Going through your first heartbreak is seriously rough. Friendships break, relationships end, and self-love can waver. While realistically we know that we are bound to go through seasons of sadness in our lifetime, it doesn't make the journey of healing any less hard. But there is one thing that may give you solace — your favorite musicians have gone through the same emotions as you before. Sharing their feelings with the world and mending the hearts of their fans one set of sad love songs at a time, these artists have earned a spot on our heartbreak playlist.
From emotional pop ballads and '90s R&B hits to contemporary country tunes, these picks span decades and genres. Let Taylor Swift, Adele, Tate McRae, and Harry Styles provide the backing track for those times when you just want to be in your feelings. Make sure to have a box of tissues on hand as lyrics like "No words can explain the way I'm missing you," from Sam Smith's "Lay Me Down" and "'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street" from Olivia Rodrigo's "drivers license" will bring out tears you didn't know you had been holding in.
Whether you’re going through a tough breakup, vibing in your room, or need a late-night road trip playlist to clear your head, here are the best sad love songs to get you deep in your feelings.
“Stay” — Rihanna
All it takes to get us crying is Rihanna's angelic voice, a piano, and weep-worthy lyrics.
"Apologize" — Timbaland ft. OneRepublic
Those of us who grew up in the Y2K era will all remember that when this song came on, the car ride turned into a hardcore karaoke sesh.
"chaotic" — Tate McRae
The relationship you have with yourself is essential — but what do you do when you have self-doubts and feel alone? Make like Tate McRae and write out your "chaotic" feelings.
"Falling" — Harry Styles
Recognizing that the person you loved will no longer be in your life is harsh. Let Harry Styles cushion the blow with contemplative lyrics and a stunning music video.
"Die For You" — The Weeknd
When a relationship doesn't work out, it can be a struggle to completely cut them off. "Die For You" lets your lover know that you'll be there for them no matter what.
"complex" — Katie Gregson-MacLeod
"I need him like water, he thinks that I'm alright," hits you like a ton of bricks during Gregson-MacLeod's simple, yet oh-so-clever chorus.
"drivers license" — Olivia Rodrigo
"drivers license" captures the essence of young love, broken promises, and moving on with your life after loss in just over four minutes.
"Lay Me Down" — Sam Smith
Sam's passionate, belt-heavy ballad makes us long for our long-distance lovers and relationships that were ended far too soon.
"When I Was Your Man" — Bruno Mars
Some old-fashioned crooning from Bruno Mars may be the cure for your broken heart.
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" — Carole King
The lyrics “Is this a lasting treasure / Or just a moment’s pleasure?” perfectly encompasses the insecurities of falling in love.
"Glimpse of Us" — Joji
This TikTok viral song has us reminiscing on what could have been and how hard it is to move on from relationships.
"We Belong Together" — Mariah Carey
Mimi is going through the stages of grief and "We Belong Together" laments a mixed state of denial and bargaining.
"Marvins Room" — Drake
If a 2 a.m. typo-ridden text to an ex were a rap song, it would be Drake's "Marvin's Room."
"Death by a Thousand Cuts" — Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift told the Elvis Duran Show that this song was inspired by Netflix's rom-com Someone Great. “It’s a movie about how she has to end this relationship that she didn’t want to end because she’s still in love with the person but they just grew apart and he’s not a jerk,” she said. “It’s just sad because it’s just realistic, time passed and now we’re different people and that is the most devastating thing.”
"All I Ask" — Adele
Adele co-wrote this piano-heavy power ballad with Bruno Mars. Maybe all of that musical genius in one song is why we always cry when Adele asks in the song "What if I never love again?”
"Somebody That I Used to Know" — Gotye
Is there a more painful feeling than feeling like you're a stranger to someone that you used to know so well? Gotye thinks not.
"Hurt You First" — Niia
Those who constantly worry about being hurt in a relationship will recognize the emotion at the core of Niia's "Hurt You First," which ends in the haunting lyric "You can't leave me if I leave you."
"Space Cowboy" — Kacey Musgraves
Musgraves says goodbye to a partner whose eyes never stopped wandering after they first met in "Space Cowboy." For an even bigger heart wrench, listen to the version Kacey made with Harry Styles.
"when the party's over" — Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish's "when the party's over" layers vocal harmonies and her trademark hushed tones, making the song feel even more emotional ad intimate.
"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney Houston
The queen of sad songs — and all love songs, TBH — has the most heartbreaking rendition of "I Will Always Love You." It hurts so bad, which is what makes it so good.
Abby is an editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, beauty, life, and health. When she's not busy watching the latest true crime docuseries, you can find her strolling through Sephora, thrifting the perfect dress, or jogging with her pup.
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