Sad pop music has always been around, gaining popularity in the 1970s with artists like Elton John and in the 1980s with artists like The Smiths. Flash forward to the 21st century, sad pop music is everywhere, infiltrating the mainstream and the ears of all age groups.
In particular, the last 10 years have seen some of the saddest pop duets, so here's a list of the best songs that have come out of this decade:
"exile (feat. Bon Iver)" by Taylor Swift
In 2020, Taylor Swift pulled a 180 on her fans with her indie-folk album "folklore," featuring many songs that rivaled her previous work for their sad subject material. However, "exile (feat. Bon Iver)" reigns supreme in this category, as the two sing of a couple running into each other at a party after an extreme breakup. With Bon Iver on the piano and the two's vocal harmonies, they created an epic call and response that will bring tears to your eyes. With lyrics like "I think I've seen this film before / And I didn't like the ending" and "So step right out, there is no amount / Of crying I can do for you," you'll instantly feel the emotional weight of this track for its dramatic production and heartbreaking storyline.
"Hopeless (feat. Cashmere Cat)" by Halsey
Off Halsey's 2017 sophomore album "hopeless fountain kingdom," this song is one of her saddest collaborations because of its concept. Based on Shakespeare's "Romeo And Juliet," you can feel the singer's pain of losing a lover, especially after they erase you from their life. Alongside Cashmere Cat's mixing, "Hopeless" is painfully lonely, and while it is pop music, it doesn't sound cheesy or superficial. With great lines like "'Cause you know the truth hurts / But secrets kill" and "'Cause you know the good die young / But so did this," Halsey has created one of her best sad songs, making a duet between a DJ and a singer sound reasonable for once.
"Postcard (feat. Gordi)" by Troye Sivan
Another iconic sad song comes from Troye Sivan and Gordi on "Postcard." With a song about receiving mixed signals from an ex, the singer just uses his strong vocals to lament his inner anger toward being mistreated. Gordi also adds another layer of emotion to this song by harmonizing with Sivan, and the two take listeners on a tell-all confession of a former relationship. Some lyrics aim right at the heart, such as, "But you're still picking me up / Don't put me back down like it's nothing to ya." Overall, it's one of the most memorable pop duets from the last 10 years for its vulnerable nature and beautiful lyricism throughout.
"Say Something (feat. Christina Aguilera)" by A Great Big World
"Say something, I'm giving up on you" is a lyric most Gen-Z music listeners can easily recall, especially as this song blew up overnight. This duet is about two lovers who can't seem to communicate with one another, even after years of being together. With Christina Aguilera's soft soprano accompanied by an orchestra and lead singer Ian Axel's distinct sound, "Say Something" blends two unlikely singers together to create a devastating song that transports listeners back to 2014.
"Princess Of China (feat. Rihanna)" by Coldplay
While this song is more upbeat, it's an extremely devastating listen. Integrating electronic, hyperpop and rock influences, Rihanna enters this song flawlessly, with lead singer Chris Martin of Coldplay letting her take over the song's narrative. "Princess of China" may be forgotten by many, but the two's stance of a failed relationship makes their duet extremely powerful, especially as both scream: "'Cause you really hurt me." Imagining themselves as royalty, the two explore the idea of "what could've been" in a relationship, which is why it's a perfect sad pop song.
