Sad Girl Songs: 1960s and 1970s

My favorite "sad girl" singer/songwriter songs from the 1960s and 1970s that aren't by Joni Mitchell or Joan Baez. Sorry for getting angry.

I’m not going to beat around the bush: I straight up have a problem labeling music as “sad girl” music! I disagree with it as a concept. Some of the most sorrowful tunes I’ve heard from women are coursing with electricity, speeding at a BPM of over 100. I’ll admit right here that I have not delved into the boygenius cinematic universe because I think its label of “sad girl indie” turns me away.

So, why did I use “sad girl” in the title of this newsletter? First, I love to complain, and I wanted an opportunity to do that. Second, I know “sad girl” is currently a very popular way to refer to music evoking a certain mood, and I wanted you to be more likely to open this email!

I’m no fool. I know what people mean when they say “sad girl” music. So worry not: you’ll find that the songs on today’s playlist are not happy. Instead, they are arrestingly tender. They’re almost all from women folk artists, and the lyrics are introspective and often about heartbreak.

And now that I’ve had a tantrum in true grumpy girl fashion, I really do hope you enjoy the songs on today’s playlist. They’re all beautiful. Practically every other song has me clutching my chest. There are some great covers in here, too!

Here’s the first song:

“Dolphin” - Linda Perhacs
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There are chord changes in this one that destroy me. Many of the songs on today’s playlist come from astounding lesser-known albums of the 1960s and 1970s. Prepare yourself for lots of recommendations. Here’s the first one: Please listen to all of Parallelograms!

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