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“15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression” features music from The 1975, Father John Misty, Mac Miller, Post Malone, and XXXTENTACION.

Grammy-nominated alt-pop artist Lana Del Rey once proclaimed she was a “sad girl”.  That’s accurate, considering Del Rey is known for the depressing tilt and overall mood of her music.  On this particular list, 15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression, sadness and depression is at the forefront.  No, that doesn’t mean that these songs don’t have tempo or rhythm or that this is among the slowest playlist ever dropped on The Musical Hype, but make no mistake, these musicians or the characters portrayed are sad. Musicians providing the soundtrack to this most depressing list include The 1975 (“I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)”), Father John Misty (“Please Don’t Die” and “The Palace”), Mac Miller (“Self Care”), Post Malone (“Rich & Sad”), and XXXTENTACION (“SAD!”) among others.  Don’t let these downtrodden songs get you down… too much!

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1. The 1975, “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)”

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships • Polydor / Interscope • 2018 

“You build it to a high to say goodbye / Because you’re not the same as them / But your death it won’t happen to you / It happens to your family and to your friends.” Damn, that pretty deep stuff right there. Near the end of 2018, British alternative collective The 1975 delivered an interesting third album with A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships. Many critics absolutely ‘ate it up,’ while personally, it was ‘less perfect,’ yet chocked-full of interesting, eclectic ideas and promise.  One of the more interesting tunes appears at the conclusion of the album, the reflective and suicidal “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes).”

“I can hardly speak / And when I try, it’s nothing but a squeak…” Despite having a depressing sensibility (understatement), “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” actually has more tempo and more rock cues compared to the songs that precede it.  Crossing over the five-minute mark, the band give us a strong, driving groove, lush strings, and some turned-up guitars.  The chorus is simple, yet melodically captivating.

“And I always wanna die, sometimes

I always wanna die, sometimes

I always wanna die.”

 

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2. Mac Miller, “Self Care”

Swimming • Warner Bros. • 2018

“I switched the time zone, but what do I know? / Spending nights hitchhikin’, where will I go?” Some of the life experiences of  Mac Miller seem to fuel “Self Care”, a standout from his final studio album, Swimming. Following the moody instrumental intro, he delivers the aforementioned, sung chorus, which is mysterious and quirky, partially because of the imperfect pitch.  For half of the first verse, he drops straight, unpitched bars, though the pitch returns.  Perhaps his singing isn’t as strong as his rapping, but it accentuates the vulnerability, reflectiveness, and depression that characterizes this particular song, partially referencing a break-up.

On the second verse, he mentions his DUI: “That Mercedes drove me crazy, I was speedin’.” Prior to the third verse, there’s a beat switch, with the tempo slackening as Miller speaks on his state of oblivion (“I was, thinking too much, got stuck in oblivion”). To be relatively simple lyrically, “Self Care” is complex at the same time. It’s an emotional record that successfully captured Miller’s headspace and his status in rap prior to his tragic death at the age of 26.

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3. Father John Misty, “Please Don’t Die”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018

“One more wasted morning / When I could be holding you / To my side, somebody stop this joyless joy ride / I’m feeling older than my thirty-five years.” Josh Tillman, better known as Father John Misty, is reflective and serious on the slower “Please Don’t Die,” a highlight from his 2018 album, God’s Favorite Customer. Clearly, he’s been in a bad spot regarding his mental health and his wife is extremely worried about potentially losing him.  Not only does Tillman seem to realize how he’s affecting his wife, but he sings from her perspective on the thrilling chorus.

“Oh, and honey, I’m worried ‘bout you

You’re too much to lose

You’re all that I have

And honey, I’m worried ‘bout you

Put yourself in my shoes

You’re all that I have so please don’t die

Wherever you are tonight.”

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4. Father John Misty, “The Palace”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018

Father John Misty trades one ballad for another, with the haunting, piano-driven “The Palace”, yet another highlight from his 2018 LP, God’s Favorite Customer. The incredible slow “The Palace,” like “Please Don’t Die,” explores Tillman’s mental health and marital issues. Whether “The Palace” where Tillman has made his home for a period of time is actually a truly glorious, luxurious hotel is beside the point.  Father John Misty paints it as his ‘safe place’ from the outside world, yet he remains dysfunctional and lost. At the end, he comes to the realization, “…I think I’m ready to come home / I’m in over my head.”

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5. Ryan Beatty, “Camo”

Boy in Jeans • Boy in Jeans • 2018

“Camo print depression / I keep my feelings hidden / No pills, no thrills / I’m not used to winning / But that’s life, that’s life.” Openly gay rising pop artist Ryan Beatty is honest about love and sex throughout the course of his stellar, underrated debut album, Boy in Jeans. Boy in Jeans is an eclectic album, encompassing pop, R&B, and a dash of alternative. Clearly, he has knack for writing love songs about boys.  Also, he knows how to express his feelings, as he does superbly on the set’s second single, “Camo”. As the aforementioned lyrical excerpt suggests, as a teen, Beatty tried to ‘blend in’ – play it straight if you will – despite being gay. Obviously, this affected him mentally, before living his truth.

In addition to the theme of the record, “Camo” benefits from fresh production that’s mysterious, slick, and urban-tinged.  The beat helps “Camo” to stay afloat with its driving rhythm.  Beyond the superb backdrop fueling him, Beatty sounds absolutely terrific.  He blesses the track with a mixture of compelling, mid-range tenor and sweet falsetto. The results are a quirky, yet incredibly intriguing and personal record. “Camo” also appears on another mental-health considerate playlist, 13 Awesome Songs That Highlight Mental Health.

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6. Marlon Williams, “Love is a Terrible Thing”

Make Way for Love • Dead Oceans • 2018

“People tell me: ‘Boy, you got lucky!’ / But I feel about as lucky as a snowman in the spring / Mine over matter; head over heart / Love’s a terrible thing.” The plight of love rears its ugly head on the dramatic, emotionally-driven “Love is a Terrible Thing.”  This serves as the source of depression on this piano ballad.

Despite being sad about love’s terribleness, New Zealand singer/songwriter Marlon Williams is at his best. “Love is a Terrible Thing” represents a truly great harmonic moment from Williams’ sophomore album Make Way for Love, with its unique chords and progression.  The melody is complex, haunting, and simply breath taking. His vocals are expressive and ‘pitch-perfect’ as he laments.

“People tell me: ‘Boy, you dodged a bullet!’

But if only it had hit me, then I’d know the peace it brings

It’s just mind over matter; head over heart

Love’s a terrible thing.”

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7. XXXTENTACION, “SAD!”

? • Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE • 2018

“SAD!” keeps things ‘short and sweet’ on ?, the sophomore album by the late XXXTENTACION. The production is moody and mysterious initially, gradually adding more details. The smoothness and vibe of the musical backdrop is a major selling point, despite the fact that XXXTENTACION shares his feelings of brokenhearted-ness.

Following a 25 second intro, he unveils the chorus:

“Who am I? Someone that’s afraid to let go, uh

You decide if you’re ever gonna let me know (yeah)

Suicide if you ever try to let go, uh

I’m sad, I know, yeah, I’m sad, I know, yeah.”

Apparently, XXX’s depression (his sadness) is incredibly pronounced, considering he’s willing to commit “Suicide if [she] ever tries to let go.” Beyond the central chorus, there’s only one verse, which continues to focus on his broken heart.

“I gave her everything

She took my heart and left me lonely

I’ve been broken, heart’s contentious

I won’t fix, I’d rather weep…”

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8. Post Malone, “Rich & Sad”

Beerbongs & Bentleys • Republic • 2018

“Buy me, love, try to buy me, love / Now I’m alone, ‘Ice Box’, Omarion.” Beerbongs & Bentleys, the 2018, Grammy-nominated sophomore album by breakout pop-rapper Post Malone was dominated by two big-time hits: “Rockstar” and “Psycho”. The extremely commercially successful Beerbongs and Bentleys also marked a critical improvement from his sketchy debut album, Stoney. Post Malone gets ‘in his feelings’ on the sleekly produced, moody “Rich & Sad.”  Despite the sadness, “Rich & Sad” is in a major key, and there’s still a brightness about it – weird.  The melodic chorus is the biggest selling point, where Malone wishes “the money made you stay.” As The Beatles once sung, “Can’t Buy Me Love”.

 

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“Ayy, I would throw it all away

I just keep on wishin’ that the money made you stay

You ain’t never cared about that bullshit anyway

I just keep on wishin’ that the money made you stay.”

“Rich & Sad” first appeared on 9 Songs That Thrive Off Being ‘Rich’.

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9. Florence + The Machine, “Big God”

High as Hope • Virgin • 2018

“You need a big God / Big enough to hold your love.”  On “Big God”, a standout from High as Hope, Florence + The Machine (Florence Welch specifically) struggles in the aftermath of being ‘ghosted’ in her relationship. “I still like you the most / You’ll always be my favorite ghost,” she sings at the end of the first verse.

The brilliant single makes ample spiritual references, but the big picture isn’t about God.  No, Welch is focused on being fulfilled by love, likening fulfillment to something the size of a higher power.  After commencing with minimal production, by the song’s outro, horns and strings expand the sound. Obviously, “Big God” wouldn’t be the first Florence + The Machine song that finds her depressed and sad – it kind of goes with the territory…  What is clear is that the end of this particular relationship has got her down, and she’s struggling to move on.

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9. Mike Shinoda, “Nothing Makes Sense Anymore”

Post Traumatic • Warner Bros. • 2018

“I used to know where the bottom was / Somewhere far under the ocean waves… / But the ground was cracked up / Threw me in the ocean / Cast me out away at sea…” Emotions run rampant throughout the course of Post Traumatic, the solo debut by Mike Shinoda (credited to his name). Much of the album finds Shinoda trying to cope and move on from the suicide of his friend and bandmate, Chester Bennington.  A perfect example of his depressed, troubled mindset arrives on “Nothing Makes Sense Anymore,” where he’s unsure of anything post-trauma.  The verses are particularly reflective, accompanied by enigmatic production work.

On the chorus, he lays out just how senseless things have become:

“My inside’s out, my left is right

My upside’s down, my black is white…”

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10. Linkin Park, “Nobody Can Save Me”

One More Light • Warner Bros. • 2017

“I’m dancing with my demons / I’m hanging off the edge / Storm clouds gather beneath me / Waves break above my head / Headfirst hallucination.” Totally depressing Linkin Park, totally depressing. In addition to kicking off One More Light sadly, “Nobody Can Save Me” also establishes the pop-oriented tone of the LP.

It certainly benefits from its catchy chorus:

“But nobody can save me now

I’m holding up a light

I’m crashing out the darkness inside

‘Cause nobody can save me.”

Additionally, “Nobody Can Save Me” showcases newfound maturity from the band.  From the start, it’s clear that Chester Bennington (R.I.P.) needs a fix, and he is the only proponent of such a fix.  Why? “‘Cause nobody can save me now.”

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11. Logic, “1-800-273-8255”

Ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid

Everybody • Def Jam • 2017

With the release of “1-800-273-8255”, Logic released the biggest, heaviest, and most meaningful song of his career.  What makes “1-800-273-8255” so heavy? The title is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Logic approaches the song as a progression, starting from the suicidal perspective, encouraging the suicidal person to embrace life, and the suicidal person coming to the desire to live. He’s assisted by an angelic Alessia Cara and Khalid, who provides the punctuation mark, as the suicidal person who’s seen the light.

Suicide is a major issue. Appearing on multiple playlists on The Musical Hype (100 Best Songs of 2017 and 10 Best Music Videos of 2017 among them), “1-800-273-8255” doesn’t explicitly mention the LGBTQ community but plays a role in the accompanying music video. The video focuses on a black gay teen struggling with his sexuality. After contemplating suicide, he gets the proper help, as well as acceptance.

https://themusicalhype.com/album-review-logic-everybody/

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12. Imagine Dragons, “Believer”

Evolve • Interscope • 2017

“Believer” plays true to the identity established by Grammy-winning alternative rock band Imagine Dragons.  The drums are gargantuan, packing a mean punch. Frontman Dan Reynolds continues to deliver overt vocals, with a bite.  He also employs a mean falsetto which is key here, particularly during the chorus.

“I was broken from a young age

Taking my sulking to the masses

Write down my poems for the few

That looked at me took to me, shook to me, feeling me…”

Rhythmically, the melody of the aforementioned pre-chorus on “Believer” is quick-paced, with a dash of hip-hop sensibility. The chorus – the crème de la crème – is anthemic, with a strong urban influence.  All in all, it’s tough NOT to be a believer in “Believer.” Adversity and sadness overcome!

“Pain!

You made me a, you made me a believer, believer

You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer, believer

Pain!

I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain

My life, my love, my drive, it came from

Pain!

You made me a, you made me a believer, believer.”

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13. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Anxiety”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

“Anxiety” is nothing short of epic.  Fitting for an equally epic artist like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.  The lengthiest song off The Nashville Sound, “Anxiety” is worth every bit of its seven minutes. The title explains it all – Isbell can’t get past his anxiety.

On the chorus, he passionately sings:

“Anxiety

How do you always get the best of me?

I’m out here living in a fantasy

I can’t enjoy a goddamn thing.”

What causes his anxiety? Life itself.  On the first verse, he’s worried about losing his family, which is his world.  On the second verse, he starts it off with “It’s the weight of the world.” The music on this particular song is awesome, particularly the instrumental at the end.

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14. Ryan Adams, “Haunted House”

Prisoner • Blue Note • 2017

“I don’t want to live in this haunted house anymore.” Rock singer/songwriter Ryan Adams is chocked-full of sadness throughout the course of his painfully-underrated 2017 album, Prisoner. His loneliness comes to head on “Haunted House,” among the crème de la crème of the LP.  In tune with the prevalence of heartbreak that encompasses Prisoner, “Haunted House” expands the script slightly, extending his loneliness to dwindling friends.

On “Prisoner,” Adams still desires his ex (cough* Mandy Moore), but he’s less specific.  On the first verse, he states, “It’s the last house at the end of the block / My friends all disappear one by one.” On the second, he goes on to say “Nobody stops to write, nobody calls / My friends all disappear / They all got lost.”

https://themusicalhype.com/ryan-adams-prisoner/

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15. August Alsina, “FML”

Ft. Pusha T

Testimony • Def Jam • 2014

“Even when I’m up, I’m feeling down, fuck my life.” At one time, FML, which stands affectionately for fuck my life, was a popular, loosely thrown out catch phrase.  Should it have ever been though? In his song “FML,” August Alsina, assisted by Pusha T, exhibits his share of suicidal thoughts. “Let me tell you ‘bout myself, I’m not scared to die / Been through so much shit, sometimes I wanna be in the sky / Wanna know how it feels to fly… / I’m scared of hello, I ain’t scared of goodbye.” Alsina clearly has had his fair share of hard times (check out his backstory), and he expresses his struggles musically.  He also references suicide in another song, “Song Cry,” from his sophomore album, This Thing Called Life (“This moment mine for the takin’ / For all them nights I thought of suicide, contemplatin’”).

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Photo Credits: Bad Vibes Forever, Blue Note, Boy in Jeans, Dead Oceans, Def Jam, EMPIRE, Interscope, Polydor, Republic, Southeastern, Sub Pop, Virgin, Warner Bros.

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