3 Saddest Songs of the ’90s, No Grunge Allowed
vice.comPublished: 4/22/2025
Summary
In the early '90s, sad songs weren’t just grunge’s domain; artists like Metallica, R.E.M., and Jeff Buckley crafted deeply emotional tracks that evoked sorrow and introspection. "Nothing Else Matters" from Metallica featured a haunting guitar intro and lyrically reflected on loss and longing, while "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. fostered collective empathy with its melancholic tune. Jeff Buckley’s "Hallelujah," originally by Leonard Cohen, transformed into a bittersweet ballad that resonated with listeners as they navigated life's transitions. These tracks, crafted across various subgenres, offered solace and reflection in an often-emotional decade.