17 Thrilling Songs Infused with Darkness | Playlist

1. John Legend, “Conversations in the Dark”

“Conversations in the Dark” – Single • Columbia • 2020 

Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter John Legend returned sans controversy at the beginning of 2020 with a brand-new single, “Conversations in the Dark”. “Conversations in the Dark” is a sound blend of pop and adult contemporary R&B.  It is pop in the sense that the use of guitars gives this something of a crossover appeal.  At the same time, there isn’t really a dip in soulfulness even as “Conversations in the Dark” isn’t the same brand of neo-soul that John Legend was serving up in mid 00s.

As always, the crowning achievement of this particular record are the vocals.  John Legend sounds as distinct as ever, singing incredibly confidently and soulfully.  His performance is expressive, nuanced, and quite balanced.  At times, particularly early on, Legend exhibits more restraint.  As the song progresses and percolates, he offers more oomph and grit.  Each chorus adds more of that Legendary bite, particularly as he incorporates those ripe, ad-libs.  Beyond the vocals, the theme is relatable – everlasting, unbreakable love.  Legend sings about the depth of love throughout the verse, overtly confirming it on the catchy, memorable chorus:

“I won’t ever try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won't break your heart.”

Another stellar moment comes on the bridge section, which pulls back slightly, before rebuilding the intensity:

“When no one seems to notice
And your days, they seem so hard
My darling, you should know this
My love is everywhere you are.”

All in all, John Legend adds another gem to his illustrious music collections with “Conversations in the Dark.” “Conversations in the Dark” shines thanks to rich vocals, relatable songwriting, and production fusing pop and ‘grown folks’ R&B respectfully.

2. Madonna, “Dark Ballet”

Madame X • Interscope • 2019

Madonna returned in 2019 with her 14^th studio album, Madame X. With Madge, you never know exactly what she’s going to do or the direction she’s going to go.  Of “Dark Ballet”, the fifth advance single from the album and the song at hand, Mike Wass of Idolator writes: “It’s time to accept that the Queen of Pop’s days of chasing hits are over. She’s now doing whatever the fuck she wants, and it sounds amazing.” Sounds about right.

“Dark Ballet” is indeed quite the unique listening experience that grows on you with each successive listen. The opening is quite enigmatic, thriving off its moody, minor key production work including sleek piano lines, lush strings, and a hard, anchoring beat.  Madonna sings about fame, and for the most part, she sounds fine – NORMAL.  After some normalcy, however, things get really weird pretty quick.

The “ballet” becomes really “dark,” transforming into something completely unexpected. “Dark Ballet” features a twisted, ‘synth-tastic’ interpolation of The Nutcracker (‘Dance of the Reed Pipes,’ Tchaikovsky), while Madge sings using vocoder during the bridge (“Say that I’m a witch and burn me at the stake”), following up with an odd spoken word verse. (“Can’t you hear outside of your Supreme hoodie, the wind that’s beginning to howl?”). The visual piece arguably supplants the song, but “Dark Ballet” is quite interesting anyway you look at it.

3. YG, “In the Dark”

4REAL 4REAL • Def Jam • 2019

In 2018, YG returned with his third studio album, Stay Dangerous.  A respectable project, it Stay Dangerous failed to surpass the superb Still Brazy that preceded it. Surprisingly, the Compton rapper returned relatively quickly with a follow-up, 4REAL 4REAL. Like Stay Dangerous, there was plenty to like about 4REAL 4REAL, but it was by no means a game changing LP. Furthermore, one has to question, how aware were folks that YG even dropped a new album in 2019? Just saying.  Regardless, he delivers a worthwhile, dark record, “In the Dark.”

“I’m in the dark like, ‘Fuck you, pay me’ / I need my hundreds dark blue like the Yankees.” Charming.  Mustard handles the boards on the skeletal, tough-minded “In the Dark” (“Mustard on the beat, ho!”). Here, YG’s flow is remains compelling, even if it’s relatively relaxed despite the degree of toughness.  He doesn’t deliver profound rhymes, as the aforementioned lyric confirms, but this is one hell of a catchy song, and definitely a V-I-B-E.  The chorus in particular is a bright spot, in all its infectious repetitiveness:

“I’m in the dark goin’ brazy
I’m in the dark throwin’ twenty past eighty
I’m in the dark, it’s a movie, Scorsese
I’m in the dark, that’s how life been lately
In the dark…”

4. Bring Me the Horizon, “In the Dark”

Amo • Sony Music • 2019

After a four-year hiatus, English rock band Bring Me the Horizon returned in 2019 with an alluring, bold, and incredibly eclectic sixth studio album, amo. Clearly, with amo, listeners are given a much different listening experience compared to say, Sempiternal (nothing quite along the lines of “Shadow Moses” appears here).  Luckily, Oli Sykes provides us with the perfect song associated with darkness – “In the Dark.”

In the context of amo, “In the Dark” is more accessible compared to the song that precedes it, the lengthy “Nihilist blues.”  As referenced earlier, “In the Dark” remains much kinder and gentler than the music Bring Me the Horizon has delivered in the past.  The ‘pop’ is amped-up, the rock turned down, yet the results are successful.  The chorus is simply irresistible:

“So, don’t swear to God, He never asked you
It’s not his heart you drove a knife through
It’s not his world you turned inside out
Not his tears still rolling down
Jesus Christ, you’re so damn cold…”

“In the Dark” previously appeared on the nighttime playlist, 13 Songs About and/or Associated with Nighttime.

5. Lil Wayne, “Dark Side of the Moon”

Ft. Nicki Minaj

Tha Carter V • Young Money • 2018

“Intergalactical love / The sky is falling, intergalactical, intergalactical love / And I’ll be waiting for you, for you, for you / On the dark side of the moon.” Nicki Minaj joins Lil Wayne on the R&B-infused, melodic rap of “Dark Side of the Moon.” “Dark Side of the Moon” appears on the long-awaited, highly-anticipated Tha Carter V, which arrived a whopping seven years after Tha Carter IV!

While Lil Wayne’s vocals are a bit sketchy on “Dark Side of the Moon,” the vibes of this record make it a highlight.

“The quiet calms my quasars, the eclipse is eclipsin’
My astronaut helmet kinda shifted, full of lipstick
Planet of the aches, and she is my prescription
We out of this world, baby, we have been evicted.”

Many times, Nicki Minaj is criticized for her singing vocals, but she sounds fabulous here, definitely eclipsing the slightly faded sounding Wayne.  There are definitely times on her 2018 album, Queen, where you wish she sounded this strong. “Dark Side of the Moon” originally appeared on the nighttime playlist, 13 Songs About and/or Associated with Nighttime.

6. Muse, “The Dark Side”

Simulation Theory • Warner • 2018

“I have lived in darkness / For all my life, I’ve been pursued / You’d be afraid if you could feel my pain / And If you could see the things, I’m able to see.”  “The Dark Side” marked one of the best advance singles from Simulation Theory, the eighth studio album by Grammy winning, alternative rock collective, Muse.  The arrival of Simulation Theory followed a three-year hiatus and prolonged promo campaign for Matthew Bellamy and company.  Enough background about the album – let’s focus on the darkness of “The Dark Side.”

Among the best attributes of “Dark Side” is the 80s-inspired, New Wave-infused vibe. Incredibly groovy from the onset, the band thrives off the driving, energetic beat. Things are further amplified by the minor key scheme, and synth arpeggiation.  Beyond the backdrop itself, Matthew Bellamy is on-point with lovely falsetto and overall compelling vocals. He uses his full voice on the centerpiece, the chorus.

“Break me out, break me out
Let me flee
Break me out, break me out
Set me free.”

The second verse is the first instance where Bellamy explicitly mentions “the dark side” after referencing it on the aforementioned first verse.

“I hail from the dark side
For all my life, I’ve been besieged.”

There is no lack of energy throughout the record. Interestingly, “The Dark Side (Alternate Reality Version)” graces the deluxe edition.

7. Metric, “Dark Saturday”

Art of Doubt • MMI / Crystal Math Music/BMG Rights Management • 2018

“So dark / It ain’t so dark / So dark / It ain’t so dark.” Three-time, Juno-winning, Canadian alternative rock collective Metric released their seventh studio album, Art of Doubt, in 2018. The promo single from Art of Doubt, “Dark Saturday”, perfectly suits the ‘Saturday’ vibes of this playlist.  The record commences with angry, distorted guitars – rock on!  Complementing her backdrop, Emily Haines delivers awesome breathy vocals, also featuring that ‘edgy gloriousness’ better known as distortion. The attitude she exhibits within her performance is a big selling point.

Haines delivers even more playful vocals on the second verse, particularly the second half:

“Now our bodies intertwine
And the truth is plain to see
I said ‘everything I built from nothing’
She said, don’t you blame your problems on me.’”

Her assertive vocals on the chorus, coupled with the heavy guitars and the addition of synths is nothing short of awesome. Perhaps it’s the poetic lyrics that are the crowning achievement:

“Forever and never
A torch in search of a flame
To be good, get better
Well I’ve been feeling this way
Forever and never
A night in search of a day
As anxious as ever
It’s such a dark, dark, dark Saturday.”

On the bridge, Haines ascends into her upper register, providing a superb contrast.  The lyrics are simple, but effectively fit the premise of the song (“Shine a light my way / Shine a light my way / Having such a dark, dark, dark, dark Saturday”).  “Dark Saturday” concludes with an outro emphasizing the titular lyric. Clever, thoughtful songwriting, dark, energetic production, and high-flying vocals from Emily Haines make “Dark Saturday” a surefire winner. “Dark Saturday” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Utterly Fantastic Songs About Saturday.

8. Ice Nine Kills, “Stabbing in the Dark”

The Silver Scream • Fearless • 2018 

“Your kids won’t make it home tonight / With a madness void of reason / I kill with every strike / I’ll haunt you day after day / Knife after knife…”  Clearly, murder is on the minds of Ice Nine Kills on “Stabbing in the Dark.” “Stabbing in the Dark” appears as the third song from The Silver Scream, the metalcore collective’s fifth studio album. The majority of the album is steeped in horror – specifically cinematic horror – featuring songs such as opener “The American Nightmare,” The IT inspired “IT is the End,” and among the most colorful, “Merry Axe-Mas.”

As the aforementioned lyrics from the second verse suggest, the songwriting is creepy and ‘killer’ to the nth degree.  Furthermore, the dramatic music matches the unsettling nature of the lyrics, flourishing in a most damned minor key.  After a relatively slow, enigmatic start, the beginning with a breakdown following the chorus, Ice Nine Kills grow utterly hellish, chocked-full of aggression that is far removed from heaven.  Of course, the connection with night is both darkness and of course, murder, which often occur during the nighttime hours.  The chorus is a big-time selling point.

“When the hands of fate
Fall on the midnight hour
Behind the mask of hate
I don the devil’s power
If there’s life in the shadows
Let the knife leave its mark
When the certainty of safety feels like stabbing
Stabbing in the dark.”

“Stabbing in the Dark” previously appeared on the nighttime playlist, 13 Songs About and/or Associated with Nighttime.

9. MGMT, “Little Dark Age”

Little Dark Age • Columbia • 2018

“Breathing in the dark / Lying on its side / The ruins of the day / Painted with a scar…” Poetic lyricism to say the least.  The thrilling “Little Dark Age” commences with alluring, mysterious synths, which serve as the pre-cursor to a sick, infectious, alt-pop groove.  The production (MGMT, Patrick Wimberly, and Dave Fridmann) is among the best features MGMT highlight from their comeback album, Little Dark Age.  Even so, vocally, Andrew VanWyngarden quickly proves he hasn’t missed a beat, sounding as tuned-in as ever.  And, as aforementioned, the lyrics are poetic and quite captivating.

“…And the more I straighten out / The less it wants to try / The feelings start to rot / One wink at a time.” Throughout “Little Dark Ages,” VanWyngarden compellingly delivers the ‘frightening,’ poetic lyrics.  While he never forces things, he sounds more assertive compared to the past, which suits the lyrical content and theme.  Ultimately, “Little Dark Age” is a fine track – well-rounded and creative through and through.  “Little Dark Age” appeared on the original, dark-centric playlist, 18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases.

10. Devin Dawson, “Dark Horse”

Dark Horse • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

“No, I ain’t no white knight / I’m a little more / Dark horse.” “Dark Horse” serves as the title track and concluding number from Dark Horse, the 2018 debut album from California country musician Devin Dawson. What stands out about “Dark Horse” is the honesty of the songwriting and openness of Dawson himself.

Just as the aforementioned lyrics and title suggest, Dawson sees himself as a dark horse.

“No, I don’t go to church, can't quote a bible verse
I couldn’t sing a song but that don’t mean that I don’t talk to Jesus
Girls say I push them off, that I can’t open up
But I ain’t afraid of love, when I say it, I just want to mean it.”

“Dark Horse” has previously appeared on playlists Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018, and 11 Intriguing Songs Associated with Horses, as well as the original, dark-centric playlist, 18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases.

11. Coheed and Cambria, “Queen of the Dark”

The Unheavenly Creatures • Roadrunner • 2018

“Queen of the Dark” features an eerie, enigmatic, extended instrumental introduction.  It’s clear that alternative/prog-rockers Coheed and Cambria seek to build tension – construct a vibe if you will on this ‘royal’ sixth track from The Unheavenly Creatures. Frontman Claudio Sanchez doesn’t enter the mix until after the one-minute mark.  His vocals begin nearly as restrained and mysterious as the instrumental intro preceding it – “Baby, I will be your falling star / The one that got away, the one you’ll be dreaming of…”

Eventually, he packs a punch on the robust, guitar-filled chorus.

“All hurt in time gets better
When the truth came out, you were born to run
When the lights went out, there was no one
A ghost to haunt for closure
When the lights went out, there was no one
When the lights went out, there was no Queen of the Dark…”

“Queen of the Dark” previously appeared on the royal playlist, 11 Songs All About Her Majesty, The Queen.

12. Joji, “Slow Dancing in the Dark”

BALLADS 1 • 88rising / 12 Tone Music • 2018

On the downtempo “Slow Dancing in the Dark”, a highlight from the 2018 album BALLADS 1, alt-R&B artist Joji deals with matters of the heart.  Call “Slow Dancing in the Dark” a heartbreak-tinged slow jam. As usual, he sings in an undertone initially, exhibiting chill, laid-back, and somewhat somnambulant vocals. Making a previous appearance on 13 Songs About and/or Associated with Nighttime, Joji perfectly captures a nighttime vibe.

Eventually, the listener is treated to clearer, more assertive vocals from Joji. “Slow Dancing in the Dark” finds Joji breaking up with his girlfriend as the relationship has run its course. On the second pre-chorus, not only does he reference the emotional aspects of a relationship, but also his desire for sex, even though it clearly won’t atone for their incompatibility. On the chorus, he sings:

“Give me reasons we should be complete
You should be with him, I can’t compete
You looked at me like I was someone else, oh well
Can’t you see?
I don’t wanna slow dance
In the dark.”

“Slow Dancing in the Dark” also makes an appearances on the playlist, 12 ‘Slow’ Songs That Aren’t Necessarily ‘Slow’.

13. The National, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”

Sleep Well Beast • 4AD • 2017

Ah, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” – a song title featuring seven words. The National front man Matt Berninger describes “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” as, “An abstract portrait of the weird time we’re in”.  That explains the odd vibes of the record.  On the first verse, lyrically, he’s disappointed and arguably, deceived.

“Maybe I listen more than you think
I can tell that somebody sold you
We said we’ve never let anyone in
We said we’d only die of lonely secrets.”

Such deception continues on throughout the chorus section.  Likewise, the second verse finds Berninger surprised by the condition of things, approached like a relationship.  As stacked as Grammy-winning album Sleep Well Beast is, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is the crowning achievement.

14. Imagine Dragons, “Dancing in the Dark”

Evolve • Interscope • 2017

“If you ever wanna join me baby, I’ll be dancing in the dark.” Grammy-winning alternative rock/pop collective Imagine Dragons concludes their 2017 album, Evolve, with the restrained ballad “Dancing in the Dark.” While it’s not an overt number, “Dancing in the Dark” incorporates an excellent palette of sounds.

As with much of Evolve, there are plenty of vocal effects – it’s a gimmicky performance.  Still, the core of where Imagine Dragons desire to take their music remains easily perceptible.  Lyrically, it lacks complexity – it’s definitely not complicated. Still, front man Dan Reynolds gets his point across – individualism and acceptance of ones’ idiosyncrasies and individuality.

“Most days I’m keeping to myself, living in my little bubble
Throwing my weight and moving my body through the sea
You could come join with me
Moving like the weekend
I don’t need nobody.”

“Dancing in the Dark” previous appeared on playlist 11 Songs Fueled by Dance, as well as the original, dark-centric playlist, 18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases.

15. Lorde, “Writer in the Dark”

Melodrama • Universal Music • 2017

“Bet you rue the day you kissed a writer in the dark / Now she’s gonna play and sing and lock you in her heart…” Poetic, poetic, P-O-E-T-I-C! “Writer in the Dark” is a gorgeous ballad from Melodrama, the sophomore album by New Zealand alt-pop artist, Lorde.  Lorde won a Grammy for her breakout, number one hit, “Royals,” which appeared on her debut album, Pure Heroin (2013).  Four years later, she’d drop her masterpiece in Melodrama, which was nominated for the Grammy’s most coveted award, Album of the Year.

“Writer in the Dark,” which appears as the eighth track on Melodrama, is directed toward an ex.

“Break the news – you’re walking out
To be a good man for someone else
Sorry I was never good like you
Stood on my chest and kept me down
Hated hearing my name on the lips of a crowd
Did my best to exist just for you.”

Wow! Lorde is clearly upset the relationship is over, but also clearly intends to move on. The best evidence of this? The chorus, in all it’s glory:

“I am my mother’s child, I’ll love you ‘til my breathing stops
I’ll love you ‘til you call the cops on me
But in our darkest hours, I stumbled on a secret power
I’ll find a way to be without you, babe.”

16. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Dark Necessities”

The Getaway • Warner • 2016

Question: Has people’s “dark side” ever sounded more terrific than Red Hot Chili Peppers’ funky “Dark Necessities?” The answer is a resounding NO.  The perfectly produced joint was the promo single on The Getaway, serving as a good indicator of the strength of the album prior to its release. The crowning achievement from the LP, from an initial listen, the magic of the record is crystal clear, finding RHCP on autopilot.

The funk is real, led by Flea’s masterful bass playing.  Additionally, a sick groove anchors “Dark Necessities” down.  That doesn’t even capture the jazzy harmonies captured by – wait for it – piano! Front man Anthony Kiedis is at his best.

‘“You don’t know my mind
You don’t know my kind
Dark necessities are part of my design.”

The geniuses point out references to Kiedis overcoming drug addiction.  This is logical, given the lyrical content – “Tell the world that I’m / Falling from the sky / Dark necessities are part of my design” – and the accompanying music video. “Dark Necessities” appeared on the original, dark-centric playlist, 18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases.

17. Katy Perry, “Dark Horse”

Ft. Juicy J

Prism • Capitol • 2013

More often than not, Katy Perry avoided ‘going stupid’ on her fourth studio album, Prism (2013). That isn’t to say that Perry didn’t have her share of fun, but she definitely didn’t ‘do a repeat’ of her 2010 album, Teenage Dream. One of the best moments from Prism arrived via no. 1 hit single “Dark Horse” featuring Juicy J.

“Dark Horse” provided a spark to Prism upon its arrival.  Juicy J is a perfect fit on this hip-hop oriented pop cut which sports one sick trap beat.  The chorus definitely latches:

“So you wanna play with magic?
Boy, you should know what you’re falling for
Baby, do you dare to do this?
Cause I’m coming at you like a dark horse…”

Second verse vocal harmonization make the deal sweeter, while Juicy J’s lines such as “Uh, she’s a beast / I call her Karma / She eat your heart out / Like Jeffrey Dahmer…” seal the deal.  “Dark Horse” ‘roars’ nearly as much as “Roar” itself.  “Dark Horse” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Intriguing Songs Associated with Horses.