Billy Ocean, There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) | Throwback Vibez

In the 84^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” by Trinidadian British singer-songwriter Billy Ocean.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to energize you and put you in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All musical genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 84^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” performed by Billy Ocean.

True, Billy Ocean (Leslie Sebastian Charles). The Grammy-winning Trinidadian British singer-songwriter racked up some serious hits back in the day.  One of his most popular and renowned songs is his ballad “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)”. It is the fourth track from his double platinum, sixth studio album, Love Zone. This song marked Ocean’s second of three number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, following “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)”. Ocean composed “Sad Songs” with producers Wayne Brathwaite and Barry Eastmond.

From the get-go, “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” is a surefire vibe. The keyboard intro is radiant and warm. Strings creep in, amplifying the refinement and sophistication. The star of the show should come as no surprise: Mr. Billy Ocean! Ocean sings beautifully, showing off his buttery smooth tone. When he sings, it’s the truth, or at least, that’s how it feels given his authenticity and sincerity. “Do you think of that someone when you hear that special melody? / I always stop and think of you especially,” he sings in the first verse, and concludes, “When the words of a love song / Touch the very heart of me.” Aww 🥰.  The second verse features a bit more oomph, instrumentation, and background vocals. He keeps it musical in the second verse, where “Rhapsody plays, a melody for you and me / Until the moment that you give your love to me…” I love how the chorus distinguishes itself from the verses, with its own unique melody and a modulation. The chorus is the crown jewel, where Ocean shows off the power of his pipes:

“There’ll be sad songs to make you cry

Love songs often do

They can touch the heart of someone new

Saying I love you (I love you).”

The third verse, which is bridge-like, is set in the same key as the chorus, though it modulates back to the original key. “I always stop and think of you especially,” Ocean sings, and concludes, “When the words of a love song / Touch the very heart of me.” The final choruses return to C. With “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)”, Billy Ocean recorded another once-in-a-lifetime song.  No, he didn’t win a Grammy as he did with “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)”, but he also didn’t need one to validate the greatness of this song.  Billy shone bright like a diamond in the 1980s, PERIODT!

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Billy Ocean » Love Zone » Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 1986

Billy Ocean, There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry): Throwback Vibez No. 84 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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