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…
Dark and Cool Western Music Masterpieces | Lesser-Known Gems Included! (31–40)
Pocket (monteal)Eden
The Irish musician EDEN.
The tracks included on the album “dark,” released in August 2024, are captivating for their emotional atmosphere.
Blending electropop with chillwave, the sound is marked by a distinctly digital timbre driven by extensive use of synthesizers.
The lyrics carry deep feelings and complex thoughts—the phrase “the zipper is broken” evokes a sense of confinement, while images of “snow” and “shadows” convey an affecting sense of isolation.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to spend an introspective moment.
Raise The Red FlagMarilyn Manson
This work by the American rock band Marilyn Manson is an emblematic track that breaks four years of silence.
Rooted in industrial metal, the song fully showcases Manson’s signature dark and provocative style.
Released in August 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records, it came out as a limited-edition maxi single CD and through digital distribution.
Co-produced with Tyler Bates, it was accompanied by a music video directed by Bill Yukich.
In 2024, Manson joined Five Finger Death Punch on tour while also interspersing his own headlining shows.
Reflecting a spirit of defiance against past headwinds, this release is recommended for fans of darker music.
A Tale Of 2 KingsChris Webby
This is a track by American rappers Chris Webby and Tech N9ne teaming up.
Released in 2024, the song is a powerful piece where the two rappers assert their skills and standing in the music industry.
Chris Webby, born in 1988, is a rapper from Connecticut.
His collaboration with Tech N9ne makes the work even more compelling.
It’s recommended not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone who resonates with strong self-assertion and the journey toward success.
TANTRUMWill Smith & Joyner Lucas
A powerful track themed around a dialogue with the inner child.
Released in December 2024, it’s a collaboration between Will Smith and Joyner Lucas.
The two American artists confront their pasts and inner selves, expressed through energetic beats and lyrics.
The piece emphasizes the importance of self-growth and healing, and the music video uses animation to visualize personal struggles.
It’s a perfect song for when you want to face yourself or boost your motivation.
Give it a listen!
FrogsNick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Led by Australian artist Nick Cave, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ newly released track is a dark and stylish song inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel.
Opening with a striking image of a brother’s skull being crushed with a bone, the lyrics explore themes of violence and sin, yet the music swells with an uplifting grandeur thanks to sweeping orchestration and a heavenly choir.
Released in May 2024, the track is a lead single from the forthcoming album Wild God, due out in August.
Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood also contributes on bass, adding to the buzz.
It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking catharsis within deep introspection that questions the meaning of life.
In conclusion
While genres like gothic rock tend to have a lot of dark works, they also stem from white rock traditions.
As a result, there are relatively few tracks with the kind of groove you find in Black music or that make heavy use of off-beats, making it quite difficult to find songs that are truly dark and genuinely cool.
That’s why searching for a theme like this on your own can take a considerable amount of time.
This article will continue to be updated, so if you find it a hassle to look for dark, cool Western music yourself, I recommend bookmarking it!