Good songs to listen to when sad

Nalini has an ear for curating good music. Chances are she's made [or will eventually make] a list that fits your musical needs.

Powerful, Deep, and Emotional Songs: Why Would I Want to Listen to Sad Music?

Music is one of the many things that causes us to experience complex emotions and, while happiness is a worthwhile endeavor, there is validity, purpose, and meaning in our sadness. Sure, I like to tap my toes to a happy tune as much as the next person, but tapping into the deep stuff can also be an extremely worthwhile and cathartic endeavor.

There is much meaning that can be derived from melancholy. In fact, sad music does not merely evoke sadness. Researchers have discovered that, sometimes, listening to sad music actually makes us feel happier, more romantic, less doomed, and supports our emotional well-being. Another study found that listeners felt less gloomy and miserable and more cheery, animated, and inclined to dance when they listened to sad music.

So, in order to help with this uplifting/melancholic process, I have collected songs [listed here in no particular order] that have "sad" written all over them. Whenever I hear these songs, I'm reminded about certain large and important aspects of the human condition. While they are not always happy, they ring true.

Most Beautiful, Sad Songs

Although we humans possess an amazing ability to rise up from the ground and overcome what hurts us, there are times when we just have to take the time to be sad. [And rise up from the ground and overcome what hurts us after that.] Below are detailed descriptions and videos for each of the songs mentioned above.

#1. "Hometown Glory" Adele

Album: 19

Released: 22 October 2007

Label: Pacemaker, XL

Ah, Adele. Adele has done quite well for herself by tapping into the power of melancholy. Her voice is dripping with it. So, for anyone who thinks that there is no power in sadness, look [listen] no further than Adele. Most of her music is powerful and sad. But, for me, "Hometown Glory" is her most melancholic.

Interesting Facts About Adele

• Adele has a close relationship with her mother, who raised her as a single parent.
• She has three entries in the Guinness Book of Records.
• She wrote her debut song, Hometown Glory at age 16.

#2. "Young and Beautiful" Lana Del Rey

Album: The Great Gatsby: Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film

Released: April 23, 2013

Label: Interscope

This song came into popularity with the 2013 movie remake of The Great Gatsby. It is hauntingly beautiful, and it pulls at a question that is worth asking, whether the person who loves you now will still be there in old age. This song has melancholy written all over it, and hearing it will help you attain a thoroughly satisfying sad mood.

Interesting Facts About Lana Del Rey

• The name Lana Del Rey is an amalgam of the actress Lana Turner and the somewhat obscure 80s automobile the Ford Del Rey.
• Two of her biggest musical influences are the wildly disparate Kurt Cobain and Britney Spears.
• She smokes Camel cigarettes consistently, but good luck finding many pictures of her puffing.

#3. "The Call" Regina Spektor

Album: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Released: 2008

Label: Sire, Warner Bros.

A song that taps into the heavy, questionable hope behind a word like "goodbye."

This song was used during the last scene of the movie Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia series. As the Pevensie children left Narnia and said their farewells, this song played in the background, making the children's goodbyes that much sadder [especially since two of them would not be coming back to Narnia ever again]. Sniff. If you're not into Narnia, that's ok. This song can still be used to make you sad. But I digress.

Interesting Facts About Regina Spektor

• Shes a Russian Jewish refugee.
• She once worked at a butterfly farm.
• Shes a classically trained pianist.

#4. "I Will Always Love You" Whitney Houston

Album: The Bodyguard Soundtrack

Released: 1992

Label: Arista

This song was written by Dolly Parton, and recorded in 1973, but it was Whitney Houston's cover in The Bodyguard in 1992 that made it such a powerful and poignant song. It moves in a way that is hard to describe [and it became the best-selling single of all time by a female artist]. Hearing her sing this song gives me chills, and it is definitely moving and melancholy.

Interesting Facts About Whitney Houston

• Her father, John Houston, gave her the nickname "Nippy" when she was a baby. Her nickname led to the management company, Nippy Inc.
• Her favorite subject at school was History.
• At the age of 15, she sang background vocals on Chaka Khan's hit single "I'm Every Woman."

#5. "Sweet Disposition" The Temper Trap

Album: Conditions and Until Now

Released: 16 September 2008

Label: Liberation [AUS] Infectious [UK] Glassnote [US]

This song was used in the movie 500 Days of Summer and for a car commercial. I think it's been used for other things as wellwhat's neat about it is the way it evokes nostalgia for a person, a place, and a thing, while, at the same time, projecting a hopefulness for the future.

It is melancholy mixed with hope, which is a thrilling combination.

Interesting Facts About Temper Trap

• Some wanted the band to be called Hearts, but they lost out.
• The Temper Trap first met one another during a brief stint working at Melbourne Centrals General Pants.
• Their first album sold nearly a million copies worldwide.

#6. "Back to Black" Amy Winehouse

Album: Back to Black

Released: 27 October 2006

Label: Island

This song is all about losing love, losing yourself, losing control, losing everything and having nothing but darkness left. This is the perfect song to put you in a black mood, too.

Interesting Facts About Amy Winehouse

• When she was 10 years old Amy Winehouse started a short-lived band called Sweet n' Sour.
• The album Frank went double platinum.
• In 2009 Amy Winehouse was added to the Guinness Book of World Records for Most Grammy Awards Won by a British Female Act.

#7. "With or Without You" Scala and Kolacny Brothers

Album: Circle

Released: 2011

Label: Wall of Sound

While this song [from U2's 1987 album, The Joshua Tree] is not necessarily new or original, Scala and Kolacny Brothers, a Belgian women's choir, sing it in a way that really hits a chord. There's nothing like a choir to make an emotion resonate.

Interesting Facts About Scala and Kolacny Brothers

• Scala held their first rehearsal in April 1996, when the group's membership topped out at 18 singers.
• The Kolacnys grew tired of classical music and began turning to other genres for inspiration, resulting in a unique repertoire that focused on choral reinventions of rock songs.
• Their lineup now includes over 200 members.

#8. "Fix You" Coldplay

Album: X&Y

Released: 5 September 2005

Label: Parlophone

We all need fixing, but until then, there is this song.

Interesting Facts About Coldplay

• The band was originally called Starfish, but aren't we all glad that that changed?
• The band once briefly paused a show because a fan was playing the tambourine in the audience. I would hate to be that guy.
• In 2003 while in Australia, Chris Martin was arrested for attacking paparazzi.

#9. "Somebody That I Used to Know" Gotye

Album: Making Mirrors

Released: 5 July 2011

Label: Eleven

This song taps into the heartbroken parts of ourselves as we deal with the inevitable loss and failure of a relationship.

Interesting Facts About Gotye

• Both actor Ashton Kutcher and singer Lily Allen tweeted about Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" to their millions of followers, helping boost the single's sales to over half a million copies.
• "State of Art," a track on Gotye's platinum Making Mirrors album, was created using a primitive 1970's organ that the singer bought used for $100.
• Besides being a singer-songwriter, Gotye is also the leader of a rock and roll band called The Basics.

#10. "Remember When it Rained" Josh Groban

Album: Closer

Released: November 11, 2003

Label: Reprise Records, Warner Bros. Records, 143 Records

Perfect for a melancholy, gloomy, contemplative mood, this song is full of heavy yearning.

Interesting Facts About Josh Groban

• He flies planes.
• He gets mistaken for Josh Brolin.
• He's a sports enthusiast.

#11. "You Found Me" The Fray

Album: The Fray

Released: November 21, 2008

Label: Epic

Here's a song for when you're in the mood to remember a time when things were just "too little, too late."

Interesting Facts About The Fray

• Lead vocalist and piano player, Isaac Slade once tried out for Star Search.
• The song, "Never Say Never," was written by guitarist Joe King
• Their song "Over My Head [Cable Car]" is about the estrangement of Isaac Slade and his brother, Caleb.

#12. "My Immortal" Evanescence

Album: Fallen

Released: December 8, 2003

Label: Wind-up

This one is super sad and very depressing. Listen in moderation.

Interesting Facts About Evanescence

• Amy Lee dedicated the songs "Hello" and "Like You" to her younger sister, who died at the age of three years from illness.
• Amy Lee's vocals can be heard in Seether's song "Broken" and Korns "Freak on a Leash."
• The band was founded in 1995 by 13-year-old vocalist Amy Lee and 14-year-old guitarist Ben Moody.

#13. "Eet" Regina Spektor

Album: Far

Released: November 27, 2009

Label: Sire Records

Apathy. Numbness. A song about what depression feels like. [The second song by Regina Spektor on this list.]

More Interesting Facts About Regina Spektor

• Regina Spektor's middle name is Ilyinichna.
• Regina Spektor date of birth: February 18, 1980.
• Regina Spektor's shoe size is 9.

#14. "Apologize" OneRepublic

Album: Dreaming Out Loud

Released: April 30, 2006

Label: Mosley, Interscope

When forgiveness never comes. Listen to this in moderation.

Interesting Facts About OneRepublic

• The band claim they dont fit into any genre, instead mixing their songs between rock, pop, indie and hip hop.
• The band were originally called Republic.
• Zach can speak fluent Spanish.

#15. "How to Save a Life" The Fray

Album: How to Save a Life

Released: March 26, 2006

Label: Epic

Yes, this is the second song by The Fray, but they have so many excellent melancholy songs I had to add another to the list.

Interesting Facts About The Fray

• The song, "Never Say Never," was written by guitarist Joe King.
• Vocalist/piano player Isaac Slade and guitarist, Joe King both attended Faith Christian Academy in the Denver area. They were a few years ahead of drummer, Ben Wysocki.
• Drummer Ben Wysocki began learning to play the drums when he was in the sixth grade.

#16."Let Go" Frou Frou

Album: Details

Released: 2002

Label: Island Records [UK] MCA [USA]

A song about the beauty in the breakdown.

Interesting Facts About Frou Frou

• Repeat their name and it sounds like a dog barking: "Rouf Rouf!"
• The name Frou Frou was decided upon when Francophile Sigsworth noticed the phrase in a Baudelaire poem.
• Manufactured an impressive brand of vocal-driven, electronic pop in the exclusive territory of Björk.

#17. "May It Be" Enya

Album: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [soundtrack]

Released: 2002

Label: WEA

Enya's voice is the epitome of wistfulness. A lot of Enya's work would make it on this list. In fact, Enya could have her own list. But in lieu of that, I have added this song to the list.

Interesting Facts About Enya

• Enya has sold 75 million albums worldwide.
• In 1997 Enya purchased a castle in Killiney, Ireland.
• Throughout her career Enya has performed songs in 10 different languages.

#18. "Say Something" A Great Big World

Album: Is There Anybody Out There?

Released: September 3, 2013

Label: Epic

A song that taps into human struggles, when we fight for ourselves, when others help us fight, and when others give up on us in that fight. You will feel it.

Interesting Facts About A Great Big World

• The day after they performed on THE VOICE, the song hit number one.
• People assume they're a couple.
• Christina Aguilera heard their song Say Something and emailed them.

#19."Let Her Go" Passenger

Album: All the Little Lights

Released: 24 July 2012

Label: Embassy of Music, Black Crow, Sony [distribution], Nettwerk

A song that recognizes the human tendency to take things for granted, including, but limited to, periods of life, seasons, and significant others.

Interesting Facts About Passenger

• Rosenberg opted to band's name for his solo work after the band dissolved in 2009.
• He was born in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, England .
• He started writing songs when he was about fourteen years old.

#20. "Battle Scars" Lupe Fiasco and Guy Sebastian

Album: Armageddon and Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II

Released: 10 August 2012

Label: Sony Music Australia/Atlantic Records, 1st & 15th/WEA International Inc.

Battle scars. Wounds that don't heal. Relationships and complications.

Interesting Facts About Lupe Fiasco and Guy Sebastian

• Lupe Fiasco was discovered by Kanye West.
• His mom didnt like his 'fro.
• Guy Sebastian is an ambassador for the Australian Red Cross and World Vision Australia.

#21. "Stay With Me" Sam Smith

Album: In the Lonely Hour

Released: 14 April 2014

Label: Capitol

It's hard to pick just one song from Sam Smith to put on this list, because most of his music would fit here. This song channels ache, loneliness, and the yearning for human connection. And, of course, there's a subtle, but beautiful, choir in the background.

Interesting Facts About Sam Smith

• Smith was named Brit's Critic Choice Award of 2014.
• He battles with OCD, which he frequently discusses on Twitter.
• Before he was who he is today, he worked at a bar.

#22. "Forever & Always" Parachute

Album: The Way It Was

Released: 2011

Label: Island Def Jam Music Group

The bittersweet aspects of forever and always in romantic love... when we know it cannot be forever.

Interesting Facts About Parachute

• On June 15, 2009, Will Anderson and Kit French appeared as Parachute on the twentieth episode of Live From Daryl's House.
• In the fall of 2010, the band headlined their US tour with singer-songwriter Joe Brooks and pop rock outfit Hot Chelle Rae as support acts.
• In October and November 2016, Parachute was one of three openers for the American Christian rock band, NEEDTOBREATHE.
  

#23. "I Can't See Nobody" Nina Simone

Album: To Love Somebody

Released: 1969

Label: RCA Victor

This song is about the consuming and blinding nature of love, and reflecting upon that love once time has passed.

Interesting Facts About Nina Simone

• Nina was a child prodigy starting at the age of three, playing piano by ear.
• Her hopes of becoming a classical pianist were stripped away when her dream school, Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, denied her admission.
• Nina's version of "My Baby Just Cares for Me" [1957] was used in a 1980s Chanel commercial in Europe. It quickly became a hit in the U.K.

#24. "Eleanor Rigby" The Beatles

Album: Revolver

Released: 5 August 1966

Label: Parlophone, Capitol

There's something catchy, but also haunting, about this song. Maybe it's because of all the lonely people.

Interesting Facts About The Beatles

• The BBC banned "I Am the Walrus."
• Ringo's real name is Richard Starkey.
• John grew up near a place called Strawberry Fields in Liverpool.

#25. "I Will Remember You" Sarah McLachlan

Album: The Brothers McMullen

Released: 1995

Label: Arista

Remembering loved ones and those who have passed is sad, and this song captures that.

Interesting Facts About Sarah McLachlan

• Surfacing sold more than 7 million copies.
• In 1998, McLachlan won two Grammy Awardsfor the instrumental "Last Dance" and the other for "Building a Mystery."
• Besides music, McLachlan is also known for her avid support for the animal welfare organization, the ASPCA.

#26. "A Candle in the Wind: A Princess Diana Tribute" Elton John

Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Released: 5 October 1973

Label: MCA [US] DJM [UK]

We remember loved ones, but we also remember those who influenced the world and captured our interest. Unfortunately, too many of them lived such tragic lives.

Interesting Facts About Elton John

• When he changed his name from Reginald Dwight, the singer chose a stage name that paid tribute to vocalist Long John Baldry and saxophonist Elton Dean.
• He sang Crocodile Rock on the animated Bob the Builder: A Christmas to Remember.
• John has a number of famous godchildren, including Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

#27. "Time to Say Goodbye" Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

Album: The Harem World Tour: Live from Las Vegas

Released: 1995

Label: Polydor Records

There is something so beautiful, powerful, and sad about this song, and about goodbyes. This song captured everything that it was supposed to capture, and one does not need to know Italian to feel the emotional impact of this song.

Interesting Facts About Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

• Andrea Bocelli was born in Tuscany.
• Andrea Bocelli lost his sight at the age of 12.
• Sarah Brightman is the first artist to have been invited twice to perform at the Olympic Games.

#28. "Hallelujah" Leonard Cohen

Album: Various Positions

Released: December 1984

Label: Columbia

This song sparks so many intense feelings: pain, heartbreak, heartache, loss, illusion and disillusionits an effective raincloud. It also poetically brings together the highs and lows of love and sex with Biblical ties and parallels.The songs on this list have videos using the original singer of the song, but even though Leonard Cohen wrote the song, I do not find his version to be the most melancholy or emotional. There are many excellent versions of this song, and many that will bring on the feels, but I included a video that has John Cale's version of the song, Kate Voegele's version, and Jeff Buckley's version, because I liked those versions the most.

Interesting Facts About Leonard Cohen

• After college, he considered becoming a lawyer.
• He named his daughter Lorca for Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca.
• Phil Spector once showed up at his door at 4 a.m. with a bottle of wine and a .45, which he cocked and shoved into Cohens neck.

#29. "Almost Lover" A Fine Frenzy

Album: One Cell in the Sea

Released: 2007

Label: Virgin

Love that almost was, but wasn't, is always sad. Dreams that almost were, but weren't, pull at our hearts. Listen and feel.

Interesting Facts About A Fine Frenzy

• Alison Sudol spent most of her life in Los Angeles, having moved there with her mother when she was five years old.
• The name A Fine Frenzy was taken from a line in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
• Sudol appeared in the series Transparent, the mini-series Dig, and the Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

#30. "Everybody Hurts" R.E.M.

Album: Automatic for the People

Released: April 15, 1993

Label: Warner Bros.

A song highlighting the universality of suffering, and the importance of hanging on.

Interesting Facts About R.E.M.

• They were the last Saturday Night Live musical guest of the 20th century.
• Their debut album, Murmur, was named album of the year by Rolling Stone.
• When Berry left, they made three albums without a drummer.

#31. "Watercolor Lake" Beth Sass

Album: Knowing Me

Released: August 1, 2012

Label: Beth Sass

Parting is always difficult, especially when it is not only a parting, but a dissolution of a union. The sadness and difficulty in this dissolution is expressed through this song, which is about helping a friend through a melancholy divorce.

Interesting Facts About Beth Sass

• By 12, Beth was inspired by her poet mother and artists such as the Beatles, Laura Nyro, Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters, Paul Williams, Judy Collins. and Leonard Cohen.
• By 8th grade, she was part of a duo with a friend, Nancy Walt, that lasted throughout high school and resulted in a vinyl record.
• Beth went to Smith College for a year before splitting with Walt and headed to Berklee College Of Music where she became a composition major.

#32. "Chasing Cars" Snow Patrol

Album: Eyes Open

Released: 6 June 2006

Label: Interscope

This song will make you want to read the lyrics.

Interesting Facts About Snow Patrol

• Lead singer Lightbody still lives in Co Down, near his parents, but has bases in London and Glasgow.
• Snow Patrol's debut album Songs For Polarbears was a critical success but a commercial flop.
• Final Straw won a prestigious Ivor Novello award in 2007.

#33. "In My Veins" Andrew Belle feat. Erin McCarley

Album: The Ladder

Released: February 2010

Label: Universal Motown, Universal Republic, Republic

There's something both sad and beautiful about this song, and listening to it brings out the melancholy. In order to leave people on a sad note, both the television shows Grey's Anatomy and Castle have used it in their season finales [season six finale of Grey's Anatomy and in the 2012 season finale of Castle]. This is one of my favorites from this list.

Interesting Facts About Andrew Belle and Erin McCarley

• Andrew Belle's single "Sky's Still Blue" was used in a commercial for Microsoft Windows.
• Born Drew Fortson, Andrew Belle he was raised in Wheaton, Illinois.
• Erin has been compared to Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, and Sheryl Crow.

More Great Sad Songs by These Artists

© 2013 Nalini Marquez

Comments

Nalini Marquez [author] on June 03, 2018:

Hi edge2412,

"Stand by Me" is a great song and one that I really like! It's a little bit more upbeat than the songs on this list though. However, I do think that the associations that we make with music also add to the feelings of certain music so I can see why the movie Stand By Me would have made the song more sad. Thank you so much for your message and song suggestion and I wish you a wonderful day!

Nalini

edge2412 on May 30, 2018:

Ben E. King - Stand by Me has to be here! It's the saddest song ever made! :[ Just watch the movie Stand By Me and you understand why :]

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 15, 2018:

Hi Marthe Osater,

Thank you for your message and the song suggestion. The slow version of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" is beautiful and melancholy; it has a great sound and feel to it and it's neat to see the different perspective/take on the song. I will keep it in mind for when I update the hub. Thanks again!

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 15, 2018:

Hi keshav12198,

Thank you for your message and the song suggestions. Of the 2 songs I think "See You Again" is a closer fit for the hub and will keep it in mind for when I update the hub. Thanks again!

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 15, 2018:

Hi Hermine Wiener,

Thank you for your message. I listened to both of the songs and I agree that the songs you included were melancholic and haunting. I think of the 2 that you suggested, "Central Park" is more of a fit for the hub. I will keep your song suggestion in mind for when I update the hub. Thanks again!

Nalini

Marthe Osater on April 16, 2018:

If you listen to "I wanna dance with somebody" in this melancholy slow version it's actually really sad... One just doesn't notice in Whitney Houstons cover cause it's so upbeat. Both versions are great though. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCmA5YOmpRA

keshav12198 on November 11, 2017:

Hey, I like your list.

This one's really great.

Although I would like you to suggest two more songs

See you again by Wiz Khalifa and

Roads Untravelled by Linkin Park.

They too are really nice songs.

Nalini Marquez [author] on November 10, 2017:

Hi Georginamakr,

Thank you for the song suggestions and I will check them out! I am glad you found some songs to add to your list. Have a great day!

Nalini Marquez

Nalini Marquez [author] on November 10, 2017:

Hi Lazara,

Thank you for your message and I am glad that you enjoyed the list. I will check out those songs and thank you for the song suggestions! :-]

Nalini Marquez

Lazara from Mexico on October 17, 2017:

Love the list!. You should check Lhasa de sela - rising or Emiliana torrini - if you go away. Those are my sadest songs ever.

georginamakr on July 30, 2017:

Thank you for your list! I already added some songs I didn't know to my playlist :]

For sad & emptional songs I would add:

1] Empty Chairs At Empty Tables - Eddie Redmayne

2] Let It All Go - Birdy

3] Skinny Love - Birdy

4] Nervous - Gavin James

5] Magnetised - Tom Odell

6] Here I Am - Tom Odell

7] Sparrow - Tom Odell

8] Still Getting Used to Being On My Own - Tom Odell

9] Somehow - Tom Odell

10] True Colors - Tom Odell

11] Affection - Cigarettes After Sex

12] Save Yourself - Kaleo

13] Monday - Matt Corby

14] I Would Do Anything for Love - Melting Oak

15] Wait For Sleep - Dream Theater

16] Hurt Me - Lapsley

17] High Hopes - Kodaline

18] Silent Storm - Carl Espen

19] Lovers - Shigeru Umebayashi

Nalini Marquez [author] on June 24, 2017:

Hi Paddio,

Thank you for the song suggestion. I will check it out.

Have a great day,

Nalini

Paddio on April 30, 2017:

Rod McKuen..."Loves Been Good to Me""

Hermine Wiener on March 17, 2017:

I like you list of emotional, sad songs.

To me Evanescence -My Immortal is the most sad and melancholic song on this list, with lots of memories. I also like Passenger very much.

I like listen to songs like this and it doesn't make me automatically feel sad. There is a kind of melancholy, emotional songs that actually makes me kind of happy.

But there are two songs that really makes me sad and I even don't know exactly why. They are not only emotional and melancholic, but there are also kind of "haunting". At least to me.

Audrey Lavergne - Central Park [It's from a movie]

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvh2tpJt_bU

and this one:

Dahlia - Ghost Chair

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6R27oSZCac

I can't even describe how this makes me feel. I think it's very beautiful & melancholic.

Nalini Marquez [author] on December 14, 2016:

Hi angel angelo,

Thank you for your comment and I am glad that you found some songs that you had not heard before and that you are enjoying them! :-] No need to apologize about your English; I appreciate your song suggestions and the care with which you selected them, and I look forward to listening to those songs and updating the list.

Happy Holidays!

Nalini

angel angelo on October 26, 2016:

Hello Nilima,

Your list is very nice. I love emotional music and i found songs here i've never heard before, so thank you.

Here are some suggestions of music i think really speak to heart, i've picked them really carefully. Listen to them and add to your list anyone u like.

1]Adele~Hello

2]Alexander Cardinale ~Made for you

3]Andy Davis~Unchained melody

4]Angus and Julia Stone~Draw your swords

5]Cat Stevens~Lady D'Arbanvill

6]Christina Perri~A thousand years

7]The civil wars~Falling

8]Cyndi Lauper~Time after time

9]Damien Rice~The blower's daughter

10]Daughter~Run

11]Daughter~Smoke

12]Daughter~Touch

13]Daughtry~What about now

14]Dusk~What are the chances

15]Emma Louise~Jungle

16]Evanescence~Lost in paradise

17]Goo Goo Dolls~Iris

18]James Blunt~Goodbye me lover

19]Jeff Buckley~Hallelujah

20]Kat Frankie~Happy

21]Kodaline~All i want

22]Monika~Over the hill

23]Royksopp~Running to the sea

24]Sinead O'Connor~Nothing compares to you

25]Skillet~Lucy

26]Cinematic Orchestra~That home

27]Tom Odell~Another Love

28]Tom Odell~Heal

29]Haley Reinhart~Undone

30]Skylar Grey~Words

I know they are a lot but every single one of them is stellar.

Greetings from Greece

P.S.

Sorry if my English are bad!

Angelos

Nalini Marquez [author] on April 07, 2016:

Hi Professor T,

Thank you for checking out this hub and for commenting. It means a lot to me to have a positive effect on people too and am happy that you appreciate the list :-]. Thank you for sharing this list with your friends and for sharing beats for artists to record over.

I wish you a wonderful day!

Nalini

ProfessorTaudio on April 07, 2016:

Hi Nalini!

So happy to read your post!

It means a lot to me to be able to effect people, and your list is appreciated. I will let my friends know. I have beats available for any artist to record over.

Thank you

-Professor T

Nalini Marquez [author] on March 24, 2016:

Hi Discordrocks, thank you for your comment and song suggestion. I will check it out and look to include it when I update the hub. Have a wonderful day! Nalini

Creeper from Aw Man on March 23, 2016:

I'm never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm, though its easy to pretend I know your not a fool, should've known better than to cheat a friend, and waste the chance that i have been given, so i'm never gonna dance again the way I danced with you. Careless Whispers 1984, why isn't it on this list. Signed Zoidberg.

Nalini Marquez [author] on March 12, 2016:

Hi roob, thank you for your comment. That is an interesting perspective and I had not thought of it that way. Perhaps it does take a strong person to listen to sad music :-] but there are definitely benefits to listening to happier things!

Have a wonderful day,

Nalini

Ruby from United States on March 11, 2016:

It takes a strong person to listen to sad music... I know I am always listening to happy stuff... well I love sad songs once![: Or should that be a frown lol?

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 15, 2016:

Hi AaronChapman, thank you for the album suggestion. It sounds like a neat mix and I will check it out :-]. Have a wonderful day!

AaronChapman on February 14, 2016:

Oooh oooh...you MUST check out Eddie Vedder's album Into the Wild. It covers the themes of discontent and peaceful loneliness while still being uplifting. I love the album. I hope you enjoy it.

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 14, 2016:

Hi Aaron Chapman, thank you for the song suggestions! I don't think that I have heard songs from Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, and Chett Baker but you describe their work and music in such a way that it sounds like they are very unique and evocative, especially if you find them to have the most introspective and sincere songs. I will be checking those out and adding songs when I update the hub. :-] Have a wonderful day!

AaronChapman on February 12, 2016:

I feel like you need to add some Nick Drake and Elliott Smith songs. They have the most introspective and sincere songs, having a certain sophistication that no modern artist can imitate. There's also this element of mysticism in Nick Drake's songs that transcend you into this completely vulnerable and observant frame of mind. Nick Drake and Elliot Smith were the only two artists that I feel could explain my depression without pitying the situation. Chett Baker is another artist that shouldn't be overlooked.

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 12, 2016:

Hi Bob Smith 0114, thank you for the song suggestions! I will have to explore Frank Sinatra's No One Cares album and "Not That Funny" by Fleetwood Mac as I do not think I am familiar with them. It sounds like both have different things to offer when it comes to exploring emotions of sadness and working through uncertain times/feelings, and I think it's neat how that song was able to put all of your concerns into their proper perspective. I will be checking those out and adding songs when I update the hub. :-]

Bob Smith from Plymouth, MI on February 11, 2016:

I'd recommend Frank Sinatra's entire No One Cares album. It starts off with the title track and ends with "None But the Lonely Heart." In between, it explores all of the emotions of sadness in what turns out to be a very comforting way.

"Not That Funny," by Fleetwood Mac would be another good song for this list. I remember laying on my bed at college, trying to figure out what comes next, listening to the Tusk album, and that song started playing. In some strange way, it put all of my concerns into their proper perspective.

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 07, 2016:

Hi trusouldj, I'm glad you found the hub interesting! Thank you for your comment and for the song suggestions. I will be checking those out and adding songs when I update the hub. :-]

LaZeric Freeman from Hammond on January 31, 2016:

Interesting topic for a hub. Try also, "I Cry" by Daniel Winans, "Love Is In The air" by Mario Winans, "Joy Inside My Tears" by Stevie Wonder and "Long Way Home" by The Monkees.

Nalini Marquez [author] on August 13, 2015:

Hi swalia,

Thank you for your comment. I am glad you liked the playlist! :-]

Have a great day,

Nalini

Shaloo Walia from India on July 28, 2015:

nice playlist!

Nalini Marquez [author] on July 15, 2015:

Hi creyativity,

I'm glad you like the hub and thank you for your comment. Feel free to come back anytime and to listen to the songs as you need!

Have a great day,

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on July 15, 2015:

Hi AbeerG,

Thank you for your comment and I am glad you were able to find some new songs that you liked! "My Immortal" is a good one. There is a lot of really beautiful Indian music and Bollywood songs, so you have access to quite a selection of good music!

You are most welcome. I hope you enjoy listening to the new songs :-].

Nalini

creyativity on July 15, 2015:

Will come back here when I need a song list for my sad song nights. Love this hub. It`s real.

Gagan Preet Singh from Chandigarh on July 15, 2015:

Beautiful, I love to listen "My Immortal". I found here some great new songs in this list. As an Indian I often listening to Bollywood songs, those are in Hindi. But sometimes I feel good to listen English songs.

Thanks for this beautiful list.

Nalini Marquez [author] on July 13, 2015:

Hi eilval,

Thank you for the comment and for checking out my hub! I hope you enjoy the songs as you go through them.

Have a wonderful day,

Nalini

Eileen from Western Cape , South Africa on July 13, 2015:

Lovely list of songs , some familiar others not. Will check them out over course of time

Nalini Marquez [author] on July 05, 2015:

It's interesting because music does very often relate to both our age and preference. Most of the lists I've made have some songs that are older but a lot of the songs are newer or are relatively recent. "Candle in the Wind" is a sad one, and I can see why it was both an ode to Marilyn Monroe and why it was reworked to honor Princess Diana. They both had tragic lives and in some aspects, the tragedies of their lives were similar. Actors often say that they have to think of something really sad and awful for some of their sad scenes, so it's fitting that listening to sad songs would put you in the right mindset to write a sad or heartbreaking chapter in your next book since writers connect so much with words and to words, and the music helps to add another layer. I hope some of these songs are able to help you with that and I hope that all goes well with the writing.

DW Davis from Eastern NC on July 04, 2015:

I may be showing my age and preference but I only recognized 5 of the songs on your list. One of them, 'Candle in the Wind,' was a favorite of mine before Sir Elton reworked it to honor the fallen Princess Diana. Originally the song was an ode to Marilyn Monroe. About sad music in general, I listen to sad songs when I am trying to put myself in the right mindset to write a sad or heartbreaking chapter in my next book.

Nalini Marquez [author] on July 02, 2015:

Hi Jonas Rodrigo, you are welcome for the list and I am glad you are looking forward to listening to the songs and that you've found some that you like! Thank you for the song suggestions as well. I am on the fence about "Riptide." Sometimes I hear it and there is something melancholy, a longing, a reaching, and it has a mixing of emotions [similar in a way to "Sweet Disposition"] and other times it's not melancholy enough and it's not as melancholy as the other songs on this list. It was a recent addition to the list but I've been debating it since I put it here. I'll swap it out with "Chasing Cars" until I decide since that one is very much a sad song. I hope you enjoy listening to the list! :-]

Jonas Rodrigo on July 02, 2015:

I love Fix You! I love anything by Coldplay, really. How To Save A Life is nice too. Riptide being included somewhat shocked me; I don't think I've ever considered it as a sad song. If I could add a song to this, I'd choose Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars. Ed Sheeran's Sunburn or Autumn Leaves is also good. Thank you for this list. I can't wait to hear them!

Nalini Marquez [author] on June 29, 2015:

Hi Seshagopalan,

I am glad you enjoyed this list and my other collections, and that they made it into your playlist! "Forever & Always" by Parachute was one that I had not heard until it was suggested but it is a good one.

Nalini

Seshagopalan Murali from Chennai, Tamil Nadu on June 29, 2015:

"Forever & Always"--Parachute is my favorite. All your collections are good . I just three of your collections right away into my playlist

Nalini Marquez [author] on June 26, 2015:

Hi bnayr,

Glad you like the list and that you're going to search for these on Spotify. Cheers and happy [or sad] listening to you! :-]

Nalini

Ryan from Manchester on June 21, 2015:

Great list. Going to search for some of these on Spotify. Cheers.:]

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 22, 2015:

Hi oscareo,

Youre welcome for the info but you might want to look through the info further.

In the link I provided you, some areas where you might want to look are:

#4. How can I make money on HubPages [found under HubPages Features and Functions]

and

#3. What does HubPages offer? [found under Finding Success on HubPages] .

What writers can earn on HubPages varies but per the HubPages terms of service we are not allowed to disclose how much we earn. There are advertisements located on different parts of the page [the top, the sides, the bottom] but if none are visible its possible that your ad/internet settings might have them blocked.

Thank you and have a great day!

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 22, 2015:

Hi Anthony Moreau,

Thank you for your comment and you are welcome! I am glad that some of these will make it to your collection and I wish you a wonderful day.

Nalini

oscareo on May 22, 2015:

Thanks for the info.

So for example, what might someone earn for a page like this? What do you mean by online advertisements? I do not see any on this page.

Richard de Mey from Scottsdale, Arizona on May 21, 2015:

i have my own collection of sad songs and ballads i think i'll add some of these to my collection. thanx for sharing

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 21, 2015:

Hi Whitney Rose Wood,

I am glad you liked the list! "Candle in the Wind" is pretty sad.The imagery really stands out to me in that song, especially when pairing that imagery to the way a life was lived and/or is lived.

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 21, 2015:

Hi oscareo,

Welcome to HubPages! Writers of Hubs on HubPages do not get commission from writing Hubs. They earn money on an impression basis from online advertisements. You can find more information about earnings and other helpful HubPages info here in the HubPages "How HubPages Works" FAQ: //hubpages.com/faq/#what-is-hubpages.

Hope this helps and once again, welcome! :-]

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 21, 2015:

Hi Indianstudent,

I am glad you like the list! "I Will Always Love You" is one of my favorites too. It is so powerful and beautiful.

Nalini

Whitney Rose Wood on May 21, 2015:

These are great. Especially "Candle in the wind." That one always seems to get stuck in my head when I feel a little down.

oscareo on May 19, 2015:

Hi there

I am new to HubPages. How does this work exactly? Do you get commission from making a page like this?

Thanks in advance.

Dinesh from Delhi on May 19, 2015:

Nice list,

"I will always love you" is one of my favorites.

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 12, 2015:

Hi Chriswillman90,

Thank you for your comment and feedback. I am glad that you liked the list! I shared the idea of listening to sad music in order to release and to find joy/positive emotions but the person I was sharing with thought it was strange. I don't think it's all that strange though. In a way it makes perfect sense. Hallelujah is a good choice as it is both soothing and quiet, yet powerful like you mentioned.

Have a wonderful day,

Nalini

Krzysztof Willman from Parlin, New Jersey on May 09, 2015:

I've listened to a handful of these [well still listen] and I agree with you on the cathartic experience of sad songs. They don't make you more sad, they do give you that release and joy you need. My favorite on this list is Hallelujah [Jeff Buckley version] because it's sad yet soothing, quiet yet powerful. Great list.

Nalini Marquez [author] on May 07, 2015:

Hi colorfulone,

Thank you for your comment and for sharing. It seems counterproductive but sometimes melancholy songs do get us through melancholy moods. I am not sure how it works out like that, but it does. I hope these songs help for any future melancholy and that you do not have much melancholy in your future.

Nalini

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on May 04, 2015:

I have had times in my life where I needed to listen to songs like these to get through a melancholy mood.

Nalini Marquez [author] on April 16, 2015:

Hi Luthor,

I am glad you are beginning to feel good about songs that you didn't know previously and I agree with you that these songs are not only sad, but also touching and related to love and character. It probably varies depending on what speaks to us most at the time we listen. Thank you for your comment and I am glad you liked the list!

I wish you a great day,

Nalini

Luthor Aschwin on April 15, 2015:

This list is total awesome and there were songs I didn't know and I'm beginning to feel good about , you can call these songs, sad songs but I think they are rated as touching, love songs character like, thanks again for this list

www.musicread.tk

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 24, 2015:

Hi Kristen Howe,

Thank you for the feedback and the vote up! I appreciate it. I am glad that you liked the list and that you found some songs you hadn't heard of.

I wish you a great day,

Nalini

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on February 24, 2015:

Excellent list of sad songs from old to the recent hits. Some of the songs I never heard of. Great job and voted up!

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 10, 2015:

Hi Beth,

I appreciate being able to reach people as well and am glad that you are happy with being on the list! Thank you for the feedback and for publicizing in your network and spreading this onward. I appreciate it!

I wish you a wonderful day,

Nalini

Beth Sass Music from Nashville on February 10, 2015:

Hi Nalini!

So happy to read your post!

It means so much to me to be able to reach people, and your blog-list is a true gift. I will proceed to publicize in my network, as I did previously.

Thank you again for taking the time to curate.

-Beth Sass

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 09, 2015:

Hi Beth,

Thank you for the feedback and appreciation of my curating of music! Thank you also for the song suggestions. I enjoyed your songs and each of your songs was melancholy in its own way but I added Watercolor Lake.

Thanks again and I wish you a wonderful day :-].

Nalini

Nalini Marquez [author] on February 09, 2015:

Hi Rabbs,

I am glad that you found the topic and that you were able to find some new sad songs to listen to! I think we all enjoy and want happiness, but there is something true and profound about sadness--which is probably why it can help us to create awesome things. It is interesting that you should point that out, because many great works and things we have come to know and love have come from sadness either directly or indirectly.

Thank you for your feedback and song suggestion. I have added it to this list. It is a sad song, but thats what makes it fit right in here :-].

Nalini

Beth Sass Music from Nashville on January 31, 2015:

Hi Nalini:

I am going to offer several suggestions today, then add some more after I finish updating my youtube channel. Hope you enjoy. Thank you for curating music so thoughtfully.

-Beth Sass

1]Here is "KNOWING ME" the sadness of long distance love and living with the memory of having had such special times together that may never happen again. "It was late, time ran out, and I had to leave the hard way..."

//youtu.be/6_YnjzXjqc4?list=PLGy60lPWH9S8y-o4...

2] Here is WATERCOLOR LAKE: helping a best friend through a very melancholy divorce..."as your life falls apart we walk around the lake...and as each footstep tells the truth, the light through the leaves reveals every last mistake..." //youtu.be/Sffor_JGWHQ?list=PLGy60lPWH9S8y-o4...

3]Here is TORNADO: Another very tragic song about someone in the midst of throwing their life away....but just maybe maybe they can salvage and see beauty in their pain....very poignant. //youtu.be/IDi2cTWBgBM?list=PLGy60lPWH9S8y-o4...

Enjoy, or should I say "feel".

Rabbs on January 30, 2015:

Hi

I was looking for some new sad songs and I found this topic.

I also enjoy listening to sad music. I feel that there is someone that also feel the way I feel at the moment. Or sometimes I don't feel sad, but I think sadness is such a strong feeling that makes you create awesome things.

I agree that some of those songs doesn't come to my mind when I think about sadness actually, but I guess that it depends on the person.

So I wanna add a song that comes to my mind that I use to listen when I'm sad, maybe you guys also enjoy it:

When I feel that I'm alone and everybody failed to me I listen to Everybody Hurts by R.E.M

Such a beautiful song that makes me feel more sad but I kind of enjoy that, haha.

This topic about enjoying sadness is interesting.

Glad to find it!

Nalini Marquez [author] on January 29, 2015:

Hi Beth! :-]

Thank you for your comment and feedback. I am glad that your song has received many video views from being on my other hub and I can check out some songs for this hub. Did you have a song that you think is your most melancholy/sad/beautiful/emotional?

Thank you,

Nalini

Beth Sass Music from Nashville on January 13, 2015:

Hi Nalini!

Are you up for more submissions? I am so thrilled to be included on your other hub! I've gotten many video views thanks to you and your site.

Let me know if I can forward you more songs for perhaps this site as well.

Great work,

Beth Sass, Beth Sass Music

Nalini Marquez [author] on December 16, 2014:

I added Whitney Houston to this song list after I had created the poll and we can't make make modifications to the polls without erasing the previous votes so I have not added Whitney or the other songs that were added after the poll started collecting votes. I was thinking of adding another poll for the songs that were added after the poll but every time a song is added to the Hub it would be the same thing.

"I Will Always Love You" is very sad to me too. I get chills when I listen to it. There is definitely a connection between music and what we associate it with that gives it power, or more power if it already has it. There was such tragedy to Whitney's life. Whitney gave that song so much power and emotion, and that song reflects both her career high [her amazing and moving voice] and her life low [her funeral], which is sad.

Elton John's rendition of "A Candle in the Wind" for Princess Diana is another sad one. It does sound like you feel the emotion/connection with funeral songs but since they are meant to affect us that is probably a good connection with the music and the person that is no longer here. Thank you for the song suggestion. I will add it to the list :-].

TL Stahling from US on December 14, 2014:

I didn't see Whitney Houston on your poll. I Will Always Love You is very sad to me. Not just the song, but the tragedy of Whitney. Also, during her funeral as her coffin was being carried out, they started playing that song and I cried for her.

Also, Elton John's rendition of A Candle In The Wind for Princess Diana made me cry. I guess there's a pattern of funerals with songs that affect me.

Nalini Marquez [author] on November 15, 2014:

Hi M L Morgan, thank you for your comment. Ive only heard some of Lana Del Reys music but what I have heard of her music so far tends to have a certain tragicness to it. Gotta sing that pain out! :-]

Nalini Marquez [author] on November 15, 2014:

Hello JTRyder, I am glad that you love the list, especially since some of the artists may not have initially seemed like a fit! I had never heard that song from Nina Simone until I checked out the link you provided. It does have an overall melancholy to it. Theres something about those trumpets in the background with the rest of the song. Thank you for the suggestion. I added it to the list. :-]

M L Morgan on November 09, 2014:

Nice topic. I'd have to say I agree with the Lana Del Rey songs. She just has a way with vocalising pain so well. :]

John Thomas Niswonger from Dayton, Ohio on November 04, 2014:

Love the list! Although some of the artists listed wouldn't have popped into my head as matching my musical tastes, I found I liked almost every one of them listed. I have one for you...it's always had such a depth of sadness, more than any other song I have heard.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxptSqzHGfw

Nalini Marquez [author] on October 08, 2014:

You are definitely not the only one! :-] "Fix You" is such a profound and heartbreaking song that really taps into so much. I don't follow So You Think You Can Dance but the piece that you sent to me was really moving! The story behind the choreography and music was meaningful and how it all came together was poignant and well done. Music is a language, dance is a language, and music + dance is another language and I enjoy seeing/watching/listening/interpreting them. Thank you for sending me the link.

I had never heard "Forever & Always" before but I just checked it out. What a sad love song! I will add it to this hub.

As a dancer, you will have had your share of "feeling" the music and relating it to your work. And as you mentioned it can change anything and everything. We are such sensory beings. It is neat how humans can connect on so many levels and on different levels [including dance and music]. Thank you for your comment and I am glad you liked the list! :-]

Caroline from Athens, GA on October 07, 2014:

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who appreciates sad music sometimes! This is such a comprehensive list across so many different genres. "Fix You" is just about guaranteed to make me cry no matter where I am in my life. I'm not sure if you follow So You Think You Can Dance, but they did a piece to that song, and it absolutely destroyed me. Here's the link: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnguqsMQmg4

Beyond that, there is a song by Parachute - "Forever & Always" that always gets me when it comes to relationships. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7W0xJ5YqSM&sp...

I've been a dancer for 18 years, so I completely understand the way that music can change anything and everything. This is a really great list!

Nalini Marquez [author] on November 04, 2013:

Hi there EnyaBrennan61, thank you for your comment and feedback! I am glad that you like the list! Enya would be a perfect addition to this list; I don't know how I missed her. I just listened to "On My Way Home" and it is a nice song! I did not add it to the list because I thought it was a little bit more upbeat than the other songs in the list and "The Memory of Trees" didn't have words which is why I didn't add it. But because of your suggestion I did add an Enya song and I will keep your song suggestions in mind for future song lists that I make!

I think it is great how music is able to speak to us, move us, and help us process/go through life/think/reflect/etc., such as in the way that you mentioned. I hope that the good moments and good feelings outweigh the melancholic and sad moments, and that music continues to make you feel good when faced with the melancholic and sad moments.

It was lovely to read your comment and thanks again for writing and sharing! Regards from U.S.A.! :-]

EnyaBrennan61 on October 27, 2013:

I like very much your list!! I agree that music is one of the many ways that we process and go through life. I listen to my favourite singer Enya everyday, because her voice makes me feel so good. The melodies of her songs and the haunting sound of her lovely voice makes my life something different.

I am not from the country I live in, and this fact brings to me very melancholic and sad moments, but there is Enya to make me feel good. The song "On My Way Home" makes me think of all the good days I've lived in my origin place. The song "The Memory of Trees" makes me think of the environment and the Mother Nature, and how we are destroying it.

I would add these song to a list like yours :]

Thank you if you read this! Regards from Spain! :]