Really dark... Classic Western songs | So dark that it may trigger depression—proceed with caution!
People often say that you should listen to upbeat songs when you’re feeling down.
That does make sense when you think about it, but in reality, when you’re depressed, you end up wanting to listen to dark songs, right? So, this time, I’ve curated a selection of gloomy Western songs for those who want to dive into some seriously dark music.
I didn’t just pack in popular tracks—these are genuinely dark masterpieces.
So go ahead and wallow in it to your heart’s content (lol).
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Truly dark… Classic Western songs | So dark that you should beware of depression! (71–80)
JoleneDolly Parton
It’s the lead single from the album Jolene.
It has been loved across generations, with covers by The White Stripes, Miley Cyrus, and Pentatonix.
Its typical country melody and heartbreakingly poignant lyrics are especially memorable.
Waking UpElastica
Elastica is a British alternative rock band active since 1992.
This track, which sings about being immature and feeling discontented, was released as a single in 1995.
It reached No.
13 on the UK charts.
RoyalsLorde
This song won the Grammys for Song of the Year, one of the main categories, as well as Best Pop Solo Performance.
It was the lead single from the album Pure Heroine and, despite being Lorde’s debut single, it reached number one in both the US and the UK.
It’s a track that showcases her exceptional talent.
Truly Dark... Iconic Western Songs | So dark that it may trigger depression—proceed with caution! (81–90)
Mad WorldTears for Fears
A track that sings about a depressed young person who feels empty and unwell in life.
It was released by Tears for Fears in 1982.
The cover version by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules is used in the 2001 film Donnie Darko.
Suicidal ThoughtsThe Notorious B.I.G.
A track that sings about guilt and suicidal intent.
It’s included on the 1994 debut album Ready to Die.
The track samples Miles Davis’s “Lonely Fire” and Brethren’s “Outside Love.”
Dark TimesThe Weeknd ft Ed Sheeran
A collaboration between the Canadian singer The Weeknd and the British singer Ed Sheeran.
The song addresses the dangers people habitually fall into when they’re feeling down.
It’s a track included on the 2015 album Beauty Behind the Madness.
Enta Fen, AgainYasmine Hamdan
Singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan is from Lebanon.
She originally made her name there, but she’s now based in Paris.
Her musical range is very broad—she releases all kinds of tracks, from flamenco-like pieces to more Arabian-inspired songs.
A darker track of hers that I highly recommend is “Enta Fen, Again,” a song notable for its stylish, moody atmosphere.