Despairingly dark Western music. World-famous classics and popular songs.
Even though it’s not exactly a good habit, when we’re feeling down we tend to listen to dark songs, don’t we…?
This time, I’ve picked out some “desperately dark” Western tracks that I’d recommend to anyone in that mood.
Even within “desperately dark,” I’ve chosen from a range of genres—from quiet, subdued pieces to metal tracks that are dark yet crank the voltage to MAX.
I’ve covered most of the major genres, so music nerds shouldn’t miss this!
There are some pretty obscure songs in here too, so if you’re digging for great tracks, make sure to check them out!
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Despairingly dark Western music. World-famous and popular songs (11–20)
PatienceEivør
Eyeball is an artist from the Faroes under Belgian territory.
She’s known for an impressive style that’s rooted in traditional Faroese music and folk songs, skillfully blending folk with digital sounds.
Among her many tracks, the particularly dark piece “Patience” stands out.
While contemporary in sound, it achieves a serious tone by successfully mixing in the essence of Faroese folk music.
Pulling Your Insides OutJill Tracy
Jill Tracy is known as a leading singer-songwriter in gothic music.
She also performs as a pianist, and both facets of her work are highly acclaimed.
While gothic music often features songs with dark and mysterious atmospheres, she adds a stylish flair to that palette.
Her track “Pulling Your Insides Out” is a masterpiece packed with her distinctive musical sensibilities, suffused throughout with a deeply dark and eerie mood.
BelleZAZ
One of the most beloved artists in France, Zaz.
If you like chanson, many of you in Japan probably know her.
She’s known for her bright vocals and husky voice, but despite being few, she has also released some darker songs.
One of her dark masterpieces is Belle.
While it exudes a stylish, quintessentially French atmosphere, the melody throughout the song is crafted to be poignantly dark.
It also has many elements that are close to Japanese melodies, so be sure to check it out.
Concavo Y convexoDiego El Cigala
Diego El Cigala is a cantaor who represents contemporary flamenco.
In the flamenco world, he’s treated like royalty and has the vocal prowess to match his reputation.
His song “Cóncavo y convexo” is arranged simply for piano and voice, and it’s characterized by a dark, somber atmosphere throughout.
Not all flamenco is fiery and passionate—so why not take this opportunity to explore the genre?
2 WickyHooverphonic
Hooverphonic is a Belgian music unit known for trip-hop.
Rather than pure trip-hop, their appeal lies in a distinctive sound that mixes a variety of genres such as funk, jazz, and gothic music.
The track I’m introducing here, 2 Wicky, is crafted with a gothic atmosphere and carries a dark mood throughout.
Stylish yet devastatingly dark.
If you’re looking for a song like that, definitely give it a listen.