RAG MusicWorld Ranking
Wonderful Western Music Ranking

Popular “yami” songs. Western music artist rankings [2026]

There are songs about feeling down all over the world.In English, the expressions are often more straightforward than in Japanese, which is interesting.This time, I’ve created a ranking focusing on “dark/emo artists,” so if you’ve got things on your mind, please have a look.

Popular Depressing Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026] (11–20)

everything i wantedBillie Eilish15rank/position

Released in November 2019, Billie Eilish’s work lays bare the loneliness and anxiety brought on by sudden success, a song steeped in deep darkness.

Sparked by a nightmare in which she jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and no one seemed to care, it poignantly voices the emotional pain that comes with fame.

Yet at its core is the powerful bond between siblings: at the edge of despair, her brother Finneas vows, “As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you.” Whispered vocals, minimal piano, and a drifting, weightless atmosphere gently cradle her delicate state of mind.

Winner of Record of the Year at the 2021 Grammys, this piece reminds us how vital family support can be—and is a song that middle schoolers feeling lonely should especially hear.

ViennaBilly Joel16rank/position

Vienna-Billy Joel (Lyrics in Description)
ViennaBilly Joel

It’s a beautiful song featuring Billy Joel’s supple, far-reaching vocals and a wistful, emotional melody.

The accordion that comes in partway through is great, too! I’d also highly recommend the lyrics to middle school students—they’re the kind of words that can give you the courage to take on a challenge.

Skinny LoveBirdy17rank/position

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.

AlwaysBon Jovi18rank/position

Bon Jovi – Always (Official Music Video)
AlwaysBon Jovi

A ballad from the American rock band Bon Jovi themed around reconciliation.

It expresses lingering feelings and regret toward a former lover, along with a vow of eternal love.

Released as a single in September 1994, it reached No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a major international hit.

Its heartrending lyrics and dramatic melody resonate deeply, making it a recommended song for those seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak.

Jon Bon Jovi’s powerful vocals stir the listener’s emotions.

Dear AgonyBreaking Benjamin19rank/position

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.

SleepwalkingBring Me The Horizon20rank/position

A track released in 2013 by Bring Me The Horizon, a British rock band active since 2004.

Characterized by a melodic and mellow sound, the track became a hit in the United States and other countries, reaching No.

3 on the UK charts.

Popular “yami” songs. Western music artist rankings [2026] (21–30)

The Lazy SongBruno Mars21rank/position

Bruno Mars – The Lazy Song (Official Music Video)
The Lazy SongBruno Mars

Bruno Mars is popular all over the world, so some middle schoolers might already know him.

Among his songs, this number is perfect for autumn.

His smooth, soaring vocals ring out over a relaxed beat, leaving you with an indescribably gentle feeling.