Iconic dark and cool Western songs — with some lesser-known gems too!
As we entered the late 2010s, songs with downbeat or dark atmospheres began topping charts around the world.
In recent years, Billie Eilish, for example, has become known for excelling in that style.
This time, we’ve selected Western tracks that are not only dark but also especially cool and stylish in their mood.
We’ve picked from a wide range of genres, from major hits to more obscure works, so we think both casual listeners and enthusiasts will enjoy this selection.
Please sit back and enjoy.
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- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- Stylish Western music: that catchy song you hear on the street corner
- Emotional Western songs used on TikTok | Introduced from various genres
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- Emotional Western Music Special | Handpicked from All Generations
- Hit Western songs from the 2010s. Recommended classics.
- Moist Western music | A slew of sweet classics make an appearance…
Dark and cool Western music masterpieces | Featuring lesser-known tracks too! (1–10)
FrozenMolly Zenobia
A track I especially recommend as a dark and cool piece is “Frozen.” The song is performed by Molly Zenobia, a singer-songwriter from the United States.
She’s quite obscure, so I imagine very few people know her, but all of her works are crafted with a dark, stylish, and cool aesthetic.
This piece is particularly outstanding among them, featuring a dark yet sophisticated vibe with a cool sound that evokes the image of a vampire.
Í TokuniEivør
Eivør, a female singer-songwriter representing the Faroe Islands.
Her musical style is highly distinctive: a unique blend of Faroese folk and electronic elements that has earned high praise from dedicated music enthusiasts around the world.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Í Tokuni.
While it reflects the essence of Faroese folk, it’s crafted with an overall dark and cool atmosphere.
A fusion of folk and electronic music is quite rare, so be sure to check it out.
WerewolfMotionless In White
Motionless In White is a metalcore band that has gained popularity for its dark aesthetic—rock fans are likely familiar with them.
Their take on metalcore leans more toward gothic metal and gothic rock, with many works built around a dark worldview.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Werewolf.
As the title suggests, it’s a song themed around a werewolf, and it’s a fantastic piece that balances a dark atmosphere with undeniable coolness.
Definitely give it a listen.
Dark and Cool Western Music Masterpieces | Minor Works Also Featured! (11–20)
Haunted by the Thought of YouJill Tracy
Jill Tracy is a female singer-songwriter based in San Francisco.
Known for her musical style that blends dark cabaret with elements of jazz, she also thrives as a composer and performer thanks to her strong compositional skills.
Among her works, the track I especially recommend for its dark, cool vibe is “Haunted by the Thought of You.” It’s a masterpiece where stylish jazz is mixed with the shadowy world of dark cabaret, creating a consistently compelling and sophisticated atmosphere throughout.
RedboneChildish Gambino
Childish Gambino’s classic track, Redbone.
The song features heavy themes centered on anti-Black discrimination in America and became a global hit.
Its melody is weighty as well.
With a distinctive musicality and dark atmosphere that defy easy genre classification, it doesn’t come off as merely somber; instead, it feels stylish and cool throughout.
The contrast between the mechanical track and the emotive vocals is superb, so be sure to give it a listen.
bury a friendBillie Eilish
Billie Eilish is a female singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming support from younger generations.
When you think of dark, cool tracks, many people probably think of her.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “bury a friend.” Unlike “bad guy,” this track places an even greater emphasis on a dark worldview.
Combined with Billie Eilish’s downer-style vocals, it creates a distinctly cool vibe.
Be sure to check it out.
LeavesThe Gathering
The Gathering is a Dutch rock band known for mastering a variety of genres such as trip hop, ambient, and gothic rock.
Among their songs, a particularly dark and cool track I highly recommend is Leaves.
This piece strongly highlights the gothic rock elements that defined their early sound.
Beyond its dark, striking vibe, the sultry, captivating vocals are nothing short of breathtaking.
Be sure to check it out.