Sad Songs Say So Much (and Science Agrees)

Elton John had it right when he sang, “Turn ’em on, turn ’em on, turn on those sad songs.” Although he never did get that neuroscience degree, Elton clearly understood the positive emotional chemistry behind listening to sad music.

Contrary to popular belief, listening to sad music doesn’t always make you feel worse—it can actually make you feel better. It’s not emotional wallowing; it’s emotional maintenance.

Let’s unpack why our hearts (and neurons) love a sad bop.

Your Brain on Sad Songs

Research into sad song science has proposed that when you listen to moody music, your brain releases prolactin, a hormone that usually serves to comfort you after you experience something sad or stressful (it's what makes a good crying sesh so worthwhile). It's thought that sad music simulates real sadness, and tricks your brain into releasing this prolactin. And If you're sad to start with, perhaps we can assume that you're getting a double dose of it?

Your mirror neurons — the parts of your brain that let you feel what others feel — also light up when you hear someone singing with soul-crushing emotion. Sad music reminds us that heartbreak is universal. When Whitney belts or Phil Collins pleads, your brain goes, same. By empathizing with the singer, you’re giving your own emotions a way to be seen, named, and released. It’s like emotional outsourcing. They sing; you heal.

And that’s why a gut-punch lyric like “Love bites” hits just as hard in 2025 as it did in 1987. When you listen and think, Def Leppard gets it, your brain releases the feel-good chemical oxytocin—the same hormone that helps you bond with people.

Could there be more to this musical stew of feel good chemicals? Yep. Whenever we listen to music that we like, be it happy or sad, our brain also releases that dope chemical we all love, dopamine.

The Catharsis

Sad songs help you move through grief, not get stuck in it. It’s called catharsis, and it’s basically therapy you can dance-cry to. That’s why after you've finished a sad-song binge and an entire tissue box, you might feel lighter and calmer. Maybe even empowered.

So the next time life gets heavy, don’t fight the melancholy—embrace it. Turn on those sad songs, grab your Pop Oils aroma stick, and let your brain and heart sync up in stereo.

🎤 Pop Oils Presents: The “Sad Songs Say So Much” 80s Playlist

1. Sad Songs (Say So Much)” – Elton John
   Ironically upbeat proof that crying can, in fact, be cardio.
   

2. “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper
   For when you promise you’re so over it… but still check their horoscope, just in case.

3. “Drive” – The Cars
   Because nothing says “I’m fine” like crying in slow motion behind the wheel.
   

4. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” – Phil Collins
   Phil single-handedly invented the soundtrack to staring out a rainy window.
   

5. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Bonnie Tyler
   Dramatic? Yes. Over-the-top? Also yes. Do we turn around every now and then? Constantly.
   

6. “Careless Whisper” – George Michael
   That saxophone solo cured zero heartbreaks but started one million slow dances.
   

7. "Separate Lives" – Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin
   The musical equivalent of realizing you both still have each other’s Netflix login.
   

8. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House
   An anthem for anyone who refuses to give up...but still enjoys a good sulk.
   

9. “Missing You” – John Waite
   For when you’re definitely not missing them, you just… made an entire playlist about it.
   

10. “Open Arms” – Journey
    Warning: Side effects include spontaneous belting and emotional air-guitar.
    

11. “If You Leave” – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)
    The official theme of slow dances, prom tears, and regrettable corsage choices.
    

12. "Pictures of You" – The Cure
    Scrolling through old photos before Instagram even existed.
    

13. "With or Without You" – U2
    Toxic attachment issues, but make it stadium-sized.
    

14. "Wicked Game" – Chris Isaak
    That moment when heartbreak suddenly becomes cinematic and you’re in black-and-white slow motion.
    

15. “Forever Young” – Alphaville
    Because we may age, but our love of synths remains eternal.