Music has the power to evoke a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and melancholy. When we’re feeling down, sometimes the best thing we can do is embrace our emotions and listen to songs that reflect our mood. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 20 songs to listen to when you’re feeling sad. These tracks come from a variety of genres and time periods, but they all share a common thread: they’re able to tap into the emotions that come with heartbreak, loss, and sadness. Whether you’re going through a rough patch, feeling nostalgic, or just need a good cry, these songs are sure to resonate with you. From classic ballads to contemporary tracks, this list has something for everyone. So sit back, put on your headphones, and let the music take you on an emotional journey.
1. “The Scientist” by Coldplay
“The Scientist” is a ballad by the British alternative rock band Coldplay. It was released as the second single from their second album, “A Rush of Blood to the Head”. The song features Chris Martin’s emotive piano playing and a melancholic melody, accompanied by delicate strings and atmospheric sounds. The lyrics tell the story of regret and longing as the protagonist tries to reverse a past relationship. Martin’s powerful vocals and the song’s haunting beauty have made “The Scientist” a classic in Coldplay’s discography, and it continues to be a fan favorite. The song’s music video features a reverse narrative of Martin driving a car back to a previous relationship, reflecting the lyrics and mood of the song.
2. “Your Song” by Elton John
“Your Song” is a timeless ballad by legendary British singer-songwriter Elton John. It was released on his self-titled second album in 1970 and has since become one of his most well-known and enduring hits. The song features simple, yet effective, piano playing, paired with Elton John’s emotional and distinctive vocals. The lyrics express a pure and innocent love, with lines such as “It’s a little bit funny this feeling inside / I’m not one of those who can easily hide”. The song has been covered by many artists and remains a staple of the singer-songwriter genre, as well as a popular choice for romantic occasions. With its enduring popularity, “Your Song” remains a testament to the power of heartfelt, simple music to touch people’s lives.
3. “Praying” by Ke$ha
“Praying” is a powerful ballad by American singer-songwriter Ke$ha, released as the lead single from her third studio album, “Rainbow”. The song is a message of hope, healing, and self-empowerment, inspired by Ke$ha’s personal struggles and journey towards self-discovery. With its piano-driven melody and emotive vocals, “Praying” showcases Ke$ha’s raw and vulnerable side, as she reflects on past struggles and sends a message of love and support to those who may be going through similar challenges. The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its inspiring message and the singer’s newfound maturity. With its cathartic lyrics and uplifting tone, “Praying” has become an anthem for those seeking hope and comfort in the face of adversity.
4. “When The Party’s Over” by Billie Eilish
“When The Party’s Over” is a haunting and atmospheric ballad by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. It was released as a single from her debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” The song features a minimalist arrangement of piano, strings, and sparse percussion, as well as Billie Eilish’s signature ethereal vocals. The lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and loss, with lines like “Don’t you know I’m no good for you? / I’ve learned to lose, but I hate how it feels”. The song’s music video features Billie Eilish’s face being gradually engulfed by black ink, symbolizing the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics. “When The Party’s Over” showcases the young artist’s unique and distinctive style, combining melancholic lyrics with atmospheric soundscapes.
5. “Jar Of Hearts” by Christina Perri
“Jar of Hearts” is a powerful and emotional ballad by American singer-songwriter Christina Perri. It was released as a single from her debut album “Lovestrong”. The song features a simple piano melody, accompanied by Perri’s passionate and soulful vocals. The lyrics describe the aftermath of a broken relationship, with lines like “I learned to live, half-alive / And now you want me one more time”. The song was a hit for Perri, reaching the top 40 charts in several countries and garnering widespread critical acclaim. With its raw and honest lyrics, “Jar of Hearts” resonated with listeners and established Perri as a talented and relatable artist. The song remains one of her most well-known and beloved tracks, and is often used in popular media and at weddings and other special events.
6. “My Immortal” by Evanescence
“My Immortal” is a poignant and melancholic ballad by American rock band Evanescence. It was released as the third single from their debut album, “Fallen”. The song features haunting piano playing, soaring strings, and Amy Lee’s powerful and emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the pain of losing a loved one and the overwhelming feelings of loss and grief that follow. With lines like “I’m so tired of being here / Suppressed by all my childish fears”, the song is a cathartic release of emotions and a declaration of the protagonist’s strength and resilience. The song’s music video features shots of Amy Lee performing the song interspersed with haunting imagery, further emphasizing the song’s themes of loss and grief. With its evocative melody and powerful lyrics, “My Immortal” has become one of Evanescence’s signature songs and a timeless classic.
7. “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins
“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” is a classic power ballad by British singer-songwriter Phil Collins. It was originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1984 film “Against All Odds”. The song features a prominent piano melody, backed by lush orchestrations and Collins’ distinctive, soulful vocals. The lyrics describe the pain and frustration of a failed relationship, with lines like “How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace?” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten charts in several countries, and cementing Collins’ status as one of the most successful pop and rock artists of the 1980s. With its memorable melody, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics, “Against All Odds” remains one of Phil Collins’ best-known and beloved songs, and a timeless classic of the power ballad genre.
8. “Say Something” by A Great Big World
“Say Something” is a touching and emotional ballad by American indie pop duo A Great Big World. The song features simple piano accompaniment, backing the powerful and vulnerable vocals of Ian Axel and Chad King. The lyrics describe the feeling of disconnection and longing for communication in a relationship, with lines like “Say something, I’m giving up on you”. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s music video features shots of Ian Axel singing the song alone in a large, empty room, emphasizing the theme of isolation and longing. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “Say Something” has become one of A Great Big World’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless classic of the modern pop ballad genre.
9. “Dancing On My Own” by Calum Scott
“Dancing on My Own” is a haunting and introspective ballad by British singer Calum Scott. The song was originally recorded by Swedish pop singer Robyn, but Scott’s version became a hit in its own right. The song features a simple piano melody, with Scott’s powerful and emotive vocals front and center. The lyrics describe the feeling of being at a club, watching other people dance and have fun while feeling alone and rejected, with lines like “I’m in the corner, watching you kiss her, oh oh”. The song’s music video features Scott performing the song in a dark and empty club, emphasizing the theme of solitude and emotional isolation. With its haunting melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “Dancing on My Own” has become one of Calum Scott’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless classic of the contemporary pop ballad genre.
10. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
“Everybody Hurts” is a powerful and emotional ballad by the American alternative rock band R.E.M. The song was released as a single from their 1992 album “Automatic for the People”. The song features a simple, acoustic guitar-driven melody, with Michael Stipe’s somber and introspective vocals front and center. The lyrics offer a message of hope and comfort to those who are feeling overwhelmed and alone, with lines like “Hold on, hold on”. The song’s music video features images of people from various walks of life, emphasizing the universality of the song’s message. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and comforting message, “Everybody Hurts” has become one of R.E.M.’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless classic of the alternative rock genre.
11. “Someone Like You” by Adele
“Someone Like You” is a heart-wrenching ballad by the British singer Adele. The song was released as the second single from her second studio album, “21”. The song features a simple piano melody, with Adele’s powerful and emotional vocals front and center. The lyrics describe the feeling of loss and heartbreak after a relationship has ended, with lines like “Nevermind, I’ll find someone like you”. The song’s music video features Adele performing the song in a stripped-down, intimate setting, emphasizing the raw emotional power of her vocals. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “Someone Like You” became an instant classic, reaching the top of charts all over the world and earning widespread critical acclaim. To this day, the song remains one of Adele’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless masterpiece of the contemporary pop ballad genre.
12. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
“Stay With Me” is a soulful and emotional ballad by the British singer Sam Smith. The song was released as the second single from his debut studio album, “In the Lonely Hour”. The song features a simple piano melody, with Smith’s powerful and soulful vocals front and center. The lyrics describe the feeling of longing for someone to stay with, with lines like “Won’t you stay with me?” The song’s music video features Smith performing the song in a stripped-down, intimate setting, emphasizing the raw emotional power of his vocals. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “Stay With Me” became a huge hit all over the world, earning widespread critical acclaim and earning Smith several awards, including the Grammy for Best Song of the Year. To this day, the song remains one of Sam Smith’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless masterpiece of the contemporary pop ballad genre.
13. “Wake Up Alone” by Amy Winehouse
“Wake Up Alone” is a soulful and introspective ballad by the late British singer Amy Winehouse. The song was released as a single from her second studio album, “Back to Black”. The song features a simple jazz-influenced melody, with Winehouse’s powerful and soulful vocals front and center. The lyrics describe the feeling of loneliness and heartbreak after a relationship has ended, with lines like “Don’t forget me when I’m gone”. The song’s music video features Winehouse performing the song in a stripped-down, intimate setting, emphasizing the raw emotional power of her vocals. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “Wake Up Alone” has become one of Amy Winehouse’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless masterpiece of the contemporary soul genre. Despite her untimely passing, Winehouse’s music continues to inspire and touch the hearts of fans all over the world.
14. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” is a timeless ballad by the legendary American singer Whitney Houston. The song was originally written and recorded by country singer Dolly Parton in 1974, but Houston’s version of the song, released in 1992, became one of the most iconic and best-selling cover versions of all time. The song features a sweeping orchestral melody, with Houston’s powerful and soulful vocals front and center. The lyrics describe the feelings of love and devotion, with lines like “I will always love you”. The song’s music video features Houston performing the song in a stripped-down, intimate setting, emphasizing the raw emotional power of her vocals. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and universal message, “I Will Always Love You” became a massive hit all over the world, earning widespread critical acclaim and earning Houston several awards, including the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. To this day, the song remains one of Whitney Houston’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless masterpiece of the contemporary pop ballad genre.
15. “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga
“I’ll Never Love Again” is a powerful ballad by American singer and actress Lady Gaga. The song was released as part of the soundtrack for the 2018 musical film “A Star is Born”, in which Gaga stars as the lead character. The song features a sweeping orchestral melody, with Gaga’s powerful and soulful vocals front and center. The lyrics describe the feelings of loss and heartbreak after a relationship has ended, with lines like “I’ll never love again”. The song’s music video features Gaga performing the song in various emotive and dramatic scenes, emphasizing the raw emotional power of her vocals. With its moving melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “I’ll Never Love Again” has become one of Lady Gaga’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless masterpiece of the contemporary ballad genre. Gaga’s performance of the song in the film has been widely acclaimed, earning her numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
16. “Liability” by Lorde
“Liability” is a haunting and introspective song by the New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. The song was released as part of Lorde’s second studio album, “Melodrama”, in 2017. The song features sparse, piano-driven instrumentation, with Lorde’s soulful and ethereal vocals at the forefront. The lyrics reflect on feelings of loneliness and insecurity, with lines like “They say I’m a little much for everyone”. The song’s music video features Lorde in a solitary setting, emphasizing the introspective and emotional tone of the song. With its powerful and relatable lyrics, “Liability” has become one of Lorde’s most well-known and beloved songs, and a timeless masterpiece of the contemporary indie-pop genre. Lorde’s unique and powerful voice, combined with her introspective and emotional lyrics, have earned her widespread critical acclaim and a devoted following of fans around the world.
17. “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
“I Will Remember You” is a powerful and emotional ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. The song was originally released on McLachlan’s 1995 album, “Surfacing”. The song features McLachlan’s lush and haunting vocal harmonies set against a simple and atmospheric instrumental background of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings. The lyrics are a meditation on memories and love, with lines like “I will remember you, your laughter and your tears”. The song has become one of McLachlan’s most beloved and enduring tracks, and has been covered by numerous artists. With its powerful and moving lyrics, “I Will Remember You” has become an enduring classic of the adult contemporary genre, and an anthem for anyone who has experienced the pain and beauty of memories and love. McLachlan’s distinctive voice, combined with her introspective and emotional lyrics, have earned her a worldwide following of devoted fans, and made her one of the most revered artists of her generation.
18. “The End Of Love” by Florence & The Machine
“The End of Love” by Florence & The Machine is a haunting and melancholic song that tells the story of heartbreak and loss. The track opens with a simple piano melody and Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, which convey a sense of sadness and longing. The song builds to a dramatic climax as the instrumentation grows more intense, featuring soaring strings and driving drums. Lyrics such as “The end of love is the start of pain” reflect the emotional turmoil of a relationship that has come to an end. The song ends on a note of finality, with Florence singing “This is the end of love”. The overall mood is one of sorrow, but also of acceptance and resolve.
19. “She Used To Be Mine” by Sara Bareillis
“She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles is a moving and introspective ballad that reflects on lost identity and the passage of time. The song begins with a simple piano melody and Sara’s emotive voice, which convey a sense of nostalgia and regret. The lyrics describe the narrator’s longing for who she used to be, as she comes to terms with the changes she has gone through. The chorus features powerful harmonies and a sweeping melody that perfectly captures the sense of longing and loss. The song builds to a poignant climax as Sara sings “She’s not mine anymore” with an aching sadness. Overall, “She Used to Be Mine” is a deeply personal and affecting song that resonates with listeners on a profound emotional level.
.
20. “Goodbye” by Secondhand Serenade
“Goodbye” by Secondhand Serenade is a heart-wrenching ballad about the pain of letting go of a relationship. The song starts with an acoustic guitar and John Vesely’s raw, emotional vocals. The lyrics express the narrator’s sadness and regret as he says goodbye to his love, and how he wishes he could turn back time and make things right. The chorus features a powerful, melancholic melody that perfectly captures the sense of loss and longing. The song builds to a climax as the instrumentation grows more intense, with strings and drums adding to the emotional impact. Overall, “Goodbye” is a deeply personal and affecting song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the pain of letting go.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
