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 songs: World-famous and popular tracks (1–10)
No Time To DieBillie Eilish
Billie Eilish is a global artist whose unique worldview is highly acclaimed around the world.
In everyday life she comes across as a cheerful, slightly quirky older sister, yet her songs all carry a dark, poisonous atmosphere.
The piece I’m introducing today is No Time To Die, which is arranged with an especially somber mood among her works.
Her whisper-like vocals, combined with the distinctive track, create an intensely dark ambience.
Bring Me To LifeEvanescence
Evanescence is a band that has gained popularity with their gothic sound.
Despite being signed to an indie label, they’ve sold 15 million records worldwide and even won two Grammy Awards, making them a powerhouse band.
Bring Me To Life is known as one of their signature songs.
It has a dark, gothic atmosphere and maintains an overall somber tone, but it still delivers strong, stirring highs where it counts.
The sense of despair is intense, so be sure to check it out!
TormentoMon Laferte
Mon Laferte is a singer-songwriter from Chile.
She is currently based in Mexico and has become one of the leading artists in Latin music.
The song we’re introducing here, Tormento, is the work that solidified her popularity across the Spanish-speaking world and earned a Gold Disc in Mexico.
While it exudes Latin passion, it maintains an overall dark tone with a distinctive air of melancholy.
If you’re looking for darker tracks in Latin music, be sure to check it out.
The Cold SongKlaus Nomi
The German artist Klaus Nomi—also known as a right-hand figure to David Bowie.
In fact, he was the first prominent person to die from HIV, and it’s said that by the time he released The Cold Song, he already knew his days were numbered.
Perhaps because of that background, the piece carries an overall dark and sorrowful atmosphere.
The melody itself is crafted in an operatic style, which was his specialty.
ToxicYael Naim
Israeli artist Yael Naim had been highly regarded by certain audiences for her distinctive musical style.
Later, her 2008 song “New Soul” was featured in a commercial for Apple’s MacBook Air, bringing her worldwide popularity.
Among her songs, one of the darkest is “Toxic.” As the title suggests, this piece—whose name means “poison”—is crafted into a dark work with an extremely toxic, menacing atmosphere.
Run, Run, RunTokio Hotel
Tokio Hotel is a German crossover band centered around brothers Bill and Tom Kaulitz, known for the strong messages in all of their songs.
Because many of their tracks are sung in English, they have gained popularity not only in Germany but worldwide.
Their classic song “Run, Run, Run,” while employing an advanced melodic line, is crafted with an overall dark and sorrowful tone and has earned high acclaim across the globe.
En Mi PielBuika
The Spanish film The Skin I Live In, released in 2011, gained popularity for its surreal and provocative style and received high praise from critics.
En Mi Piel was created as the theme song for that film.
The singer is Buika, a Spanish artist whose vocal technique is among the best in the world.
With a simple arrangement of piano and vocals, it exudes a dark mood and a distinctive surreal atmosphere.