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!
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [Feeling Despair] Classic Showa-era Songs with Dark Lyrics
- [Yami Song] A mental breakdown track that sings the true feelings of a melancholic heart
- Masterpieces that sing about loneliness: J-pop to listen to when you're alone
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
- Masterpieces that sing of regret. Recommended popular songs.
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- [Heart-wrenching] A Special Feature on Songs Themed Around Lies That Hit You Deep—Classics and Fan Favorites
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (31–40).
The key won’t turn.suitei shoujo
The ending theme of the horror film Ju-on, “Kagi ga Akanai” by Suitei Shoujo.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to feel a calm yet sorrowful atmosphere.
It’s a steadily sung ballad with lyrics themed around loneliness.
If you’ve seen Ju-on, you’ll likely be drawn into the world of this song.
When it was released, the duo were still in their teens, but their vocal ability is remarkable.
If you listen to this song at night in a dark room when you want to sink into your feelings, you should be able to experience a world of deep despair.
See ya.Naoko Ken
One kind of despair many people experience is heartbreak.
The deeper your love for the other person, the greater the shock, right? That’s why I want you to listen to “Abayo.” It’s a song performed by Naoko Ken, written for her by Miyuki Nakajima.
It portrays a woman who, though heartbroken after being dumped by the love of her life, puts on a brave face.
The expressive power that delicately conveys this woman’s complex feelings is breathtaking.
The story grows sadder as it progresses toward the end, so please listen closely.
I’d rather die.Fuji Kaze
This song sublimates into art an expression of love so deep that everyone has felt it in their hearts at least once.
Included on Fujii Kaze’s 2020 album “HELP EVER HURT NEVER,” it conveys intense affection and bittersweet feelings for another person with a light, buoyant rhythm.
It vividly depicts the fierce emotions toward a loved one—and the regret and self-sacrifice that can arise from them—leaving a powerful impression on listeners.
When it was performed on the 2022 New Year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, its dynamic performance drew widespread attention.
It is a touching track that resonates with those nursing the pain of heartbreak or overwhelmed by feelings for someone dear.
Surely this life had no meaning.Kitanitatsuya
This is a song by Tatsuya Kitani that portrays thoughts about how small one is and the suffering of a miserable way of life.
The intensely strummed sound of various instruments conveys a restless mind and unstable emotions directly.
The vocals also seem to emphasize a rough, raw image, giving the impression of unadorned outpourings of pain.
The lyrics, which convey the struggle of living on while suffering in a world without salvation, may resonate with and support you when you’re feeling down.
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō
Among the classic hits of the Showa era, there are plenty of songs that are perfect for when you’re feeling down.
Even if you don’t usually listen to enka, I recommend giving this song a try when you want to sink into that sense of despair.
The combination of somber lyrics and enka matches exquisitely, creating a uniquely wistful atmosphere.
The vocal style, with its distinctive kobushi ornamentation, has a rugged richness that evokes an indescribable poignancy.
How about letting yourself be soothed by a timeless classic that captures the spirit of its era when you’re feeling low? Savoring a sense of despair through enka comes highly recommended.
Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (41–50)
I bear a grudge.Nakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima, who also served as a radio show host, is actually very cheerful and full of humor.
Still, I can’t help but think that the image some people have of her as “dark” might come from this song.
Even with the dot in the title, Urami・masu is essentially “I resent you,” making it a groundbreaking approach both as a song title and a lyrical motif.
The lyrics—“I was dumped in a terrible way, so I will resent you until I die”—leap beyond the realm of poetry and even have a frightening edge.
It’s a track where you should pay attention to Nakajima’s tremulous vocal delivery.
RevengeMy Hair is Bad
A song with a frightening title.
It portrays the sorrow of being betrayed by someone you loved.
It expresses the depth of romantic resentment and the darkness straight on.
While the melody is catchy and the vocals are on the higher side, the lyrical content is bleakly despairing.
It conveys the sadness and anger of having a genuine love wounded.
Just by listening, it makes you think from a different angle than a typical love song: “I should cherish my current partner.”