Come on; we’ve all ugly cried. And if you really haven’t, you should try it out sometime. We wouldn’t recommend doing this in public, but a hearty, full-out hysterical cry sesh can be cathartic. And for some reason, the tears just flow so much more freely when a super-sad song is playing in the background. (Even worse when you’re in a car and a song kicks in…)
If you’re in need of letting it all out, then grab a box of tissues (and maybe a bottle of wine) and hunker down with this artfully compiled list of the 16 best songs to listen to when you need an ugly cry.
More: 31 Movies Guaranteed to Make You Cry
1. “All I Want” by Kodaline
There’s just something about the vocals and swooping instrumental break that makes me think of every breakup I’ve ever been through — and the sort of melancholy hope that there’s someone perfect out there for everyone.
2. “Breathe Me” by Sia
It’s all about the piano and the ouch factor. I mean, this is all about the pain we cause ourselves, and again, the sullen, beautiful piano always gets my emotions flowing.
3. “Poison and Wine” by The Civil Wars
Not really a breakup song, but not really a love song either, this gets you thinking about how honest we are with each other in love — and how far we’ll go to keep love. Plus, the harmonies are like a stake to the chest.
4. “Jolene” by Ray LaMontagne
Old Ray isn’t exactly known for his happy music, so if you’re looking for sad, you can hit up most of his songs and have a winner. This one in particular feels hopeless but, as usual, stunning in its raspy delivery.
5. “The Scientist” by Coldplay
Again, what is it about sad piano? Sad piano hurts. Plus, the lyrics of this Coldplay classic hurt, as well, as we can all bemoan the difficulty of relationships and how often we accidentally hurt the people we love.
6. “Sometime Around Midnight” by The Airborne Toxic Event
Gimme them strings! Oh, this one just aches of emo angst! The girlfriend he’s not over. The party where she leaves with someone else. The booze. Angst!
7. “Breathe Again” by Sara Bareilles
If her music is anything to go from, this woman has been through some bad relationships, and this song perfectly captures the choking feeling of losing someone we love. That feeling that we’ll never be whole again.
8. “Never Let Me Go” by Florence + the Machine
Aw, yes, the title sounds so nice and romantic… until you realize she’s talking about sinking under the surface of the ocean and the water holding her tightly forever.
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