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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Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (31–40).
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.
Tree of DreamsOkamura Takako
Personally, I think this song is the greatest masterpiece among Takako Okamura’s works.
The reason is that her dreams about music, as well as her setbacks, are packed into this song with full force.
Life has suffering.
There are setbacks…
I believe this is a song that bears the imprint of how Takako Okamura has lived.
I hope others will take their time to savor it and listen closely.
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.
No, noReoNa
If you’re looking for songs that are intensely dark and heavy, I highly recommend ReoNa.
She’s a singer-songwriter who has created many tracks themed around despair.
Among her songs, the one I especially want you to hear is “Nai Nai.” It was written as the theme song for the anime Shadows House.
The lyrics list various things the singer lacks, and they’re crafted in a way that features a lot of rhyming, making the song quite addictive as you listen.
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.
Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (41–50)
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.
MayB’z
It has a different vibe from uptempo rock, but you can still feel no small amount of rock elements in this song.
The distinctive rhythm and vocal phrasing are very B’z.
The piano melody that comes in during the interlude is so beautiful—it really draws you in.