[2025] A Collection of Dark Western Songs Middle Schoolers Should Hear
When we’re weighed down by melancholy, it’s the power of music that gently wraps around our hearts.
Sometimes we feel deep empathy by laying bare the darkness inside; other times we find encouragement amid despair—here are some classic Western songs that do just that.
Focused mainly on Gen Z artists, we’ve selected tracks that can stand beside the many kinds of emotional pain today’s middle schoolers (as of 2025) may face—heartbreak, friendship troubles, anxieties about the future, and more.
Listening while understanding the lyrics will make them resonate even more deeply.
Just be careful not to get swallowed by darkness that’s too deep—and by all means, try listening as you read the lyrics.
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[2025] A roundup of depressive Western songs that middle schoolers should listen to (41–50)
I’ve Seen It AllThom Yorke With Bjork
It’s a song featured in Dancer in the Dark.
The film itself was said to be so bleak as to be beyond salvation, and I think the soundtrack—including the inserted songs—though styled like a musical, stands out more for a sense of despair than for brightness.
HonestlyZwan
This is a project formed by the Smashing Pumpkins’ vocalist after changing out the lineup of musicians, but because it came right on the heels of the messy relationships within the Pumpkins, every song still carries an inescapable impression of being “pop yet somehow dark.” It pains me to hear it, as if they’re hiding their wounds while trying to act cheerful.
Adam’s Songblink-182
A track released in 2000 by the American rock band Blink-182.
It’s about suicide and was written by bassist Mark Hoppus when he was experiencing depression.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
HelloAdele
I’m impressed—it’s just like Adele to create songs that draw listeners in.
The melodies are so good that even women can imitate and sing along.
They’re easy to understand, so you find yourself humming as you listen.
It’s great that even middle schoolers can enjoy them.
Her slightly husky voice is wonderful.
SOS ft. Aloe BlaccAvicii
Avicii, the world-renowned music producer who passed away in 2018.
In accordance with his family’s wishes, his posthumous works were compiled into the album “SOS.” The track “SOS ft.
Aloe Blacc” was released as a single from that album, featuring rapper and noted philanthropist Aloe Blacc.
The lyrics portray someone recognizing the danger of their own deteriorating mental state, turning to harmful things, and desperately calling for help.
If you’re a middle school student feeling down, why not give it a listen?
Sk8er BoiAvril Lavigne
A number released in 2002 by Avril when she was a punk girl—one that’s likely very nostalgic and meaningful for those who were in junior high or high school at the time.
The lyrics tell a story about a boy who loves punk and the snobby girl he’s in love with, making it easy to understand, and it’s crafted in a way that wouldn’t feel out of place even to today’s middle schoolers.
Your PowerBillie Eilish
A piece I’d recommend to junior high school students who want to listen to something calm is “Your Power.” Released by Billie Eilish, this work is packed with her stylish musical sensibilities.
The lyrics are drawn from her own experiences and address domestic violence, commonly referred to as DV.
Although the lyrics are raw, the melody is stylish, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.