Why is it that some of the most poignant and relevant songs of all time are also some of the most depressing as well? A brilliant song requires more than just a great melody and catchy lyrics. An amazing song speaks to your soul, echoes life experiences and tells the stories your heart would never dare. Some of the best songs to grace my ears lately, are also some of the most depressing I’ve ever heard. These songs are deep, thought provoking and evocative. Here is a look at 15 of the most depressing songs of the last two decades.
“Brick” by Ben Folds Five
Released by Ben Folds Five in 1997, “Brick” is a great example of a song that exudes emotion from beginning to end. According to lead singer Ben Folds, the song “Brick” was written about his real life experience when his high school girlfriend had to get an abortion. Depressing, indeed. The raw emotion in this song, combined with the soulful melodic background allows this song to pack quite a punch.
“Never is a Promise” by Fiona Apple
In the late ’90s Fiona Apple was taking the musical industry by storm with radio hits like “Criminal” and “Shadow Boxer,” but what many don’t realize is that Fiona’s talent is much deeper than her well known hits. A perfect example of this is “Never is a Promise.” The song is poetic, deep and moving. One listen and you will never view Fiona Apple the same again.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
If anyone can evoke heartbreak and mental anguish in a song it is most certainly Adele. Her song “Someone Like You” is quite possibly the most powerful love/break-up song I’ve ever heard. In a brilliant display of talent, Adele’s song is not only powerful, but relatable as well. You will be hard pressed to find someone who does not feel a slight sting after listening to “Someone Like You.” This particular song is the perfect end to Adele’s “21” album.
“Lost Cause” by Beck
In a noted change from his normally upbeat tempo, Beck presents one of his most melancholy songs to date: “Lost Cause.” A song with an acoustic guitar, understated background singers, a simple melody and Beck’s voice. If you want to feel the full affect of “Lost Cause,” watch the music video.
“Addicted” Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson had a tremendous growth spurt in the years after her first album debuted. In 2004, Clarkson released her follow up album “Breakaway.” One of the tracks on this album was “Addicted.” This song is raw with emotions and definitely packs a punch. Forget what you think you know about Kelly Clarkson. “Addicted” will blow away all former notions you may have had about the “American Idol” alum.
“Pain” by Three Days Grace
“Pain” by Three Days Grace is one of those songs that will leave you notably more angry than when you first began listening to the song. With themes of unhappiness, hate, pain and anger, you’re not likely to listen to this song and feel an overwhelming urge to hug someone.
“My Manic and I” by Laura Marling
Disregard the baby face and the angelic voice, Laura Marling means business. Her songs are poetic, backed by inspired instrumentals and topped off with her smooth voice. In “Manic and I,” Marling’s lyrics delve into manic depression, contemplated suicide, and dealing with a man who is considering such. “My Manic and I” is an understated but powerful song by one of Britain’s finest young singers.
“The Freshmen” by Verve Pipe
“The Freshmen” by Verve Pipe was released in 1996 and quickly injected some majorly mellow tones on alternative rock radio stations across the country. The song delves into the subject matter of abortions, drug overdoses, suicide and regret.
“O’ Children” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“O’Children” by Nick and the Bad Seeds gained serious notoriety in 2010 when it was featured in the wildly popular Harry Potter series in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.” The song is moving and haunting, and there is much debate over what the true meaning of the song is. Forget what the critics say the song is about, make your own assumptions and enjoy the song for what it is: A seriously brilliant output by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
“White Blank Page” By Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons have the uncanny ability to express the contents of their souls with their musical instruments and Marcus Mumford’s beautiful voice. “White Blank Page” is a simple yet beautiful and very sad song about the fall of a romance.
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash
In 2002, Johnny Cash remade the Nine Inch Nails hit “Hurt” and gave the song new life. Nine Inch Nail’s version was dark and goth-like, while Cash’s version is raspy, moving and comes across like he is apologizing for all the mistakes he made throughout the years. Johnny Cash’s remake of “Hurt” is just a reminder of why so many people loved his music. It was honest, moving and relevant.
“Heavy in Your Arms” by Florence and the Machine
Florence Welch, the ginger haired angel behind “Florence and the Machine” is known for her unique voice and her ethereal subject matter. In “Heavy in Your Arms” she exhibits her talent perfectly. A dark song with a heightening intensity that displays Florence’s range gorgeously, “Heavy in Your Arms” will not disappoint. As a special note, the music video for this song only heightens the intensity of “Heavy in Your Arms.”
“Breathe Me” by Sia
The sadness that can be felt in “Breathe Me” by Sia is nothing short of palpable. The song is beautiful, but very melancholy and the music video only heightens the experience. “Breathe Me” aches with loneliness and will tug at your heart strings.
“No Surprises” by Radiohead
Thom Yorke of Radiohead is not known to be a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. This has never been more evident than in the song “No Surprises.” Under the beautiful melody is tale of anguish and pain. The music video only heightens the depth of this song.
“Naked As We Came” by Iron and Wine
“Naked As We Came” by Iron and Wine is a sweet, but sad song about the inevitable nature of death, and how one sweetheart will always die before the other. A touching yet heartbreaking message can be found in “Naked As We Came.”