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.
- Badass Western music. Tough/edgy music. World classics and recommended popular songs.
- Really dark... Classic Western songs | So dark that it may trigger depression—proceed with caution!
- A dark psy classic | Enter the world of dark and eerie psychedelia...
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- Stylish Western music: that catchy song you hear on the street corner
- Classic Western songs perfect for a cloudy day
- Emotional Western songs used on TikTok | Introduced from various genres
- The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands
- Despairingly dark Western music. World-famous classics and popular songs.
- Classic Western songs you want to listen to late at night
- Emotional Western Music Special | Handpicked from All Generations
- Hit Western songs from the 2010s. Recommended classics.
- Moist Western music | A slew of sweet classics make an appearance…
Iconic Dark and Cool Western Songs | Lesser-Known Gems Included! (21–30)
30 For 30 feat. Kendrick LamarSZA
This is a track by SZA, known as the queen of R&B.
It’s a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar from the United States and is included on the album “Lana.” The lyrics, which express self-affirmation and a longing for genuine, unpretentious relationships, are striking, and the powerful vocals from SZA and Kendrick Lamar are captivating.
Released in December 2024, the song generated buzz by racking up 3.
16 million views within 24 hours.
Blending R&B and hip-hop, it has a distinctly soulful vibe.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to reflect on deep relationships and personal growth.
1-800-273-8255 ft. Alessia Cara, KhalidLogic
A signature work by Logic that expresses the heavy theme of suicide prevention through the medium of hip-hop.
Hailing from the United States, he rediscovered the power of music through interactions with his fans and created this piece.
The song skillfully portrays a shift in emotions from despair to hope.
Released in April 2017, it reached No.
3 on the Billboard charts.
It also had a significant social impact, including a 27% increase in calls to the suicide prevention hotline.
It’s a track I hope will be heard by those who feel life is hard, and by anyone who knows someone who might feel that way.
Love Will Tear Us ApartJoy Division
The legendary post-punk band Joy Division, born in Manchester, England, revolutionized the music scene with a sound that is dark yet deeply compelling.
Since their formation in 1976, they crafted a distinctive sonic world that fused heavy basslines, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and drum beats of mechanical precision.
From their 1979 album Unknown Pleasures to Closer, their works have continued to receive high praise from music critics.
Sadly, in May 1980, their brief career came to an end with the death of vocalist Ian Curtis, but their innovative sound continues to inspire countless artists to this day.
They are a highly recommended band for those captivated by weighty, experimental sounds and for anyone seeking to explore new possibilities in music.
Dare UNLE Choppa, Imagine Dragons
Released in January 2025, this track is a collaboration between American rapper NLE Choppa and Imagine Dragons.
It’s available on YouTube and streaming platforms, and its energetic sound and positive message have made it popular on Instagram Stories and Reels.
NLE Choppa has achieved significant success in the music industry, including 24 RIAA certifications.
Centered on themes of self-affirmation and taking on challenges, the song inspires listeners with courage.
It’s highly recommended for anyone looking to embark on something new or express themselves.
BlindKorn
With its heavy guitar riffs and eerie intro, this shocking sound left a major mark on nu-metal history.
Opening Korn’s self-titled 1994 debut album, the track seamlessly blends Jonathan Davis’s emotional vocals with the low-end resonance of seven-string guitars.
Its innovative fusion of heavy metal and hip-hop influenced countless musicians and opened up new possibilities in music.
Powerfully voicing deep alienation and inner conflict, the song resonates with those carrying a heavy burden and shakes the soul.
The 1995 music video captures the full intensity of their live performance.
LithiumNirvana
It is a masterpiece that sings of a heartrending sense of loss and loneliness that seeps into every corner of the heart.
The feelings of a young man who harbors suicidal thoughts yet seeks salvation in religion are expressed through a dynamic interplay of quiet and loud sounds.
Included on the album Nevermind, released by America’s Nirvana in September 1991, it was issued as a single the following July.
The structure, alternating between gentle melodies and intense choruses, skillfully captures the protagonist’s violent emotional swings.
As suggested by its title, which references a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, the song centers on themes of psychological instability and anguish, making it a track that resonates with those carrying heavy burdens in their hearts.
Narcissist (Feat. Phix)Dax
Dax, an artist from Canada, is a rapper known for his deep lyrics and unique style.
His collaborative track with Fix, released in February 2024, centers on the theme of narcissistic personality disorder.
Through lyrics based on personal experience, the song speaks for those who have endured psychological abuse and emotional manipulation.
It skillfully conveys the confusion, loneliness, and loss of self-worth that victims often feel, evoking deep empathy in listeners.
It also powerfully portrays both the difficulty of leaving such relationships and the journey toward self-acceptance and healing.
It’s a highly recommended track not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone struggling with relationship issues.