Iconic dark and cool Western songs — with some lesser-known gems too!
As we entered the late 2010s, songs with downbeat or dark atmospheres began topping charts around the world.
In recent years, Billie Eilish, for example, has become known for excelling in that style.
This time, we’ve selected Western tracks that are not only dark but also especially cool and stylish in their mood.
We’ve picked from a wide range of genres, from major hits to more obscure works, so we think both casual listeners and enthusiasts will enjoy this selection.
Please sit back and enjoy.
Dark and cool Western music masterpieces | Featuring lesser-known tracks too! (1–10)
CradlesSub Urban
Sub Urban’s iconic track “Cradles” skyrocketed him from NCS to global stardom after racking up an enormous number of views on TikTok.
If you watch TikTok or YouTube Shorts, you’ve probably heard it at least once.
The song falls under the dark pop genre.
Its melody perfectly fits words like dark, gothic, and toxic, and the stylish, cool drop is a major highlight.
BernadetteIAMX
If you’re a hardcore music fanatic, when you hear “dark and cool Western music,” you might think of IAMX.
IAMX is a music project by Chris Corner, known for excelling in the dark cabaret genre.
Simply put, it’s like Halloween-tinged dark tracks.
Their song Bernadette is a classic from IAMX, characterized by a dark, decayed atmosphere.
It manages to shine with coolness amidst the eeriness, so be sure to check it out.
ToxicYael Naim
Yael Naim is a singer-songwriter from Israel.
Her music is brimming with originality, earning high praise from dedicated music aficionados around the world.
Among her songs, one I especially recommend is “Toxic.” It’s a cover of Britney Spears’s classic, but unlike the original, it’s crafted into a notably dark, true-to-the-title poisonous mood.
The placement of the beats is exceptionally tasteful, and its dark, cool atmosphere helped it become a global hit.
bad guyBillie Eilish
When people think of dark and cool Western music, isn’t Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” the first track that comes to mind for many young listeners? Released in 2019, this song remains one of her signature works and is still played widely, especially in clubs and on TikTok.
Its appeal lies in the slightly comical expressions that drift within its darkness.
To put it bluntly, it has a kind of aloof, nonchalant vibe.
That slick, detached tone and structure lend a stylish atmosphere to its dark worldview, which is exactly what makes the track so cool.
UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras
One of the most popular songs of the first half of 2023, “Unholy.” Created by global artists Sam Smith and Kim Petras, the track features a dark aesthetic that hadn’t been present in Sam Smith’s earlier work.
The song maintains a gothic atmosphere throughout, and you can sense classical elements in various parts of the composition.
Its dignified melody and hard-hitting drop make it a highly compelling listen.
Be sure to check it out.
INFERNOSub Urban & Bella Poarch
Sub Urban and Bella Poarch are known as singers who gained worldwide popularity through TikTok.
Both excel in the dark pop genre, and their track INFERNO showcases a highly compatible musical chemistry.
While Bella Poarch’s songs tend to lean more toward pop, this work crafts a decidedly darker aesthetic.
The drop is simple yet immensely impactful, and cool phrases pop up throughout—definitely worth a listen.
Le bien qui fait malMozart Opera Rock
The musical Mozart, l’opéra rock, which became a huge hit worldwide, was also staged in Japan with a Japanese cast, so some of you may be familiar with it.
The show has released its songs as well, and its signature number, Le bien qui fait mal, became a hit not only in France but around the world.
It’s a masterpiece known for its dark, gothic atmosphere, enhanced by a cool rock edge.