[Hits Home] A Special Feature on Dark/Vent Vocaloid Songs

LOVE&POPSAkumi

LOVE&POPS

It might be a work you wouldn’t expect from the title.

It’s a track by Akumi, the Vocaloid producer also known for the hit “Angel,” released in June 2023.

Though “LOVE&POPS” has a very peaceful-sounding name, its tone and lyrics are heavy.

The decadent lyrics cut into the shadows of modern society and really hit home.

The arrangement, with its writhing bassline interlaced with laughter, sends chills down your spine.

You’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from this Vocaloid song, with its cool yet dark worldview.

PrototypeAira

Prototype / Kitsuneko & Chisei

This piece has a dark atmosphere that sinks deeply into the heart.

It’s a song that reveals a new side of Aira, released in August 2023.

The sound arrangement blends a sense of speed with grandeur, highlighted by her fragile, ephemeral vocals.

The lyrics reflect a struggle to accept one’s imperfect self, resonating deeply with listeners.

The passionately staged music video further enriches the song’s world.

Listen once, and you won’t be able to escape—it’s that addictive.

If you’re feeling lonely, it will surely pierce your heart.

Witch HuntAzari

Witch Hunt

People are getting hooked on this dark electric tune! Created by Azari, a Vocaloid producer with many fans overseas, the track was released in January 2024.

The heavy, resonant bass and the calm vocals of Kasane Teto leave a strong impression.

It feels as if something is slowly closing in on you…

Listening to it gives you that sensation, that fear.

It’s a Vocaloid song you’ll want to play on repeat—no matter how much you turn up the volume, you’ll find yourself wanting “more!”

Sense of distance with artificial flowersNagisa

http://www.nicovideo.jp

Set to technopop, it sings about emotional instability, the pain of not being loved, and the complex state of mind of not wanting to live yet not wanting to die.

It conveys the feeling of being eaten away by vague, murky emotions.

With skillful word choice, it expresses feelings that everyone experiences at least once.

quietszri

Quiet / Kafuu, Gekiyaku, Nurse Robo_Type T

Haven’t we all experienced feeling lonely at some point? Quiet captures that state of mind in a realistic and dark way.

The track was created by Vocaloid producer szri as an entry for the Rookie category of BokaColle 2023 Summer.

Set to an intense sound with rapidly shifting pitch, it features ultra-fast vocals.

That hallmark rapid-fire delivery unique to Vocaloid seems to express emotions overflowing.

Be sure to listen while following along with the lyrics.

black-haired girlMadoka Kurosawa

Hatsune Miku Original Song: Black-Haired Girl [Madoka Kurosawa (Otouto no Ane)]

The popular utaite Otouto no Ane made her debut as a Vocaloid producer under the name Madoka Kurosawa.

Her luxurious sound design and Miku’s voice—like it’s gained a physical body—are a delight to the ears, and above all, her refined elegance is captivating.

The gently traditional Japanese-style yandere is irresistible.

If you’re a yandere fan, be sure to give it a listen.

the end of the rainy seasonJips

End of the Rainy Season / pusu feat. Hatsune Miku

The lyrics are filled with feelings for “you,” whom I can no longer meet.

It’s a song by Zipus, who is also the creator of the Heisei Project series, released in 2015.

The beautiful illustrations and the sound of the piano quietly seep deep into your heart.

The powerful, emotion-overflowing final chorus is a must-listen.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to hear at the end of summer, when you’re feeling lonely.