I’ve always wanted to get into more genres of music. I’ve tried to embrace Soul, R&B, Country, and some Rock, but have failed to actually digest any of it. I am, however, quite partial to Pop, Alternative Rock, Indie and old school Hip Hop. I can switch from Britney Spears to Oasis to Elliot Smith and back to the Wu-Tang Clan with ease.
With that said, I do have a special preference when it comes to listening to music. I’m totally bounded to depressing indie and alternative rock ballads. I don’t know why and I don’t know how, but it’s like crack cocain for me. I can listen to it for long periods of time without feeling emotionally depleted or lethargic.
Maybe it’s the writer in me? Or maybe, inside my bubbly exterior, I have a tormented soul that could only permeate outside if I listen to sappy songs about someone’s life being pregnant with anguish. Eh. I don’t really know.
Nonetheless, i’m addicted to this brand of music. I’ve been addicted to it since sixth grade and this aspect of me will never change. Anyways, i’ve compiled a semi-comprehensive list of depressing indie and alternative rock tracks that i’m sure can lull someone into a gloomy trance. Hopefully?
1.) The Decemberists- “Engine Driver”
2.) Elliot Smith-“Can’t make a sound”
4.)Travis-“Writing to reach you”
7.)Oasis-“Talk to you tonight”
10.) Vast- “We will meet again”
11.)Ivy-“Undertow”
12.)Radiohead-“How to dissappear completely”
13.) Smashing Pumpkins-“Blank Page”
15.)Collective Soul-“Forgiveness”
16.) Richard Ashcroft-“Break the night with Colour”
17.)Vertical Horizon-“Best I ever had”
18.) Remy Zero-“Perfect memory”
19.)Switchfoot-“Learning to Breath”
20.) Oasis-“Stop crying your heart out”
21.)The Fray-“Never say never”
22.) Christina Perri-“Jar of Hearts”
23.)Thirteen Senses-“Into the fire”
25.)Audioslave-“I am the highway”
26.)Paloalto-“Going going gone”
27.)Kubb-“Sun”
28.) Whitfield-“Wait”
30.)Rhett Miller-“Come around”
32.) Fuel-“Bad day”
35.) Fuel-“Empty Spaces”
36.) Linkin Park-“Waiting for the end”
37.) Howie Day-” You and a promise”
39.) The Doves-“M62 Song”
40.) Ringside-“Tired of being sorry”
41.) Death Cab for Cutie-“I will follow you into the dark”
42.) Nada Surf-“Inside of Love”
43.) Norfolk & Western-” The shortest stare”
Ofcourse, this is not a complete list. I am always receptive into hearing new stuff (albeit depressing) and if any of you have any suggestions for me. Please comment below.
Hearing Damage – Thom Yorke
Mumford & Sons – Thistles & Weeds
Florence + The Machine – Hardest of Hearts, Landscape, Remain Nameless
Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Carmen, Dark Paradise
The Dead Weather – Rolling In On A Burning Tire
Young The Giant – Cough Syrup
I feel the same as you. Try Corsicana and Putting The Dog To Sleep by The Antlers.
Fair by Remy Zero
Remy Zero is a great band! I wish they were still together 😦
D At Sea – All Over
A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera – Say Something
Boys Like Girls – Learning To Fall
Five For Fighting – All I Know
Mayday Parade – The Memory
Sarah McLachlan – Angel
Paramore – Franklin
Great suggestions!! Do you have any ideas for happy alternative rock songs?
Try evanesences bring met to life
Great choice! Do you have anymore suggestions? I may need to make a longer list 🙂
So this topic is really old, but if you ever get this message, check out ‘A Slow Descent’ by ‘Straylight Run’
Hi Jayden! I will definitely check this song out. Thank you so much for the suggestion 🙂
I’m happy to see Death Cab for Cutie up there, and I love I Will Follow you into the Dark. Of course, IWFYITD was one of the more popular ones, but i think there are a few more of theirs that could be top 15 easy.
-Tiny Vessels
-The Ice is Getting Thinner
-Your Heart is an Empty Room
-What Sarah Said
-Transatlanticism
I think more credit needs to go to Ben Gibbard, he isnt covered by media much (vocalist/songwriter for Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service). I Will Follow You into the Dark is a great song, but I don’t think it was his most emotional/depressing song. He is (in my opinion) one of the most consistently poetic songwriters i’ve listened to, and he has songs that I think even top I Will Follow You into the Dark in emotional appeal.
A few include:
Tiny Vessels
Title and Registration
Transatlanticism
Your Heart is an Empty Room
What Sarah Said
The District Sleeps Alone Tonight (the Postal Service)
I apologize if I posted twice, i wasnt sure if my comment went through.
Josh, this is a great list! What has inspired your musical tastes over the years?