Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
I’ve put together a generous selection of negative, melancholy songs with the theme of “despair.” Whether it’s heartbreak from unrequited or impossible love, or setbacks in life, the shades of despair vary, with each artist’s individuality and emotions on full display.
When you just want to sink into your feelings, why not listen closely and let yourself fully experience despair, all the way to the very bottom? Some songs even let a glimmer of hope shine through the despair.
Savor that deep despair, then switch gears and get back to enjoying life!
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A masterpiece that sings of despair. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
ALIVEMr.Children
As an album track included on BOLERO, it serves as something like the lead song.
During this period, Mr.
Sakurai was going through a difficult time in his personal life, and the lyrics—unusually dark for Mr.
Children—are characterized by a pervasive sense of powerlessness.
FogDAOKO
When creating Fog, it’s said that daoko wrote the lyrics from her real-life experiences at the time.
Precisely because she felt as if she’d been cast into the depths, the profound lyrics give rise to a worldview that seems to embody the darkness of human nature.
Her calmly delivered whisper vocals will pull you into a world of despair.
The subdued arrangement features only synthesizer and beats in the background, allowing the beauty of its simplicity to shine.
While it has an airy atmosphere, there’s a certain heaviness as well—making it a truly addictive track.
RingHirai Ken
When you want to listen to songs about despair, it’s probably because something sad or painful has happened.
At times like that, Ken Hirai’s gentle voice will surely soothe you.
I recommend Ken Hirai’s “Ring,” released on November 6, 2002.
We all live with our own complexes.
The title “Ring” likens one’s complex to a ring, carrying the meaning that someday it will become a part of you and something you can overcome.
It’s a ballad characteristic of him—a sorrowful song where poignancy and melancholy intertwine.
Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (11–20)
Young adultmakaroni enpitsu
The vocals of Macaroni Enpitsu, which vividly depict the despair faced by today’s youth, pierce the heart.
Their pop-rock sound—woven from speedy guitar riffs and emotional melodies—balances catchiness with fragility.
The protagonist, tormented by a lack of love and loneliness, evokes deep empathy as a story of setbacks anyone can relate to.
Included on the mini-album “season,” released in September 2024, the song also drew attention as a tie-in for Space Shower TV’s “Live o 100-bai Tanoshimu LIVE YEAH!!!.” It’s a heartwarming track that stands beside those feeling the pain of heartbreak or the difficulty of living, and those searching for hope even amid despair.
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
When it comes to Naotaro Moriyama, he’s an artist known for his gentle singing voice.
Among his songs, there’s one with a very provocative title.
Of course, the lyrics are dark as well, but it’s a mysterious track that also contains a softness that feels somehow saving.
Teru’s SongAoi Teshima
It’s the song that was used as the theme for the Ghibli film Tales from Earthsea, right? The singer, Aoi Teshima, also really broke through when she did the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama Love That Makes You Cry.
Ti AmoEXILE
The title of this song means “I love you” in Italian, and that alone gives it a slightly heartrending feel, doesn’t it? It expresses the feeling of having fallen for someone you shouldn’t have.
One of EXILE’s charms is that they have many other bittersweet songs as well.