3 Songs That Defined the Meaning of Sadness for Generation Z

The feeling of sadness is defined by a plethora of different factors, and one of those factors is undeniably music. Sometimes, specific songs remind you of specific instances; on the other hand, the melody and lyrics of an arbitrary song can just make you spontaneously burst into tears. Regardless, music helps make sadness, and Generation Z has its fair share of songs that taught them what sadness was and still is.

Videos by American Songwriter

For some reason, it seems that Generation Z has a surplus of sad songs. Thanks to bands and artists such as Coldplay, The Fray, Bruno Mars, Amy Winehouse, and James Blunt, it seems Generation Z couldn’t escape sad songs. However, we aren’t bitter about it, as these three songs taught us what it meant to be sad in our most formative years.

“Yellow” by Coldplay

Frankly, almost every single song Coldplay put out in the ‘2000s was worthy of a tear or two. However, “Yellow” is one of their most soothingly sad songs and reminds one of what it meant to feel such a sensation at such a young age. Released in 2000, “Yellow” has seemingly embedded itself in the minds of every Generation Z member who grew up listening to it in their parents’ car.

Following its 2000 release, Coldplay’s single peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and at No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, this song moves emotional mountains, and no number can ever capture that effect.

“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars

Who remembers their first break-up? Well, if you do, and you are a member of Generation Z, there is a fairly good chance that Bruno Mars‘ 2012 break-up anthem, “When I Was Your Man,” was featured on your sad songs playlist. It’s a timeless piece of music and one that captures the timeless sensation of a broken heart. For many Generation Z members, it seemingly helped them cope with their romantic failures.

Released in 2012, Bruno Mars’ track peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an international hit single. Regardless, this song acted and still arguably acts as a soulful reminder of the universality of heartbreak.

“Never Say Never” by The Fray

Like Coldplay, it seems every single song The Fray released during their height moved the masses to tears. Consequently, their music is synonymous with a pleasant sense of sadness and melancholy. Especially the 2009 track, “Never Say Never.” Which is a sucker punch to the heart that leaves one gasping for air and running rampant with salty seepage.

Despite this song being a quintessential classic of the ‘2000s, it only peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, who cares, as this song is a piece of melancholic nostalgia and encases somber moments in shells of amber. Frankly, if you’re looking for a song to boost your sadness, then just throw this on. It will surely achieve the desired effect.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio