Songs of anger. Western music anger songs. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Since music is also an expression of the pure emotions of the artists who create it, there are naturally countless masterpieces that convey “anger,” one of the four basic emotions.
Whether it’s anger directed inward, dissatisfaction with society, or criticism of an unjust reality, the forms of anger are diverse.
In this article, we introduce classic Western songs themed around anger, spanning eras and genres.
From heavy tracks whose very sound conveys rage, to quieter songs that nonetheless make a firm statement of protest, please enjoy our reviews that delve into the lyrical content.
Song of anger. Western anger songs. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (1–10)
Worst BehaviorDrake
Drake, a popular Canadian rapper.
He’s a rapper with a wide range of skills, from trap to mellow rap.
His track “Worst Behavior” is one of his signature songs, released in 2013.
It won the BET Hip Hop Awards’ Viewer’s Choice and was highly praised by critics.
The lyrics are overflowing with the word “fuck” (lol).
It’s a quintessentially hip-hop, anger-filled set of lyrics, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well!
So WhatP!nk
A song by Pink, the American pop singer.
If you listen without knowing the lyrics, it feels like a catchy tune with a shuffle beat that makes your body sway, but when you listen along with the lyrics, you can feel the anger and loneliness that weren’t apparent before.
The chorus, which hurls out complex emotions, is stirring and makes it a track you can play to let off steam when you’re feeling irritated.
Without MeEminem
Speaking of Eminem, his lyrics are memorable for their individuality, such as using fairy tales as motifs.
While we tend to focus on his beautiful lyricism, his lyrics are also well known for their aggressiveness.
A track packed with that aggression is “Without Me.” Released in 2002, the backlash against Eminem at the time was very strong, and other rappers didn’t think highly of him.
This song responds to that climate with innovative lyrics and world-class skill.
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
The legendary rock band Nirvana.
When it comes to their signature songs, isn’t “Smells Like Teen Spirit” the first that comes to mind? In fact, Kurt Cobain wrote this song with anger.
The target of that anger was young people’s apathy.
The song conveys a desire for people to engage more actively with the world.
The lyrics are rich in metaphor throughout, so take your time reading them closely.
Also, don’t miss the powerful music video.
Killing LonelinessHiM
A song by HIM, a metal band from Finland that went on hiatus in 2017.
True to their self-proclaimed “love metal,” a rare label for a metal band, the track centers on anger toward a lover.
It’s a number where a weighty, gothic metal-influenced sound harmonizes with wistful vocals.
Nothing Else MattersMetallica
For Metallica, the mightiest heavy metal band, this was their first rock ballad of their career.
Said to be more than just a love song, it delivers a scathing message to critics and the media while celebrating the bond with fans.
Its grand orchestral sound and the searing guitar solo that explodes in the latter half elevate the listener’s emotions.
Scentless ApprenticeNirvana
Its overwhelming sound, swirling with anger and hatred, showcases the very essence of Nirvana’s musicality.
Featured on the album In Utero, this track was inspired by Patrick Süskind’s novel Perfume and powerfully conveys feelings of social alienation and loneliness.
Produced by Steve Albini in September 1993, it achieves a raw yet delicate sonic texture.
The band also took on the unusual challenge of creating it collaboratively as a full group, making it one of the most experimental and ambitious works in their history.
Even for those new to Nirvana, it’s a track that offers a quintessential experience of grunge music.