“Sad girl” pop music, an ever-growing music archetype, is defined by its hyper vulnerability and dismal vibration. Typically, the aesthetic summarizes the feelings of heartbreak, depression, and angst in a melancholic manner.
The genre of “sad girl” music emerged around the mid-to-late ’90s with artists such as Fiona Apple and Alanis Morrisette. Their emotional sound began the era of “sad girl” music, bringing rise to an aesthetic never captured before.
Recently, newer artists have been labeled to epitomize the genre due to their painfully relatable songwriting and somber vibe. If you want to immerse yourself in the best “sad girl” music, these are the rising artists that I would recommend.
Gracie Abrams
When I am in a dreary mood, Gracie Abrams is the artist I turn to for the best “sad girl” music. Not only are her lyrics very detailed and visual, but she presents an atmosphere with her sound that is unlike any other artist. Her breathy vocal style and natural tone makes her incredibly compelling and fascinating. Rather than an image or scene, Abrams’s music evokes feeling, which is exactly what defines the “sad girl” music genre. Some of her songs that I think fit this aesthetic are “Long Sleeves,” “Camden,” “Hard to Sleep,” “Rockland,” “This is What the Drugs Are For,” and “Cedar.” Out of her discography, her records “This is What it Feels Like” and “Good Riddance” are the most accurate demonstrations of the “sad girl” genre. All of her music, however, encapsulates the vibe almost perfectly.
Lexi Jayde
Lexi Jayde is another “sad girl” singer-songwriter I would recommend, especially because of her gut-wrenching lyrics. Jayde is very underrated and her music is often overlooked. She currently only has one EP released, “Closer to Closure,” along with a few singles. However, the songs on “Closer to Closure” are remarkably raw and vulnerable, and they encapsulate heartbreak in a way that is so true to life. Her songs “Drunk Text Me,” “You Don’t Deserve These Tears,” and “Someday” demonstrate the real feelings of going through a breakup and healing. My favorite part about her music is its authenticity; her words are painfully genuine. Jayde is another fantastic representation of the “sad girl” music genre, and I would absolutely give her music a try.
Maisie Peters
Maisie Peters is one of my favorite artists in the “sad girl” genre. What stands out to me the most about her music is its vivid detail and description. Her songs make listeners feel like they are actually living in her experiences. Some “sad girl” songs of hers I would recommend are “Good Enough,” “Want You Back,” and some of her newer songs, “You You You” and “Say My Name In Your Sleep.” “You You You” is an incredibly deep breakup song, and it cuts to the heart like no other. Peters is a master at bringing her feelings to life and telling stories. She is an unparalleled artist, and her mesmeric lyricism deserves more recognition. Peters also has a new album that fans are anticipating to be released soon. From the singles she has teased the album with, it seems like we are going to receive a lot of new “sad girl” music.
Lizzy McAlpine
Finally, I would recommend Lizzy McAlphine as another rising artist in the “sad girl” genre. Similar to Peters, McAlpine is an excellent storyteller and amazing at portraying a setting. Her song “Ceilings” is notoriously famous for its intense emotion and “sad girl” anguish. Additionally, her album “Five Seconds Flat” and her recent album “Older” are beautiful depictions of the “sad girl” aesthetic; songs like “Chemtrails,” “Vortex,” and “Staying” are beautifully and emotionally crafted. McAlphine’s lyrics are very descriptive and illustrative, and they embody such raw human emotion, which is exactly why I think she is one of the current best “sad girl” music artists. I would definitely give her music a listen.
Whether you are an avid fan of “sad girl” music, in the mood for listening to melancholic tunes, or just want to try a new genre, I hope these recommendations provide you with some idea on where to start. Abrams, Jayde, Peters, and McAlpine are all excellent musicians, and they are some of the best “sad girl” music artists in the music industry today.
