Despairingly dark Western music. World-famous classics and popular songs.
Even though it’s not exactly a good habit, when we’re feeling down we tend to listen to dark songs, don’t we…?
This time, I’ve picked out some “desperately dark” Western tracks that I’d recommend to anyone in that mood.
Even within “desperately dark,” I’ve chosen from a range of genres—from quiet, subdued pieces to metal tracks that are dark yet crank the voltage to MAX.
I’ve covered most of the major genres, so music nerds shouldn’t miss this!
There are some pretty obscure songs in here too, so if you’re digging for great tracks, make sure to check them out!
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Despairingly Dark Western Music: World Classics and Popular Songs (31–40)
FaillingStaind
The songs by the American rock band Staind are compelling for their deep emotional expression and powerful performance.
This track, included on the 2005 album Chapter V, stands as a symbol of the band’s musical evolution.
Pursuing a more emotional and richer sound, it resonates strongly with listeners.
The lyrics portray the feeling of seeking connection with others yet failing to achieve it, expressing profound emotional pain and loneliness.
Reaching No.
7 on the US Mainstream Rock chart, it has become a beloved song among many fans.
It’s recommended listening when you’re feeling down or longing to be understood by someone.
FSUMimi Barks
Mimi Barks, originally from Germany and now based in London, is gaining attention for her distinctive “Doom Trap” style that fuses raspy-voiced rap with metal.
Her tracks convey profound despair and fear, resonating powerfully with listeners.
A song from her February 2024 album, THIS IS DOOM TRAP, delves into the breakdown of human relationships, deepening themes of self-reflection and considerations of chaos theory.
The complex emotion of loving a broken heart is expressed through powerful vocals and dark soundscapes, making it a recommended track for those confronting their inner selves on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Experience Mimi Barks’s singular world for yourself.
The Dark RideHelloween
This song offers a glimpse into the darker side of Helloween, the power metal band from Germany.
It appears on their 2000 album The Dark Ride, which is known as a turning point in the band’s musical direction.
Marked by heavy guitar riffs and gritty vocals that set it apart from traditional power metal, the track’s lyrics strikingly explore the darkness, guilt, and madness lurking within the human psyche.
The album charted in multiple countries, reaching No.
11 on Japan’s Oricon chart.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to confront the darker emotions deep within or enjoy a weighty metal sound.
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.
Endless DarkHiM
This is an early track by a Finnish gothic metal band that’s especially popular among women.
While many of their songs are beautiful and tinged with melancholy, this one is simply dark—utterly devoid of any pop sensibility, as the title makes clear.
Desperately Dark Western Music: World-Class Masterpieces and Popular Songs (41–50)
Darkest BlueLostprophets
This work by the Welsh rock band Lostprophets is a song that depicts profound despair and inner torment.
Alongside dark, heavy guitar sounds, the lyrics convey the protagonist’s overwhelming emotions.
Included on the album The Betrayed, released in January 2010, it is known as one of the band’s darkest tracks.
It’s a song that will resonate when you’re enveloped in deep sadness or loneliness.
Packed with the essence of Lostprophets’ musicality, it is a track that conveys a sense of strength even within the darkness.
The Last BaronMastodon
It’s an epic track by a popular American progressive metal band.
Serving as the closing piece of a rock opera, it features a guitar riff with effected, digital-sounding tones, creating a sense of despair throughout.