Sadness can come from a plethora of things. Whether your heart is broken from the loss of a love or a life, there is a song out there to help you drown your sorrows.
R&B music can ease the soul, make you get up and dance, or fall in love. The music caters to every sentiment that we are experiencing at any given time, including when we are feeling gloomy, discarded, unwanted, or full of despair.
Several R&B artists recorded songs that will help someone cope with heartbreak, death, and other doleful moments in life.
Singersroom compiled a list of the Top 25 R&B Sad Songs to help you find comfort and understanding during tough times. These songs that are listed below will more than likely ease the pain, so grab a tub of ice cream or some black label and sink, so you can swim.
Check out our list! (Yes, we may have missed some of your favs, so add them in the comments)
Contributions from Dominique Carson and DJ Jus Music
Did You Ever Love Me – Deborah Cox
No relationship can last if it’s not a 50/50 partnership. While mulling over a broken heart, Deborah Cox questions if her lover really ever loved her, because of the hurt he has caused. When your confidence is shattered, you have to move on.
Nobody Knows – Tony Rich Project
The Grammy nominated song, "Nobody Knows," is the perfect song to listen when your significant other walked out of your life. Rich's sensitive and melodic voice caters to the brokenhearted. It's a sad song, but it has so much meaning. The song makes us understand why we should forever cherish our loved ones because like they say, "You never know what you have until it's gone."
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart – Al Green
"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" is a poetic masterpiece from the great, late Al Green that will help you drown in your sorrows. Originally recorded by The Bee Gees, Green makes this rendition is own as he soulfully pours out his pain. Although sad, listeners can find their shining moment through the vivid lyrics.
Tank – Heartbreaker
"Being hurt" is not part of anyone's plan, but unfortunately it's a part of life. Tank's "Heartbreaker" spotlights this pain, but eventually, we all get over it.
Crying Out for Me – Mario
"Crying Out for Me" is from Mario's third studio album, Go, and the song's message is so powerful. Yes, the musical composition is great, but Mario is simply telling a battered woman that "I can hear your heart crying out for me." We all know someone that wants to leave a toxic relationship, but they just don't have the inner strength to walk away. Nonetheless, Mario is willing to be the superman and let the woman know he hears her cries and sorrowful heart.
If You Think You're Lonely Now – Bobby Womack
When in a relationship, communication is key, and you can't let outside opinions or lustful pleasures cloud your judgement about what you have with a person. Know what you're getting into, and give that person your all or you may just find yourself alone. Bobby Womack's "If You Think You're Lonely Now" is the perfect example of treating your lover right or they may just leave your ass.
Do You – Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo's "Do You" is relatable because we all have wondered at some point if our ex thinks about us from time to time. In the song he says, "Maybe this decision was a mistake. You probably don't care what I have to say/But it's been heavy on my mind for months now. Guess I'm trying to clear some mental space." Even though the relationship has come to a close, you start reminiscing on the good times, what went wrong in the relationship, and of course the "what if" moments.
Brokenhearted – Brandy & Wanya Morris
"Brokenhearted," a duet with Brandy and Boyz II Men's Wanya Morris is the perfect song of hope following a heartbreak. The record delivers the encouraging and uplifting message that "life's not over."
The Love We Had Stays On My Mind – The Dells
The classic song, "The Love We Had Stays On My Mind," by The Dells, is another record that will keep your heart bleeding for a past love.
We're Not Making Love No More – Dru Hill
Plain and simple — when it's really over, it's over. Pick up the pieces and get mentally stronger. As Dru Hill delivers on "We're Not Making Love No More;" sometimes things just doesn't stay the same; it hurts even more when the person is physically gone. We fall out of love to fall back in love.
Pray for Me – Anthony Hamilton
On "Pray for Me," co-written and produced by Babyface, Anthony Hamilton is asking God for guidance and asking Him to bring his lady back into his life, so he can do right by her this time. This song is a reminder for everyone that we should strive to be real with our mate and commit to someone 100 percent.
When Can I See You – Babyface
"When Can I See You" is one of Babyface's saddest songs, especially when he starts playing the guitar softly. The Grammy award winning song talks about how much he wants to be with his soul-mate, especially because he doesn't want to jump into another relationship too quickly. In the song Babyface sings, "When can my heart beat again/When does the pain ever end/When do the tears stop from running over?
Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill
This is a perfect song to let your ex know that he/she should've done right by you. Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor" temporarily removed a void when a person is ready to leave a partner that will put you in harms way emotionally and mentally. Lauryn says in the song, "You let go and I let go, 'cause no one has hurt me more than you, and no one will ever will. " Critics believe the song was dedicated to her then lover, Wyclef Jean, but overall, it is an anthem for men and women who want their ex to hit the road.
Officially Missing You – Tamia
"Officially Missing You," another smash hit from Tamia, talks about how much she misses the man she fell in love with, but he is long gone. Yes, she knows she can venture off in another relationship, but he can't replace her enchanted love. The song is very despondent, but the lyrics will touch your heart.
Emotional – Carl Thomas
“Somehow we got loose from what was oh so tight,” croons Carl Thomas on his infamous ballad, “Emotional.” We all try to hold on to a lover because of the history, but soon or later, you have to let go. This best thing sometimes is to go your separate ways.
So Sick – Ne-Yo
In “So Sick,” Ne-Yo paints a vivid picture of how hard it is to get over a lover after a breakup. This is the stage where a breakup is hard on the heart because everything reminds you of that person. This too shall pass!
I Miss You – Aaron Hall
"I Miss You" is Aaron Hall's biggest song to date, and is a song that will make you want to have someone to call every day and every night. It’s a great lift for those who have lost someone.
Anytime – Brian McKnight
"Anytime," one of Brian McKnight’s many classics, received mainstream success due to the song's message. On the track, he sings, "Hear your footsteps down the hall, I swear I hear your voice driving me insane." The song is similar to Ne-Yo's "Do You," because he misses the good times with his former lover. With that being said, even though an ex may come across your mind, it doesn't mean you will reunite with them in the future.
Not Gon' Cry – Mary J. Blige
"Not Gon' Cry," is from the Waiting to Exhale movie soundtrack and it was written and produced by Babyface. The number one single was perfect for Mary J. Blige, because when the Queen sings, she does it with so much fervor. At the time, Mary's life was similar to Bernadine in the film because she was in a troublesome relationship with K-Ci Hailey. The song also tells a story of Bernadine and her husband ending their marriage after 11 years. 20 years later, it’s still a song that women can listen to when they're sick and tired of crying over a man.
I Can't Sleep Baby (If I) – R. Kelly
“I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)” is from R. Kelly's self-titled album, and is a record for when you're feeling down and out over a broken relationship. It also means that you may have to live with the fact that you will never reconcile with your partner again. Sometimes our sinful nature can jeopardize and sabotage our relationships. It can also mean that this is your last chance to make things right before it's too late.
Bye Bye – Mariah Carey
"Bye Bye" is one of Mariah Carey’s commendable songs because she dedicated it to anyone, who lost their friend, lover or family member. This song can be played during your grieving period, because the lyrics are so inspirational. Throughout the song, Mariah sings, "This is for everybody, just lift your hands to the sky, ‘cause we won't ever say bye bye."
Burn – Usher
"Burn" is from Usher's diamond selling album, “Confessions,” and the song talks about letting go of a relationship that has ran its course. This may be one of the hardest things to do, because we get comfortable and we try to save our heart from the pain or “burn.”
All Cried Out – Allure Feat. 112
One can take only but so much. “All Cried Out” by Allure, featuring 112, is the epitome of “a woman scorned.” The lyrics are raw, emotional, vivid, and painful, enough to make a happy person said. A lot of us have been hurt, but maybe not this deep.
Love TKO – Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass' "Love T.KO" is about how and why love is a battlefield, especially when you're looking for a meaningful relationship. In the song, Teddy says he's going to win again, because he doesn't want to start over. Even though it's a mournful song, it will allow you to make up your mind on if a relationship will be sustainable in the future.
Unbreak My Heart – Toni Braxton
"Unbreak My Heart" is from Toni Braxton's second album, Secrets, and ironically, this song is her signature hit. In the record, Toni loses her lover, causing her life to fall apart because she lost the one man that was her world. It's the perfect song for a lonely heart. You can listen to this song when you ended a long term relationship or if someone you love passed away. We want our loved ones to tell us that they love us, give us a hug or a kiss, so we can feel better. But, life is not promised to anyone so we must appreciate it to the best of our ability.
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