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

BAD FEELINGSBLÜ EYES

BLÜ EYES – BAD FEELINGS (Official Music Video)

This song carefully portrays the pain of suppressing emotions and the inner turmoil of feeling pressured to stay positive.

Katie Stamp, also known as Blue Eyes, is a singer-songwriter gaining attention in the indie pop scene, and she released the album “The Last Songs I’ll Write About You” in May 2023.

This piece was released in August 2025 and was created from the perspective of what she would tell her 10-year-old self about emotions.

It teaches the importance of truly feeling your feelings instead of forcing a smile when you’re sad.

If you’re a middle schooler struggling with friendships or your future, be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

Alley RoseConan Gray

Conan Gray – Alley Rose (Official Lyric Video)

Conan Gray, whose father is Irish American and mother is Japanese, also spent part of his childhood living in Hiroshima, and his later years in Texas shaped his musical style.

This track from his April 2024 album Found Heaven is a piano rock ballad reminiscent of Elton John in the ’80s.

Written about his experience of being broken up with via text while in London, Gray himself calls it his “first love song,” and it’s a warm, heartfelt piece.

If you’re a middle schooler nursing a broken heart, give it a listen.

Won’t OverdoseLil Xan

Lil Xan – Won’t Overdose (Official Video)

Lil Xan, who emerged from the SoundCloud scene and became known as a torchbearer of emo rap, takes his stage name from the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and has candidly expressed his own experiences with substance dependency.

In this track, released in September 2024, he parts ways with that past, declaring a firm resolve to “never overdose again.” It’s a highly message-driven work aimed at a generation seeking recovery from addiction, featuring introspective lyrics laid over a dark trap beat.

Teaming up with producer Kinfolk Jon, they’ve crafted an airy, floating sound.

It’s a song that will likely resonate deeply with middle schoolers buffeted by today’s ailing society and the age of social media, as well as with anyone grappling with loneliness or a sense of emptiness.

PsychoMaisie Peters

Maisie Peters – Psycho [Official Music Video]

Maisie Peters is a singer-songwriter from England.

Signed to Ed Sheeran’s label, she captivates young listeners with emotionally charged pop songs.

Featured on her debut album, “You Signed Up for This,” this track depicts a toxic relationship with an ex who repeatedly gaslights and cheats.

While he calls her a “psycho,” the irony is that he’s the one who is self-centered and cold, a theme delivered over a catchy pop sound.

Despite its bright melody, the song tackles heavy subject matter.

As Peters herself has said, “everyone in the world can relate to people who hurt others and feel nothing,” making it a piece that will deeply resonate with middle schoolers who have experienced unfair treatment.

BodybagChloe Moriondo

Bodybag – chloe moriondo (official music video)

Chloe Moriondo, who gained popularity from cover videos on YouTube and made her major-label debut.

This track from her May 2021 album “Blood Bunny” is striking for the contrast between its light, catchy pop sound and the dark emotions embedded in the lyrics.

It portrays complex feelings about love—loving someone so much you hate them, and hating them yet still loving them—emotions that even junior high school students can relate to.

Savor the obsession and jealousy hidden beneath the seemingly bright melody as you read along with the Japanese translation.

It’s a recommended song for anyone struggling with love!