The 18 Best Sad Songs of 2023 for When You Need a Good Cry
If you see me cry-singing, no you didn’t.
Believe it or not, not only is winter coming, but 2023 is coming to an end. Whether you're someone who gets a case of the winter blues (I feel you), someone who stresses throughout the holidays (I also feel you), or someone who just wants to look back dramatically at the year in review, one thing is for sure: 'tis the season to cue up your sad girl playlist. Good news, though: not only did we get a ton of amazing new music in 2023, but we also got a ton of amazing new sad songs in 2023 to cry-sing along to.
I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for new music that makes me feel some type of way to add to my "when you need a good cry" playlist. Whether you're going through a breakup, dealing with the fact that literally just breathing feels wildly expensive these days, or suffering from winter blues, there are plenty of entirely valid reasons to feel a little sad rn (just ask my therapist!). And thankfully, this year gave us some top-notch sad songs to throw on blast loudly while you sing along and feel those uncomfy emotions. We've been graced with new albums from Sam Smith and Lukas Graham—which you just know are always good for an emotional, sad song or two—plus some other really amazing new bops from artists you may not have discovered yet. So go grab your headphones, speakers, or listening device of choice because we're looking back at all the best sad songs of 2023.
"How to Cry" by Sam Smith
Sam Smith really does create the best emotional heartbreak songs, and "How to Cry" off their new album Gloria is another one to add to the list. For anyone who has been in an emotionally abusive relationship, this song will hit home with lines like, "I believed you could change / But you're still the same / And I'm still invisible," really cutting deep.
"What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish
Billie's discography is full of songs that tug at those heart strings, but this melodic piece from the blockbuster movie Barbie is at the top of this list for a reason.
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" by Lana Del Rey
With her signature haunting voice, Lana dropped this surprise cover of John Denver's song that you can't help but sing along to every time you hear it. It's a lot less upbeat than the original and makes you feel nostalgic for something you never knew you missed.
"Butterflies" by Tyla
After South African artist Tyla dropped her viral song "Water," she released this melodic tune about having to leave behind that person that gives you butterflies.
"Live For Me" by Omar Apollo
If "Evergreen" singer Omar Apollo knows how to do one thing, it's stringing lyrics together that'll tear you apart, and this song about watching a loved one struggling mentally does just that.
"Tummy Hurts (Remix) by Reneé Rapp and Coco Jones
When two powerhouse artists like Reneé and Coco join forces, don't be surprised to shed a few tears. This R&B heavy song explores the emotions and experiences of a romantic relationship that leads to heartbreak.
"Call Your Mom" by Noah Kahan and Lizzy McAlpine
"Call Your Mom" is one of the seven tracks on the singer-songwriter's third album, and it doesn't spare anyone's emotions. Noah and Lizzy sing about some of the darkest moments in our lives, and he has even admitted to struggling to sing the tune live due to its heaviness.
"CRIES IN SPANISH" by Becky G and DannyLux
Even if you don't speak fluent Spanish, the emotions portrayed through this song can be universally understood. With a chorus that translates to, "Supposedly you stayed with me until the end/If that was the case/Tell me why you're not here," you'll be able to relate if you've experienced heartbreak.
"My Love Mine All Mine" by Mitski
Although released in late 2023, this tune garnered mass popularity thanks to TikTok. The song is about Mitski appreciating how much love she holds onto, but realizing that once she dies, the love she so gladly possesses ultimately dies with her.
"Cool About It" by boygenius
If you've ever longed to be with someone who doesn't reciprocate the same feelings, you know just how bad that hurts. The trio of boygenius manages to put that feeling of rejection into words, and, boy, does it make for an easy song to cry to.
"Don't Do Me Good" by Madi Diaz and Kacey Musgraves
This duet between Madi Diaz and Kacey Musgraves explores the complexities and struggles of being in an unhealthy relationship. Although she sings, "It don't do me good," she keeps holding onto the partnership that's better to let go of.
"Me & You (Acoustic)" by Tems
Tems' smooth-as-butter voice exudes so much emotion in this acoustic version of her latest single. Rather than your typical break up song, these lyrics express a yearning for deep connection between two people in love.
"Unknown/Nth" by Hozier
As his second single from his third studio album, on this track, Hozier expresses themes of betrayal, distance, and being misunderstood in a relationship. And, even if you can't relate to any of that, it's okay because Hozier's voice will summon the tears regardless.
"Can't Catch Me Now" by Olivia Rodrigo
If you want a song to cry to as you run through a field in a flowing dress, congrats because you've found it. The GUTS singer wrote this song for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and it most likely portrays the complicated relationship between Lucy and Coriolanus' characters, which is a tearjerker in itself.
"Heart-Shaped Bruise" by Etta Marcus
The lead single off of Etta Marcus' new album Heart-Shaped Bruise is equal parts calming and saddening, which TBH, is exactly what I'm looking for in a sad song. As you might have been able to guess, this song is about the "heart-shaped bruise" that's left after having to leave someone you love.
"Never Change" by Lukas Graham
It's not always the end of a relationship that's sad. Sometimes you're in it and slowly realize it isn't what it used to be but, at the same time, you don't want it to end. Those contrasting feelings aren't exactly easy to deal with, and that's what this song is all about.
"Overall" by Khai Dreams
If you're not listening to Khai Dreams yet, you really should be, and "Overall" is the perfect song to make you really sink into your feels. It has a chill yet sad sound to it, with lyrics like, "I'm just in my head like time again, time again" really resonating with anyone whose overthinking can get them feeling blue.
"Vancouver 2" by Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco's new album may be entirely instrumental (and based on different cities he's visited) but even still, "Vancouver 2" has a melancholy sound about it that'll let you catch a sad vibe without having to listen to lyrics.
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