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[2026] A roundup of dark Western songs I'd like middle schoolers to listen to

When we’re weighed down by melancholy, it’s the power of music that gently wraps around our hearts.

Sometimes we feel deep empathy by laying bare the darkness inside; other times we find encouragement amid despair—here are some classic Western songs that do just that.

Focused mainly on Gen Z artists, we’ve selected tracks that can stand beside the many kinds of emotional pain today’s middle schoolers (as of 2025) may face—heartbreak, friendship troubles, anxieties about the future, and more.

Listening while understanding the lyrics will make them resonate even more deeply.

Just be careful not to get swallowed by darkness that’s too deep—and by all means, try listening as you read the lyrics.

[2026] A roundup of gloomy Western songs for middle schoolers to listen to (91–100)

Skinny LoveBirdy

Birdy – Skinny Love (Official Music Video)
Skinny LoveBirdy

A teenage girl is covering a classic Bon Iver song.

The dry piano tones and her clear voice soothe a dark, sunken heart.

We tend to choose dark songs when we’re feeling low, but I think gentle songs that don’t interfere with that gloom—like a friend who stays by your side—are nice too.

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Dear AgonyBreaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin – Dear Agony (Lyrics on screen)
Dear AgonyBreaking Benjamin

It’s a song with a heavy, beautiful melody that I find myself listening to over and over.

The band is talented enough to perform theme songs for other works, but I think the chances of them coming to Japan are low because the vocalist struggles with alcoholism and a fear of flying.

Even so, the shouts and the gorgeous melody are well worth a listen.

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JealousLabrinth

Labrinth – Jealous (Official Video)
JealousLabrinth

They sing about feeling jealous that their ex seems happy even without them, yet the song unfolds plainly with only a piano.

Rather than bursting with a “I’m so frustrated!” kind of emotion, it’s a quiet piece where the sadness simply keeps piling up.

It feels like it could wash away your sorrow.

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Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey

It’s a song that voices a woman’s heart asking, “Will you still love me when I grow old?” But when it’s delivered as such a grand, sweeping piece, wouldn’t the person it’s dedicated to be a bit put off—almost like it’s a bit clingy or unstable? The song itself is very beautiful, though, with a dramatic finish that would suit a movie theme perfectly.

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BoatEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Boat [Official Video]
BoatEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter from the UK loved by many listeners for his catchy musical style.

I think many middle schoolers know about him too.

Among Ed Sheeran’s works, the one I especially recommend is Boat.

Content-wise, it’s a painfully heartbreaking breakup song.

For middle schoolers who’ve just gone through a breakup, I think the lyrics will be highly relatable, so definitely give it a listen.

Ryo
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In conclusion

Foreign music has lyrics that resonate deep in the heart from a perspective different from Japanese music, along with distinctive melodies.

Especially during the sensitive years of middle school, exposure to foreign music can greatly influence one’s later musical tastes.

In times of hardship or when you’re feeling down, deliberately listening to foreign songs that express darker emotions may open up a new way of seeing things.

Just be careful not to get too absorbed!