Popular Depressive Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

CradlesSub Urban1rank/position

Sub Urban – Cradles [Official Music Video]

Sub Urban, a New York–born artist known as a quintessential figure who rose to fame from TikTok.

His track “Cradles” is one of his signature works.

Because of its strong association with TikTok, you might think of it as a party song, but if you listen closely, you’ll notice its darkness.

While it has a stylish vibe, it’s also a deeply brooding track, so if you’re looking to sink into a mood, be sure to give it a listen.

Wide Open SpaceMansun2rank/position

Mansun Wide Open Space

Although there are no flashy performances or shouts, the steady, unhurried playing and the catchy lyrical melody keep looping in my head.

It conjures an image of standing alone on a desolate plain, and it might have a calming effect when you listen to it while feeling unwell.

So SickNe-Yo3rank/position

Ne-Yo – So Sick (Official Music Video)

This is a love song by Ne-Yo, where the catchy melodic line and the vocalist’s bittersweet vibe create a smooth rhythm-and-blues feel.

It’s a stylish R&B track that’s easy on the ears, and it’s set in a key that even elementary school boys can sing, making it a song you’ll want to choose for karaoke.

So Many Tears2Pac4rank/position

2Pac – Shed So Many Tears – Lyrics / HQ Version

A track released in 1995 by the American rapper 2Pac.

It was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s 1981 track “That Girl.” The track was used during Vibe Magazine’s 1995 prison interview with 2Pac.

Stalking YouA Boogie Wit Da Hoodie5rank/position

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – Stalking You [Official Audio]

Sung over a melodious rap, the theme is a warped obsession with a love interest.

The track is by American rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

Active since around 2016, he showed early promise—his debut album, The Bigger Artist, released in September 2017, reached No.

4 on the Billboard 200.

This song is one of the cuts on that acclaimed record.

The soothing trap beat and sweet vocals can be deceiving; the lyrics depict the madness of a stalker whose one-sided affections escalate and corner the other person.

This dark worldview, skillfully portraying both the light and shadow of romance, highlights hip-hop’s multifaceted appeal.

Why not listen closely to the dangerous emotions hidden beneath the sweet melody?

HelloAdele6rank/position

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

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.

Would?Alice In Chains7rank/position

Alice In Chains – Would? (Official HD Video)

When people think of grunge, Nirvana is usually the first band that comes to mind, but I think Alice In Chains kept putting out incredibly dark and cool tracks as well.

I wonder why their vocalist didn’t become a legend.

.

.

Their music feels fitting when you’re in a dark, painful, and troubled state.