17 Most Depressing Songs: 7 Deep Tracks

Hey there, music enthusiasts and fellow DJs! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, bringing you something a little different today. As much as we love to get the party started, there’s no denying the power of music to echo our deeper, sometimes sadder emotions.

That’s why I’ve decided to dive into the 17 most depressing songs out there. These tracks aren’t just about feeling blue; they’re masterpieces that resonate with our soul’s darker moments, offering a kind of solace that only music can.

Whether you’re a DJ looking to understand the full spectrum of music or a music lover seeking songs that articulate those hard-to-express feelings, this list is for you. Let’s explore the beauty in the melancholy together!

Here are the most depressing songs that you can check out:

List Of Most Depressing Songs

Most depressing songs in a list format:

1. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

Album: American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) Label: American Recordings Originally penned by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” is a hauntingly beautiful swan song. Released in 2002, just a year before his death, this song, under the American Recordings label, is a raw and powerful reflection on loss, regret, and the passage of time. Cash’s gravelly voice, laden with the weight of a lifetime’s experiences, brings a new depth to the lyrics, making it a poignant anthem of sorrow.

2. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor

Album: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990) Label: Chrysalis Records Sinéad O’Connor’s heartrending performance in “Nothing Compares 2 U,” released under Chrysalis Records in 1990, captures the essence of longing and heartbreak. Originally written by Prince, this song gained worldwide acclaim for its emotional intensity, largely due to O’Connor’s soulful and vulnerable delivery. The music video, featuring a close-up of O’Connor’s tear-streaked face, remains iconic, symbolizing the raw pain of separation.

3. “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

Album: Sounds of Silence (1966) Label: Columbia Records A classic that needs no introduction, “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1966 under Columbia Records, is a melancholic meditation on alienation and the inability to communicate. The haunting lyrics, combined with the duo’s harmonious vocals, create a timeless piece that resonates with the loneliness inherent in the human experience.

4. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

Album: Rush (Soundtrack) (1992) Label: Reprise Records Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is a heart-wrenching tribute to his late son. Released in 1992 as part of the ‘Rush’ soundtrack under Reprise Records, this song is a raw expression of Clapton’s grief and pain. Its gentle melody belies the depth of sorrow in its lyrics, making it a moving piece that speaks to the universal experience of loss.

5. “Mad World” by Gary Jules

Album: Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets (2001) Label: Sanctuary Records Originally by Tears for Fears, Gary Jules’ version of “Mad World,” featured in the film ‘Donnie Darko,’ brings a haunting and melancholic twist to the song. Released in 2001 under Sanctuary Records, its minimalist arrangement and Jules’ soft, introspective vocals turn the song into a poignant commentary on the absurdities and tragedies of life.

6. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

Album: Automatic for the People (1992) Label: Warner Bros. Records “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M., from their 1992 album ‘Automatic for the People’ under Warner Bros. Records, is an anthem of solace and understanding in times of despair. Its straightforward lyrics, combined with Michael Stipe’s empathetic delivery, offer a message of hope and solidarity, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles.

7. “Creep” by Radiohead

Album: Pablo Honey (1993) Label: Parlophone Records Radiohead’s “Creep,” from their debut album ‘Pablo Honey’ released in 1993 under Parlophone Records, captures the angst and self-doubt of the outsider. Thom Yorke’s raw, emotional vocals, set against the backdrop of the band’s grungy, distorted guitar riffs, create a powerful expression of alienation and longing.

8. “Black” by Pearl Jam

Album: Ten (1991) Label: Epic Records “Black” by Pearl Jam, from their iconic album ‘Ten’ released in 1991 under Epic Records, is a poignant tale of love and loss. Eddie Vedder’s impassioned vocals, filled with a sense of longing and regret, combined with the band’s dynamic sound, make this song a deeply moving experience, capturing the pain of a love that’s slipped away.

9. “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver

Album: For Emma, Forever Ago (2007) Label: Jagjaguwar Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love,” from the album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ released in 2007 under Jagjaguwar, is a raw and intimate portrayal of a failing relationship. Justin Vernon’s falsetto, accompanied by sparse instrumentation, conveys a sense of fragility and desperation, making it a hauntingly beautiful ode to lost love.

10. “Someone Like You” by Adele

Album: 21 (2011) Label: XL Recordings Adele’s “Someone Like You,” from her 2011 album ’21’ under XL Recordings, is a soul-stirring ballad about coming to terms with a breakup. Her powerful vocals, filled with raw emotion, capture the universal experience of heartbreak and the longing for closure. The song’s poignant lyrics and Adele’s heartfelt delivery make it a timeless anthem of lost love.

11. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron

Album: Strange Trails (2015) Label: IAMSOUND Records “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron, from their 2015 album ‘Strange Trails’ under IAMSOUND Records, is a haunting ballad of nostalgia and regret. The song’s ethereal melody and evocative lyrics transport listeners to a moment of lost love, making it a poignant reminder of the fragility of relationships and the pain of longing for the past.

12. “Fix You” by Coldplay

Album: X&Y (2005) Label: Parlophone Records Coldplay’s “Fix You,” from their 2005 album ‘X&Y’ under Parlophone Records, is a heartfelt anthem of support and resilience. Chris Martin’s soothing vocals, combined with the song’s uplifting melody, offer a message of hope and healing, making it a comforting companion in times of sorrow and struggle.

13. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Album: Wish You Were Here (1975) Label: Harvest Records Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” from their 1975 album of the same name under Harvest Records, is a melancholic ode to absence and longing. The song’s introspective lyrics, coupled with David Gilmour’s soulful guitar work, create a timeless piece that reflects on the feelings of isolation and the desire for connection.

14. “No Surprises” by Radiohead

Album: OK Computer (1997) Label: Parlophone Records Another masterpiece by Radiohead, “No Surprises” from their 1997 album ‘OK Computer’ under Parlophone Records, is a lullaby-like commentary on the monotony and despair of modern life. Thom Yorke’s gentle vocals, set against the backdrop of a chiming, music-box melody, create a serene yet somber atmosphere, capturing the resignation of a life unfulfilled.

15. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

Album: Back to Black (2006) Label: Island Records Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black,” from her 2006 album under Island Records, is a soulful expression of grief and loss. Winehouse’s raw, emotive voice, combined with the song’s classic rhythm and blues style, creates a powerful portrayal of heartbreak and the struggle to move on from a failed relationship.

16. “The Drugs Don’t Work” by The Verve

Album: Urban Hymns (1997) Label: Hut Recordings “The Drugs Don’t Work” by The Verve, from their 1997 album ‘Urban Hymns’ under Hut Recordings, is a melancholic ballad about loss and the futile attempt to escape pain. Richard Ashcroft’s heartfelt vocals, accompanied by the song’s gentle, acoustic arrangement, convey a sense of despair and resignation, making it a poignant reflection on the inevitability of suffering.

17. “How to Save a Life” by The Fray

Album: How to Save a Life (2005) Label: Epic Records The Fray’s “How to Save a Life,” from their 2005 album under Epic Records, is an emotional narrative about trying to help someone in crisis. The song’s compelling lyrics and Isaac Slade’s passionate vocals create a powerful message about the challenges of reaching out and the pain of feeling helpless in the face of another’s struggles.

Fun Facts: Most Depressing Songs

“Hurt” by Johnny Cash

• Rick Rubin’s Influence: It was producer Rick Rubin who suggested that Johnny Cash cover “Hurt.” Rubin was instrumental in reviving Cash’s career in the 1990s, leading to a series of acclaimed albums.
• Trent Reznor’s Reaction: Initially skeptical, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails was deeply moved upon hearing Cash’s version, stating it was like watching his girlfriend being taken by another man, but realizing it was for the best.

“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor

• Prince’s Hidden Gem: The song was originally composed by Prince for one of his side projects, The Family. However, it was Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition that brought the song worldwide fame.
• Iconic Music Video: The music video, directed by John Maybury, features a close-up of O’Connor’s face as she performs the song. Her emotional delivery, especially the tear that rolls down her cheek, became an iconic image of the 90s.

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

• A Flop Turned Hit: Initially, the song was a commercial flop. However, after being re-released with electric instruments, it became a massive hit, defining the folk-rock movement.
• Inspired by Insomnia: Paul Simon wrote the song in the aftermath of the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy. He was inspired by his inability to communicate his feelings and his experience of insomnia.

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

• Personal Tragedy: Eric Clapton wrote this song following the tragic death of his four-year-old son, Conor, who fell from a New York apartment building. It’s a poignant reflection of his grief and pain.
• Award-Winning Song: “Tears in Heaven” won several Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1993.

“Mad World” by Gary Jules

• Film Feature: Gary Jules’ version of “Mad World” gained popularity after being featured in the film “Donnie Darko.” Its melancholic tone perfectly matched the movie’s atmosphere.
• Christmas Number One: In a surprising turn of events, this somber song was the UK Christmas number one in 2003, beating more traditional festive songs.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

• Tribute to Syd Barrett: The song is a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, whose mental health struggles led to his departure from the band. It reflects the band’s feelings of loss and regret.
• Spontaneous Visit: In a twist of fate, Syd Barrett visited the studio when Pink Floyd was recording this album. His appearance had changed so much that some band members didn’t initially recognize him.

“How to Save a Life” by The Fray

• Inspired by Real Events: Lead singer Isaac Slade was inspired to write the song after his experience working at a camp for troubled teens. The song reflects the frustration and sadness of trying to help a self-destructive teenager.
• TV Show Boost: The song gained immense popularity after being featured in the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.” It became synonymous with emotional scenes in television and film.

And there you have it, folks! A journey through the melodies of heartache and the stories behind them. Music is a powerful medium that connects us all, and these songs are a testament to its ability to touch the deepest parts of our souls. Keep listening, keep feeling, and remember, even in the darkest of tunes, there’s a shared experience that unites us all.

Thanks for reading.

TBone