There has always been this idea that you have to be sad to listen to sad songs. I’m actually in the minority of people that enjoy listening to sad songs on any occasion. In my opinion, they are some of the best songs artists like Sam Smith and BANKS have on their albums and have a lot more depth. Sad songs feel like they were written for something or someone and are more personable. These songs are also generally beautiful and extremely well written. What makes me love these songs so much is the emotion that can come from the simple instrumentation and raw vocals.
How could I talk about sad songs without mentioning the incomparable Sam Smith? He has one of the most emotional voices in pop music today. His song “Leave Your Lover” is one of his best. All it takes is a guitar, a piano, some strings and Sam’s voice for you to be transported into this beautiful story. “Oh, I’m in love with you, and you will never know,” Sam croons longingly in hopes of love. It’s a gorgeous love song that feels so real to what we could experience in our lives. It further proves that Sam Smith is the king of ballads. The video perfectly depicts what the song is all about. You see Sam slowly fall deeper in love with a friend that is unattainable; it makes for a great music video.
Recently BANKS, the future R&B artist, released her debut album, Goddess. It’s full of sultry electronics and soulful lyrics, and two amazing ballads. “Under The Table” and “You Should Know Where I’m Coming From” are both raw, impassioned songs that will are full of a longing that she makes you feel. BANKS’ voice is put in the spotlight in both of these songs. Her voice has very little auto-tune and feels very natural, which makes it seem like she feels what she is singing. It gives a lot of realness that some artists struggle to portray, but BANKS does it effortlessly.
Another one of my favorites is Paramore and their song “Hate To See Your Heart Break.” It’s a typical rock ballad, but I’m such a fan of Paramore that it doesn’t really matter to me. The lead singer Hayley Williams’ voice floats over the basic guitar part as the orchestration builds to a flurry of strings. It’s quite a simple song, but that’s what really makes it good. Artists don’t have to add to make a song good; sometimes the simplest songs are even better, like Paramore’s “The Only Exception.” A simple song yet it’s one of their top hits.
The song “Still” by Bombay Bicycle Club is actually a song you have to be sad to listen to. This was one of the first songs that I ever burst into tears listening to. It wasn’t about the lyrics the first time I heard it; what got me was the way the lead singers voice cracks and the heartbreaking music. Something about the piano and the voice just got to me. The song is all about losing love and discovering infidelity in a relationship, it’s hard to ascertain how that would feel when you’ve never been through it, but this song encompasses the emotion that I would imagine one would have in that situation. It’s an emotionally draining song but well worth the listen because it is so well done.
All the songs I have mentioned have simplicity to them but can make you feel so much. People have asked me why I listen to sad music even on happy occasions, and I always tell them, “you don’t have to be sad to listen to a sad song.” These songs have a distinct beauty to them, so why only save them for when you’re feeling down? There is something so unique about songs that can put you through different spectrums of emotion. Of course I love the basic, easy pop songs, but when a song can affect you on an emotional level, that is a clear sign of amazing music making.
