonce, her sexy alter ego who prefers Brooklyn and grilling while “being the hottest girl in the club”. This clip also pays homage to classic cinema by including clips from Funny Face, Twiggy and Dreamgirls movies in its reference list and brings together top fashion models like Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, and Joan Smalls as video dancers!
Beyonce explores Black Southern culture through this clip, including traditions such as stepping, second lines, wig shops, crawfish festivals, cotillions, traditional courtship and burial rituals as well as her devotion to her daughter Blue Ivy as part of this tribute to Black beauty.
2. Sam Smith – Too Good At Goodbyes
Sam Smith is known for creating emotive ballads, as evidenced by his new track “Too Good At Goodbyes”. After an extended hiatus from music scene activity – nearly two years to be exact – the British crooner is back and better than ever, re-releasing Oscar-winning James Bond theme song from Spectre as well as gospel anthem “Unholy”.
“Too Good at Goodbyes”, is an intimate ballad that showcases Smith’s vocal gymnastics. It marks a more subdued and mature effort than his 2014 release In The Lonely Hour, wherein he assumed an overbearing pop star role; this new track exudes genuine vulnerability which made him such a worldwide star to begin with.
Though this record features more authentic tones, it still features the familiar Sam Smith sound. The song remains grand and weepy with its high falsetto vocals; though this song could have great potential it feels overdone and too safe. Additionally, Smith never pushes his vocal range as far which would have given this single more substance.
3. Sia – Breathe Me
Sia’s “Breathe Me” is an emotional song that speaks of feeling anxious and overwhelmed, first released as the second single from her album Colour the Small One in 2004 and later featured prominently on alternative radio stations as well as being featured prominently in the series finale of Six Feet Under. Written on the night she attempted suicide, Sia has stated that this song expresses her need for support as it represents her struggle with depression and self-harm; furthermore it makes for great background music when depicting sadness, tragedy or death related scenes! Downloaded royalty free sad music MP3 download available here for use in projects relating to sadness, tragedy or death themed scenes!
4. Christina Aguilera – I Will Always Love You
Christina Aguilera released this powerful song as an anthem of empowerment following her hit single, “Dirty”. The message behind this track was truly powerful; people could relate to its message in many different ways.
Aguilera is well known for her powerful belting voice and it shows in this track. The use of rocky soul to enhance this song gives it greater meaning, particularly as an antithesis to her more sexually charged track before.
This song’s message of self-acceptance is so essential and resonates with countless listeners. It reminds them to remain positive while remembering they are loved.
The music video for “Heaven Knows I’m Beautiful” also serves an important purpose; its message being ahead of its time by featuring people from diverse backgrounds to demonstrate that beauty doesn’t lie solely within any one category. Listening to it when times get rough is surefire way of lifting spirits and reminding ourselves that everything will turn out fine – something which never goes out of style, as listeners always appreciate this classic tune!
5. Stormzy – I Need Your Love
Stormzy is the epitome of grime music and his songs are widely-acclaimed for being loud, energetic, and unapologetic. On this record however, he takes an unconventional route by opening up and providing insights that fans may appreciate; discussing his past battles with fame as well as recent issues with relationships and even discussing their recent break up with their partner.
This record features an upbeat yet relaxed dancehall rhythm. Additionally, Nigerian vocalists such as Oxlade, Ayanna, and Teni contribute their voices beautifully; their light breathy tones contrast beautifully with Stormzy’s low and gruff vocals.
Stormzy seems to be appealing to the Holy Spirit on this track as he navigates a tough period in his life. He recalls loving an ex-partner so deeply it almost led to their breakup; in essence he’s asking God’s help as it seems he cannot manage everything on his own.
This song is perfect for anyone feeling down or needing some encouragement, with its beautiful yet powerful track sure to bring comfort and enjoy by many listeners.
6. Passenger – Let Her Go
Passenger (real name Mike Rosenberg), released his melancholic song as a single off of All the Little Lights album in July 2012. The lyrics tell a heartbreaking tale about an unhappy partner realizing they weren’t showing enough appreciation and must let her go despite their affection. Its music mesmerizes while its lyrics bring solace.
Royalty Free Sad Music MP3 & MP4 Download
This royalty-free sad background music is ideal for times of sorrow or drama scenes, while being soft and slow enough for use in film or video projects. The vocals on the song make for beautiful accompaniment.
7. Joji – Love Is Gone
After experiencing heartbreak, it can be incredibly challenging to pick up the pieces. Joji, the moody singer and Laneway Festival 2023 headliner reflects this grief on his third studio album SMITHEREENS with its found footage aesthetic reminiscent of Harmony Korine than Cloverfield; utilising images such as wild urination, police harassment, derelict living conditions and reckless Citi bike riding to accompany an unadorned piano ballad about heartbreak.
Joji’s track “Glimpse of Us” made waves across platforms like TikTok and Billboard charts with its incredible TikTok success and top-10 chart debut. It marked an underground artist with a loyal following as it entered mainstream charts for Billboard charts for Billboard chart debut. The video depicts an intense yet darkly beautiful representation of an unfulfilled man haunted by memories of an ex who has moved on with someone new, who keeps looking back longingly but can no longer feel connected with her as she moved on with someone new while left feeling lost himself; ultimately leaving him feeling empty with something inside him longingly felt when she once gave him in return.
SMITHEREENS’ third single is an emotional morning-after reflection that finds Joji looking back on his relationship and pining for its former moments. Directed by Actual Objects, its music video depicts various earthy images, from waves crashing and gravel being scattered to moody cityscapes at nighttime.