When life gets you down, music is (in my humble opinion!) the best medicine. Listening to the perfect song—whether it be a pop song with a hidden meaning, or a truly tragic ballad—can help you work through just about any hardship. But in the sea of new releases and curated playlists, we know it can be hard to find the right track to choose. To make the selection process easier, Esquire rounded up the 10 best sad songs of 2023. For what it's worth, these aren't saddest songs of the year. That's a whole different list. And we're not trying to bring you too low. So, with appearances from Omar Apollo, Boy Genius, Arlo Parks, and KSI—these 10 tracks will keep you company in your darkest moments. Now, grab a pair of headphones and a box of tissues. It’s time to heal.

Omar Apollo is back—and trying to make all of us cry. His new song, "3 Boys," tracks the down-bad, can't-get-over-you type of love that afflicts us all at some point. In this case, even three new suitors can't distract from the problem at hand. The melancholy lyrics, paired with Apollo's buttery-smooth voice, form a perfectly tragic lullaby. Listen if you dare. But don't say we didn't warn you.

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With "Weightless," Arlo Parks manages to depict yearning as a liminal space. In the chorus, she confidently sings, "I don't want to wait for you," before admitting, "I don't want to wait for you / but I need you so I won't go." Sound familiar? If you've also found yourself waiting for someone to love you back, take "Weightless" as a sign to GTFO. If your ex has any questions, go ahead and send them this track. Arlo's fairy-like voice will surely soften the blow.

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There’s no doubt about it: loving someone who withholds their emotions is heartbreaking. But the good news is that you don’t have to stick it out. Be like Sam Smith and leave them behind! If you need any encouragement, or simply want to cry about it, listen to this track. Smith’s painfully accurate lyrics will be there when you need it.

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Do you think you're too sensitive? Give this track a listen. In "Bruises," Renee Rapp sings about those who make fun of her for taking everything personally. The song's heartfelt lyrics, mixed with Rapp's catchy vocals, are sure to make "Bruises" your next earworm.

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Abrams's latest track, "I Know it Won't Work," is about wanting to get back together with someone—even though you know it won't work out. Before texting your ex, try listening to this tune instead. Abrams's brutally honest lyrics might provide the closure you're looking for.

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Don't let this song's chipper chant fool you. KSI's latest offering is about quieting the voice in your head that wonders, what if? If you've also found yourself overcome with yearning, listen to "Voices" for a bit of reprieve.

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Daughter's latest track, "Be On Your Way," is about moving on. If you're ready to let go of an old flame, let this song's wispy melody guide the way.

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There's nothing worse than watching your ex move on. Gloria Kim explores that pain (and then some) in "Was it easy getting over me." It's a track that's equally striking and sad. Kim's folksy vocals weave a painful story of love and loss. Don't worry if you cry—that's the whole point.

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Zach Bryan and Maggie Rogers are searching for a new horizon in "Dawns." The song is about wanting to reclaim the time you've spent in a relationship that went south. "Wake me up, when the seasons change" Bryan sings. "Cause, I've wasted all my dawns on you." If you feel slighted from a lost romance, give this song a try. Trust me, Bryan and Rogers get it.

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Sometimes, relationships just fall apart. BoyGenius manages to capture that dreadful feeling in "Emily I'm Sorry," which is written as an apology to a lost love. Throughout the song, Pheobe Bridgers reflects on a failed relationship, and wonders if she'll ever get a second chance. If you're also hoping for forgiveness, this one will hit close to home.

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