Depressing Background Music: The Best of the Worst

A list of some of the most depressing background music to help set the mood for your next mopey project, or just to make you feel even worse.

The Different Types of Depressing Background Music

Mellow Depressing Background Music

Mellow depressing background music is often used in scenes involving characters who are reflecting on their life, struggling with an internal conflict, or feeling nostalgic. This type of music usually has a slow tempo and uses minor key tonality to create a sense of sadness, regret, or longing. Instruments typically used in mellow depressing background music include piano, acoustic guitar, and strings.

Some examples of mellow depressing background music include:
-“Broken” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
-“All of Me” by John Legend
-“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
-“Snuff” by Slipknot

Energetic Depressing Background Music

proponents of this type of music claim that it can help to increase focus and productivity, as well as to reduce stress levels. It is often used in settings where people need to be highly alert and focused, such as in office environments or during studying.

Energetic depressing background music is characterized by its fast tempo and often minor key tonality. The music is usually quite simplistic, with little to no melody or harmony. This type of music is designed to be unobtrusive and not interfere with the task at hand.

Some examples of energetic depressing background music include:
-‘Sadness’ by John Murphy
-‘Requiem for a Dream’ by Clint Mansell
-‘The Departed (Main Theme)’ by Howard Shore

Dark Depressing Background Music

There are many different types of depressing background music. The most popular type is classical music, which can be very effective in setting the mood for a gloomy or depressing scene. Other types of music that can be used include jazz, blues, and even rock. It all depends on the type of scene you are trying to create and the type of atmosphere you want to evoke.

The Best of the Worst

Depressing background music is a subgenre of music that is characterized by its slow, droning tempo and dark, melancholic atmosphere. This type of music is often used in film and television to create a feeling of dread or despair. While it can be effective in certain scenes, it can also be overbearing and intrusive.

“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

Released in 1994, “All I Want for Christmas is You” is a Christmas ballad written and produced by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff. The song details an assembly line of toy making elves who are disappointed with their jobs and only want one thing: to make a toy that Mariah Carey will love.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

This song is often cited as one of the worst songs of all time, and yet, it continues to be one of the most popular songs ever. “Don’t Stop Believin'” was released in 1981 by the band Journey, and it quickly became a global sensation. The song is often criticized for its corny lyrics and over-the-top vocal performance, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most iconic songs in popular music history.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

In 1992, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a then-record-breaking 14 weeks. The song, which was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974, became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with more than 20 million copies sold worldwide.

While the song was an undeniable success, it’s also been criticized for its overly sentimental lyrics and syrupy production. In fact, many music critics consider it to be one of the worst songs ever recorded.

Despite its many detractors, “I Will Always Love You” remains one of Houston’s most popular songs and is often considered to be her signature ballad.

How to Use Depressing Background Music to Your Advantage

Use it to study

If you’re the type of person who can’t focus on anything without complete silence, then depressing background music may not be for you. But if you can study with some white noise in the background, then give it a try! Depressing music can actually help some people focus and get work done.

Of course, not all depressing music is created equal. You’ll want to choose tracks that are slow and mellow, without any sudden changes in tempo or volume. Lyrics can be distracting, so instrumental tracks are generally best. If you’re not sure where to start, try looking for “study music” or “concentration music” playlist on Spotify or YouTube.

Once you’ve found some songs that work for you, put them on in the background and get to work! You may be surprised at how well depressing music can help you focus and get things done.

Use it to get in touch with your feelings

Depressing background music can be a great way to get in touch with your feelings. It can help you to feel more emotionally connected to the music, and it can also help you to feel more depressed. However, it is important to remember that depressing background music should not be used as a way to self-medicate or as a way to escape from reality. If you are feeling depressed, it is important to seek professional help.

Use it to boost your creativity

It’s well-known that sad music can induce feelings of sadness and nostalgia. But did you know that it can also boost your creativity?

Studies have shown that people who listen to depressing music are more likely to come up with creative ideas. This is because sad music allows us to tap into our emotions and tap into our innermost thoughts and feelings.

So, if you’re feeling stuck on a project or you’re having trouble coming up with new ideas, try listening to some depressing background music. It just might help you get your creative juices flowing.