Popular Depressive Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Autumn LeavesChris Brown ft. Kendrick Lamar22rank/position

Chris Brown – Autumn Leaves (Explicit) ft. Kendrick Lamar

This song, created with Kendrick Lamar as a guest alongside Chris Brown, was released as a single from the album.

The depiction of autumn and a lover trying to distance themselves matches beautifully.

The sparse instrumentation of the track also effectively expresses the emotions.

HumanChristina Perri23rank/position

Christina Perri – Human [Official Video]

An emotional power ballad released in 2013 by American singer-songwriter Christina Perri.

Martin Johnson, the frontman of Boys Like Girls, was involved in its production.

The track became a hit worldwide and has been certified platinum in both the United States and Canada.

SymphonyClean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson24rank/position

Clean Bandit – Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson) [Official Video]

Speaking of autumn, it’s the season of the arts, so I also recommend a track like this with an orchestra.

The overall sound is polished and pop, but the occasional strings add a nice touch.

The music video, which depicts same-sex love, is also noteworthy.

YellowColdplay25rank/position

Coldplay – Yellow (Official Video)

Among the many Coldplay hit songs, this one is especially popular.

It’s a love song that says, “I was able to find you and reach you because you shine.” Describing shining colors with the word “Yellow” really shows the artist’s touch.

Middle school students, cherish your individuality and nurture your own color!

Girls Just Wanna Have FunCyndi Lauper26rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Official Video)

This is another song that sticks in your head after just one listen.

It was often used on TV and frequently imitated, so I saw and heard it a lot.

It’s easy enough for middle schoolers, and every time I heard her voice, it got stuck in my head and wouldn’t go away.

She’s a captivating singer.

My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion27rank/position

Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On (Live) [HD]

I love this song even after just hearing the intro.

When I listen to it, I remember the movie and tears start to flow naturally.

It’s a song rich in emotion, achingly beautiful, and it makes my heart swell.

The movie’s influence is big, but it’s still a perfect and moving Western song even for middle school students.

Something About UsDaft Punk28rank/position

Daft Punk – Something About Us (Official Audio)

A downtempo track released in 2003 by the French electronic music duo Daft Punk.

It was used in the animated film Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem and became a hit in countries such as France and the United Kingdom.

It was sampled in a 2010 track of the same name by Justt.