Popular Depressive Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Do I Wanna Know?Arctic Monkeys8rank/position

Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know? (Official Video)

Arctic Monkeys, a rock band from England.

Released in June 2013, this track is a signature song from their masterpiece AM.

You can almost picture the protagonist alone late at night, overwhelmed by thoughts of an ex-lover.

The dilemma of wanting to know how the other person feels, but being afraid of rejection.

That clinging obsession borders on stalking.

The heavy, undulating guitar riff that seems to embody these precarious emotions is incredibly striking.

The song achieved the remarkable feat of holding the No.

1 spot on the U.

S.

Alternative chart for 10 consecutive weeks, and it was also featured in the drama Peaky Blinders.

On sleepless nights when you can’t forget someone, it might be worth surrendering yourself to its dark allure.

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne9rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

Among Avril’s songs, one track in particular is famously known for making listeners cry: “”.

While it can hardly be called a recent release, its unique mood—combined with Avril’s age at the time—will undoubtedly move today’s high school students to tears.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys10rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

This one is famous too, and I really love the chorus and the part right after it—it’s so cool, and I used to listen to it a lot.

There’s a time when you start admiring bands, and as a middle schooler you end up loving this kind of music and can memorize it quickly.

You really get into Western music.

It’s slow and easy to sing.

Ghost TownBenson Boone11rank/position

Benson Boone – Ghost Town (Official Music Video)

Benson Boone, a singer-songwriter from Washington State, is known for his classic song “Ghost Town.” It’s one of his signature works and continues to enjoy steady popularity.

The track is especially popular among teenagers, and its lyrics craft a breakup song that evokes the gentle, youthful feelings of first love.

Among so-called “dark” songs, it has relatively high energy, and the chorus, in particular, stands out with a deeply moving melody.

bury a friendBillie Eilish12rank/position

Billie Eilish – bury a friend (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish, the American singer-songwriter whose stylish musicality has earned her worldwide popularity, is also hugely popular in Japan.

While she’s now strongly associated with a sleek, stylish image, before “bad guy” became a hit she was known as a representative figure for darker songs.

“bury a friend” is a work that’s packed with that very darkness.

Be sure to check it out.

ViennaBilly Joel13rank/position

Vienna-Billy Joel (Lyrics in Description)

It’s a beautiful song featuring Billy Joel’s supple, far-reaching vocals and a wistful, emotional melody.

The accordion that comes in partway through is great, too! I’d also highly recommend the lyrics to middle school students—they’re the kind of words that can give you the courage to take on a challenge.

Skinny LoveBirdy14rank/position

Birdy – Skinny Love (Official Music Video)

A teenage girl is covering a classic Bon Iver song.

The dry piano tones and her clear voice soothe a dark, sunken heart.

We tend to choose dark songs when we’re feeling low, but I think gentle songs that don’t interfere with that gloom—like a friend who stays by your side—are nice too.