Top 10 Music Artists with the Most Depressing Music

Metal_Treasure As much as I love some of these artists their music makes me feel depressed even though I am not a depressed type of person.

This list does NOT include music artists who may have 2-3 sad songs but their music isn't depressing for the most part - Metallica and Judas Priest, for example.

The Top Ten

1 Alice In Chains Alice In Chains Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley.

Nutshell and Rotten Apple are pretty depressing. - Userguy44

I love this band, And I agree that they create very powerfully depressing songs...But that's their style ( Not for all the songs by the way ) - Ananya

Especially Nutshell. You really can hear the depressing in Layne's voice there. I like them too! - Userguy44

Jar of flies can make you create a river of tears in a few seconds.

No Excuses has to be the more depressing grunge song I've ever heard.

2 Nirvana Nirvana Nirvana was an American grunge band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Nirvana disbanded after Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The drummer of the band, David Grohl, went on to start the Foo-Fighters, an alternative rock band. ...read more.

They have a song titled 'I Hate Myself and I Want to Die'. And Kurt Cobain did kill himself. I'm surprised they're not #1. - truckturner

At least top three, but still great music!

3 Radiohead Radiohead Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Colin Greenwoood (bass guitar), Phil Selway (drums), and Ed O'Brien (guitar).

I knew it when I heard Karma Police and Creep. - Userguy44

Fake Plastic Trees and Street Spirit are two of the saddest songs I’ve ever heard.

Oh yeah, there music can be very depressing to hear. It's something that you get used to. Very melancholic. - cjWriter1997

I just love their songs, They are very different and that's what makes them so great, Love 'em. - Ananya

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4 Pink Floyd Pink Floyd Pink Floyd was an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters ...read more.

Oh my goodness! Pink Floyd is really depressing at times. I tried to get into the Wall by listening to it bit by bit but every night it would bring me down so now, I am afraid to listen to the third side of the vinyl.

Of course they are amazing but yeah - it can be a little bit depressing when it comes to lyrics - Ananya

One word: Animals

5 Soundgarden Soundgarden Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto.

Yes, another grunge band - to me grunge is the most depressing music subgenre. It doesn't mean bad though. - Metal_Treasure

6 Joy Division Joy Division Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band consisted of singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris.

Pretty bleak stuff, but influenced most indie/alt rock acts of the 90s.

All of their songs are so dark and depressing.

7 Pearl Jam Pearl Jam Pearl Jam is a Grunge Rock Band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. The band had comprised of Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament. ...read more.

Jeremy... - Ananya

8 Nine Inch Nails Nine Inch Nails Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band and, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio.
9 Three Days Grace Three Days Grace Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario in 1992 with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Their original name was Groundswell until they changed it to their current name in 1997. ...read more.

Depressing fits their first three albums pretty well.

Three Days Grace is pretty depressing and some might like it. I love it.

10 Staind Staind Staind was a rock band formed in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1995. Staind's lineup is Aaron Lewis (vocalist and guitarist), Jon Wysocki (drummer, left in 2011), Johnny April (bassist), and Mike Mushok (guitarist). After Jon's departure Sal Giancarelli filled in as drummer until the band's hiatus in ...read more.

The Newcomers

? Monster Magnet Monster Magnet Monster Magnet is an American rock band. Hailing from Red Bank, New Jersey, the group was founded by Dave Wyndorf, John McBain and Tim Cronin.
? Stone Temple Pilots Stone Temple Pilots Stone Temple Pilots was formed in San Diego, CA in 1989. ...read more.

The Contenders

11 Evanescence Evanescence Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody.

Especially My Immortal. - allamassal

My Immortal was the first song that made me cry. Good song, but it’s so depressing. - Userguy44

Should be higher.-TheCoolGuy1

My Immortal is probably their most depressing song.

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12 Seether Seether Seether are a South African hard rock band founded in May 1999 in Pretoria, South Africa. The band originally performed under the name Saron Gas until 2002, when they adopted the Seether name.
13 Twenty One Pilots Twenty One Pilots Twenty One Pilots is an American musical duo that originates from Columbus, Ohio. Currently there are two members. The lead singer, Tyler Joseph, and the drummer, Josh Dun. At the 2016 American Music Awards, they won two AMAs for Favorite Pop/Rock Artist, and Favorite Alternative Artist. Twenty One ...read more.

No, Twenty One Pilots aren't depressing to me. - allamassal

Some immature person added this here, TOP is not depressing at all.

Yeah...DEPRESSINGLY BAD!

The most depressing music.

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14 Linkin Park Linkin Park Linkin Park is an American rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The members currently include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ) and Rob Bourdon (drums). Linkin Park are associated with a mixture of Alternative ...read more.

Literally all their songs. - Userguy44

All there songs are about how bad life is. Seriously drains me. - Slipperyjack40

15 Giles Corey
16 Have a Nice Life
17 Korn Korn Korn is an American Nu-Metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David ...read more.

I'm suprised they're not higher. Their music is very despressing. - Userguy44

Have you even seen some of their lyrics?... especially daddy has some pretty dark ones. they should be ranked higher

18 Porcupine Tree Porcupine Tree Porcupine Tree were an English rock band formed by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. The band began essentially as a solo project for Wilson, who created all of the band's music.

These guys have some of the most emotional pieces prog has ever seen. Forget Pink Floyd, PT definitely should top this list.

19 Type O Negative Type O Negative Type O Negative was an American gothic/doom metal band formed in Brooklyn, New York City in 1989. Their lyrical emphasis on themes of romance, depression, and death resulted in the nickname "The Drab Four".
20 Lana Del Rey Lana Del Rey Lana Del Rey is a California based singer, songwriter, and model who currently resides in Malibu, California. She was born under the name Elizabeth Woolridge Grant to entrepreneur Robert England Jr. and Patricia Ann Hill in rural Lake Placid, New York on June 21, 1985. She has two siblings, Chuck and ...read more.

I am a depressing artist

21 Adele Adele Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is an English singer and songwriter. Graduating from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in 2006, Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace the same year. She is best known with her international hit singles ...read more.

Hearing Adele's songs now physically drains me and takes my mind to a dark place I desperately needed an escape from. I can't listen to any of her songs anymore. - Britgirl

22 XXXTentacion XXXTentacion Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy (born January 23, 1998), known professionally as XXXTentacion, and often referred to as X, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter.

A god

23 Lifelover

They played depressive rock, black metal, dark ambient - Metal_Treasure

24 Lil Ugly Mane
25 Elliott Smith Elliott Smith

Basically everything about this guy is sad. Some of the most genuinely depressing lyricysm you'll ever hear, paired with soft, understated and subtle instrumentation that'll take any joy you had in you right out in a moment.

26 Marilyn Manson Marilyn Manson Marilyn Manson is an American rock band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Formed in 1989 by frontman Marilyn Manson and Daisy Berkowitz, the group was originally named Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids with their theatrical performances gathering a local cult following in the early 1990s. ...read more.

Not a fan, but their music is depressing.

27 My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance was an American rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey, active from 2001 to 2013. For much of their career, the band consisted of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, bassist Mikey Way, and drummer Bob Bryar.

Some of the most dark but life saving music out there.

28 Silento Silento Richard Lamar Hawk, better known by his stage name Silentó, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He is best known for his debut single "Watch Me", which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

His music is annoying, not depressing. What's really depressing is that Watch Me was even a thing. - allamassal

Another decent list that was ruined... by people that didn't focus on the POINT of the list in question.

I'm sorry this list had to be ruined by users who cannot shut up about the pop artists they hate. For someone who hates pop music, you guys sure do talk a lot about it. - cjWriter1997

Indeed. So depressing to hear that no talent arseclowns can get record deals and more money than most can dream of, while most talented musicians are currently working in fast food joints to keep themselves from starving. Not even Pink Floyd or Radiohead can compete with that. - Mrveteran

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29 Imagine Dragons Imagine Dragons Imagine Dragons is an American pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Imagine Dragons' lineup consists of lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman.

I like Imagine Dragons, but they aren't depressing at all. - Userguy44

I find these guys uplifting. All there songs have great meanings about never giving up and all make since. A Great influence for kids. I don't know what they're doing on this list. - Slipperyjack40

Uplifting not depressing.

30 The Doors The Doors The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore.

So much dark poetry! My father loves them but I just can't get it. Some of there songs are really good. But stuff like the Unknown Soldier brings me down. - Slipperyjack40

Actually The Doors' music gets me kind of excited. Well at least their more energetic songs. - cjWriter1997

31 Red House Painters

Extremely haunting. They have created some of the greatest art rock songs in history! But they are very depressive. I can't listen to them that often. - Slipperyjack40

Nothing is more depressing than a fat neurotic three legged cat

32 $uicideboy$ $uicideboy$
33 Candlemass Candlemass Candlemass is an influential Swedish doom metal band established in Stockholm 1984 by bassist, songwriter and bandleader Leif Edling and drummer Matz Ekström.

Well...They create powerfully magnificent songs, sometimes with elements of sadness...And that's really amazing! - Ananya

After all It's doom metal... - Ananya

34 Ich + Ich Ich + Ich Ich + Ich is a German music duo consisting of soul singer Adel Tawil (former member of boygroup The Boyz) and producer and occasional vocalist Anette Humpe (formerly part of the influential Neue Deutsche Welle band Ideal), which was formed in 2003. Their style can be described as pop, soul, R'n'B or ...read more.

Some of their topics:
Ex-drug addicts, lonely people, depressed people, breaking up, being in love with someone who doesn't love you back, self doubt, needing someone to hold on to,... all in very sad sounding and down tempo songs. - Martin_Canine

35 The Chainsmokers The Chainsmokers The Chainsmokers are an American DJ and production duo consisting of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. The EDM-pop duo achieved a breakthrough with their 2014 song "#Selfie", which was a top twenty single in several countries.

More talentless dummies who make godawful electronica, all the while being utter sellouts to the culture their first single initially mocked. Very depressing indeed. - Mrveteran

36 Ariana Grande Ariana Grande Ariana Grande-Butera, known professionally as Ariana Grande, is an American singer and actress. She was born on June 26th 1993 in Boca Raton, Florida to Joan Grande and Edward Butera. She is best known for her role as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious and its spin-off show Sam & Cat. ...read more.

Ariana Grande depressing? Not really... her music is quite upbeat but again all pop music is...

A half-decent singer consigned to making such cruddy music? Yep, that's pretty depressing to me. - Mrveteran

Ariana depressing? No, boring's more like it.

Her music isn't depressing (I am not her fan though). - Metal_Treasure

37 Sarah McLachlan Sarah McLachlan Sarah Ann McLachlan is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for her emotional ballads. As of 2009 she had sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

Come on, 31 rlly

38 Melanie Martinez Melanie Martinez Melanie Adele Martinez is an American singer and songwriter. Melanie Martinez auditioned for the American television vocal talent show The Voice and became a member of Team Adam.

Shes my favorite

39 Eminem Eminem Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 300 million records making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce ...read more.

Depends on the song you're listening to. Songs like: Mockingbird, Stan, Like Toy Soldiers, and When I'm Gone are depressing.
But songs like: My Name is, Without Me, Untouchable, Lose Yourself, and Rap God aren't depressing.

Just Listen To Stan - VideoGamefan5

40 Psychonaut 4
41 Roger Waters Roger Waters George Roger Waters, is an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He is mostly known for being the secondary lead vocalist and bassist of Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd is at 1? The rest of the band' music wasn't depressing at all. Roger Waters single handedly wrote Animals, the Wall, and the Final Cut. They were just released under the Pink Floyd banner. The only thing sad that the rest of Pink floyd did was Division Bell. Melancholy, but no where near as draining as So here's stuff

42 Xasthur Xasthur Xasthur is a black metal and acoustic project of American musician Scott Conner, formed in 1995. Xasthur was perhaps the most notable black metal group from America. In 2010, Conner announced the end of Xasthur, after 8 black metal albums. However, in 2015, Conner revived Xasthur as an acoustic project. ...read more.

His music is probably one of the most depressing you can hear

43 Escape the Day

Referring to the slowcore/post-rock band. Their first and (unfortunately) only album "Ghostless" is some of the most heartbreaking and soul-crushing music ever made. The story of the band is also depressing, as one of their members, Christoph Florian Rehse, commited suicide before the release of “Ghostless”. - FromScytheToSceptre

44 Danzig Danzig Danzig is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey, United States. The band is the musical outlet for singer and songwriter Glenn Danzig, preceded by the horror punk bands the Misfits and Samhain.

He sounds like a darker and heavier version of Jim Morrison so most of his music is also depressing to me but not all songs - he has some pretty sexy songs (She Rides) and other songs that aren't depressing. I like his voice very much. - Metal_Treasure

Ummm not to me - Ananya

45 Black Sabbath Black Sabbath Black Sabbath were a Heavy Metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Iommi, singer John "Ozzy" Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward. ...read more.

Black Sabbath aren't exactly depressing... my favourite band but it's more haunting than depressing.

46 Lorn

A talented musician with a different approach in the EDM universe, something unique for a change

47 Moby Moby Moby is an American musician, who has produced inventive new styles to various subgenres of electronic music, inspired by 1950's gospel as much as by modern rock, and musicians from New Order to David Bowie. ...read more.

I think you should ask PositronWildhawk. - Userguy44

There are certain albums that I can't listen all the way through because of how draining and depressive it is. I hope he eventually comes back to more uplifting music such as Everything is Wrong or Self Titled. - Slipperyjack40

Wait for Me and Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt say it all. Too most depressing albums I've heard!

48 Bell Witch
49 Johnny Cash Johnny Cash John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author, who was widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He died of ...read more.
50 Dead By Sunrise Dead By Sunrise
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List Stats

300 votes
65 listings
2 years, 36 days old

Top Remixes (7)

1. Alice In Chains
2. Linkin Park
3. Korn
Userguy44
1. Alice In Chains
2. Pearl Jam
3. Pink Floyd
Metal_Treasure
1. Staind
2. Seether
3. Alice In Chains
NuMetalManiak

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