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... Western Music Classics | So dark, beware of depression! (21–30)
ChandelierSia
It’s the lead single from the album 1000 Forms of Fear.
Although it’s a song about a party girl, it powerfully conveys a dark sense of despair and sorrow.
Sia’s vocals are used to their fullest effect, and no matter how many times I listen, it moves me every time.
Script LanguageHUMANWINE
The band HUMANWINE, formed in Vermont, has earned high praise from dedicated listeners for its distinctive sound that blends electronic music with contemporary classical and jazz.
A dark track by HUMANWINE that I recommend is Script Language.
Released in 2007, this piece uses a waltz rhythm and classical textures to evoke a unique sense of darkness and intrigue.
If you enjoy gothic-tinged music, be sure to check it out.
Behind the LightL’Âme Immortelle
L’Âme Immortelle is a music duo from Austria.
They are a male–female pair, with the man delivering aggressive vocals and the woman providing emotional vocals, giving them excellent balance as a duo.
Their music often carries a dark atmosphere, leaning toward genres like gothic metal and industrial metal, and a sense of intensity and gloom pervades all their works.
Among their songs, one I especially recommend for its darkness is Behind the Light.
It’s a fairly high-voltage track, yet it remains a superb piece that thoroughly exudes darkness.
JustRadiohead
A track released as a single by Radiohead in 1995.
It was selected by NME as one of “The 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.” The philosophical music video, filmed in London, was directed by Jamie Thraves.
NaturträneNina Hagen
Nina Hagen, a German punk musician affectionately known as the “Mother of Punk.” Active since the late 1970s, she helped lay the foundations of punk.
A darker piece of hers that I’d like to recommend is Naturträne.
It’s a track that layers eccentric vocals over simple electric-guitar arpeggios, and before you know it, it surges into intensity.
It lets you savor a uniquely dark atmosphere, so be sure to give it a listen.
AnimalsMaroon 5
It’s included on the album V.
The music video sparked controversy for being erotic and violent.
By the way, the woman playing opposite Adam Levine is Behati Prinsloo, a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and they are actually married.
Drag Me DownOne Direction
It’s the lead single from the album “Made in the A.
M.” and the first song One Direction released as a four-piece.
It’s a moving track that lets you feel their new, next-level appeal as they evolve from cute boys into cool young men.