Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Pop Songs

This song, from Lorde’s second studio album “Melodrama,” never fails to grip us. Per the singer’s own admission, “Liability” is about how she thought she was “too much.” It’s safe to say that most of us have been there at one point or another. And the track, which she co-wrote with Jack Antonoff, really encapsulates that harrowing sensation. Lorde sings about being nothing more than a “toy” for others, and feeling that nobody will be able to love all of her. Her powerful delivery drives the number’s heart-wrenching message home, with the piano tones making the whole thing all the more poignant. We hope Lorde never stops taking up space, because she’s anything but a liability.

Break-ups are never easy, but “Someone Like You” is the perfect song for when you need to let yourself feel the pain that comes after one. Inspired by heartbreak in her own life, Adele vividly bares her soul, addressing what it’s like when the one you love has moved on. It’s an affecting look at the fear and hurt that follow, but there’s no anger. Instead, you can sense the sadness in her voice, which is complemented perfectly by the simple yet robust melody. And the singer is constantly finding new ways to touch our hearts. Just look at “My Little Love,” the moving song from her “30” album. Adele never stops bringing the emotion, and it always hurts in the best way.

This ballad tells the tragic tale of a woman who’s had her heart shattered. She’s suffering, and wants things to go back to the way they were before her world was turned upside down. The song could be describing a difficult split between two people, but it could also be about the grief one feels after a significant other’s passing. Indeed, we see the latter scenario play out in the music video, adding a layer of sadness to every lyric. Braxton’s delivery is so impassioned that we experience the agony behind every word on a deeper level than we thought possible. It’s an unbelievably touching number, and we don’t think we’ll ever be able to un-cry the tears that it makes us shed.

Kelly Clarkson was just sixteen years old when she first penned this grim song. It’s thought to allude to her difficult home life as a child, as her parents split up and her father left. The evocative lyrics chronicle the lasting effect of such experiences, describing a lack of trust and a fear of taking risks. They also powerfully address a desire to do things differently. Clarkson’s strong vocals blend flawlessly with David Hodges and Ben Moody’s rousing production, resulting in a song that’ll have you sobbing as you belt along. The singer later tackled similar themes with the emotional but optimistic “Piece by Piece.” We recommend playing both songs back-to-back if you really want to feel your feelings!

Grief and regret are two incredibly loaded topics to tackle, even individually. Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt” does the unthinkable and blends both of them together. The number sees Aguilera singing from the perspective of a grieving woman. The lyrics paint a gloomy picture, as she apologizes to her late loved one for how things unfolded, and explains how much she misses them. That heavy message, combined with the singer’s commanding yet solemn vocal and the breathtaking instrumentals, make for an extra gut-wrenching listen. Co-writer Linda Perry drew from her own experience losing her father to help create this song, and the emotion is immediately discernible. It feels personal because it is, and that’s precisely why it’s so impactful.

Britney Spears has treated us to a slew of iconic songs, and “Everytime” is one of the most noteworthy in her discography. The track doesn’t rely on over-the-top gimmicks to grab listeners’ attention. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It resonates because it strips everything back, allowing Spears’ vulnerability and voice to shine through. In doing so, the spotlight remains fixed on the story of a remorseful young woman whose heart has been irreparably broken. As if that wasn’t profound enough on its own, the music video takes things up a notch with its morbid but ultimately hopeful imagery. It goes without saying, but every time we try to play this song without losing our composure, we fail.

Kesha showed everyone just how talented she is with this striking ballad. There’s a triumph in the song, as she sings about her newfound strength. But it’s also evident that she had to face an unimaginable amount of pain, and you can’t help but feel devastated. Widely believed to be aimed at Dr. Luke, whom Kesha has sued for assault and severe mistreatment, the track is both heartbreaking and empowering. It’s a declaration of freedom, an acknowledgement of suffering, and contains the hope that even the worst people can change. Kesha’s sincere performance is absolutely stunning, and her ability to speak her truth is awe-inspiring. “Praying” won’t leave anyone indifferent, and we’ll never stop playing it.

Lewis Capaldi released “Before You Go” in 2019, blowing us all away with his sheer artistry. The song is a profound exploration of what happens after someone you love takes their own life. There are no words to address such a tragedy, but he somehow finds them. Accompanied by smooth guitar sounds, the artist goes through a range of complex emotions, wondering if he could have somehow altered the course of events. And the way his raspy voice soars during the chorus is nothing short of bone-chilling. Through this mournful track, Capaldi sheds light on a topic that’s often considered taboo in an honest, nuanced, and thoughtful way. Needless to say, it’s a heavy and potent number, but one that’s definitely worth hearing.

Demi Lovato has never shied away from discussing their mental health. “Anyone” is no exception, providing an intimate glimpse into their state of mind prior to their near-fatal 2018 overdose. Lyrically, the song addresses feelings of hopelessness and sorrow. There’s an ache and agony that runs throughout the haunting melody and emotive vocals, describing what it’s like when you’re tired of screaming into the void. The blunt ballad is sure to give any listener goosebumps. Lovato even restarted their performance of the song at the 2020 Grammys after getting emotional. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t choking up too. There’s no doubt that “Anyone” has helped many people feel seen, and it’ll forever remain one of the singer’s most chilling releases.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Sandcastles” (2016), Beyoncé
Queen Bey Doesn’t Hold Back While Exploring Pain & Forgiveness

“Falling” (2019), Harry Styles
This Breakup Ballad Powerfully Looks Inward

“I Will Always Love You” (1992), Whitney Houston
A Touchingly Bittersweet Goodbye

“Stay” (2012), Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko
It’s Not Always Easy to Leave a Relationship

“Incomplete” (2005), Backstreet Boys
What Is There to Do When You Feel Like a Part of You Is Missing?

Ronan was an amazing little boy who unfortunately died from cancer shortly before his fourth birthday. Taylor Swift discovered his story through his mom Maya Thompson’s blog, which ultimately led to this heartbreaking song. Originally released in 2012 and re-recorded nearly a decade later for Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version)” album, “Ronan” is as poignant today as ever. The lyrics capture the grief that comes with losing a child in a soul-stirring way, and beautifully honor Ronan and his mother. There’s remembrance, pain, and, above all, an infinite amount of love. The song’s raw emotion is so palpable that it’s impossible to get through it without breaking down and bawling. You’re definitely going to want to grab a tissue box before listening to this one.