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

Slania’s SongEluveitie

Eluveitie – Slania’s Song

I think it might have been Swedish rather than English, but precisely because I don’t understand the words, I can focus on elements like the melody.

Nordic music often carries a slightly melancholic atmosphere, and I sense that same wistfulness from this band as well.

When it’s fused with metal, it gains a sense of power, and it changes the way one can enjoy folk music.

DisassociativeMarilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson Disassociative

When people think of Marilyn Manson, relatively aggressive songs like “The Beautiful People” are famous, but this one feels steeped in gloom and languor, which I think makes it fitting as a depression song.

It wasn’t released as a single, so you can only hear it on the album.

I’m Not Human At AllSleep Party People

Sleep Party People – I’m Not Human At All

They’re an indie band from Denmark.

All the members wear rabbit masks, and the vocals are processed with effects to the point that the original voice is unrecognizable.

Their performance style—moving relatively slowly while swaying their long ears—adds to the overall strangeness.

To SheilaThe Smashing Pumpkins

Smashing Pumpkins “To Sheila”

I think Adore is the best album—the one Billy, the vocalist, poured himself into while the band’s relationships were falling apart, with members getting arrested for drugs and so on.

When it’s rainy, like during the monsoon season, playing this album calms my heart.

It’s filled with songs that gently soothe depression.

Architects HallucinateThe Agonist

Architects Hallucinate – The Agonist

They’re a female metal band, and their shouts are striking.

There are many bands with female screamers, but I think this is the only one that can sing in a way that makes the most of high notes and the luster of the voice.

Their lyrical melodies also sink in when you’re feeling down, so I’m choosing this as a depression song.

I’ve Seen It AllThom Yorke With Bjork

Thom Yorke With Bjork – I’ve Seen It All

It’s a song featured in Dancer in the Dark.

The film itself was said to be so bleak as to be beyond salvation, and I think the soundtrack—including the inserted songs—though styled like a musical, stands out more for a sense of despair than for brightness.

HonestlyZwan

Zwan – Honestly (Video)

This is a project formed by the Smashing Pumpkins’ vocalist after changing out the lineup of musicians, but because it came right on the heels of the messy relationships within the Pumpkins, every song still carries an inescapable impression of being “pop yet somehow dark.” It pains me to hear it, as if they’re hiding their wounds while trying to act cheerful.