Accepting your dark side can be exciting, at least in fictional contexts. Audiences have always found villains in books, movies, and video games to be captivating. They are frequently the most complicated and memorable characters, captivating us despite our disapproval of their behaviour. These songs that make you feel like a villain encapsulate these feelings excellently.
Numerous songs have successfully captured the essence of villainy. Music has always played a significant part in storytelling. Music can make us feel like the villains of our own tales, whether it’s through menacing soundscapes or lyrics that explore the darker sides of human nature.
We’ll look at some of the best songs that make you feel evil in this piece. Even though they may not have been composed from the viewpoint of a villain, these songs manage to capture the tone and atmosphere of villainy. Some tracks may contain lyrics that extol immorality, while others might have a spooky or menacing vibe that gives you the chills.
There is a tune out there that can make you feel like an evil person, regardless of whether you prefer rock, rap, or electronic music. We will explore the various musical genres and aesthetics that have addressed the darker aspects of human nature and showcase some of the most enduring and significant songs.
These songs, which range from anthems of rebellion to odes to decadence, can take you to a world in which you are in control of your own fate regardless of the repercussions. So, as we explore the best tracks that make you feel like a villain, buckle up, put on your headphones, and get ready to embrace your inner villain.
20 Best Songs That Make You Feel Like A Villain – Here are our recommendations!
20: Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
American vocalist Carrie Underwood’s country-pop song “Before He Cheats” was made available as the third single from her debut album “Some Hearts” in 2006. The song is about a lady who breaks into her cheating boyfriend’s car to exact revenge. The song “Before He Cheats” topped the country charts, garnered numerous accolades, including a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and was a huge commercial success thanks to its catchy refrain and sassy lyrics.
19: I See Red – Everybody Loves An Outlaw
2019 saw the release of “I See Red”, a hauntingly gorgeous indie folk single by the American musician Everybody Loves An Outlaw. The song’s understated production draws attention to the singer’s unprocessed emotion as he sings about sorrow and lost love. The refrain repeats the haunting line, “Every time I close my eyes, I see red,” which is used in the lyrics to describe the strong emotions of heartache and longing. The song “I See Red” demonstrates the artist’s amazing vocal range and his capacity to arouse strong feelings with his music.
18: Kill Bill – SZA
“Kill Bill” was a song SZA made for her second album, SOS. She is unhappy with a toxic boyfriend on several of the songs, including “I Hate U,” “Shirt,” and “Blind”. Following their breakup, SZA is especially enraged in this song. The R&B star is so insane that she wishes to murder both her ex and his new lover.
The song’s title was inspired by the same-named martial arts duology by Quentin Tarantino.
“I might kill my ex, not the best idea
His new girlfriend’s next, how’d I get here?”
The lyrics are inspired by the plots of the two Kill Bill films of 2003/4
17: Monster – EXO
The lead track from the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO’s third studio album, “Ex’Act,” is the dark and intense K-pop song “Monster,” which was released in 2016. The members display their strong vocals and fierce rapping abilities while the song has a heavy trap rhythm and ominous synths. The song’s lyrics speak of a love that is so intense and all-consuming that the listener feels as though a monster is devouring their feelings. A huge commercial triumph, “Monster” topped music charts in Korea and other countries.
16: Radioactive – Imagine Dragons
The lead track from Imagine Dragons’ debut studio album, “Night Visions,” “Radioactive,” is a rock song by the American band. The song’s lyrics describe a post-apocalyptic world where life is crucial and has a strong beat and eerie vocals. Because of the song’s distinctive sound and meaningful lyrics, which connected with listeners, it became a huge commercial hit and one of the band’s signature songs. Fans of the band and the rock genre continue to adore the song “Radioactive,” which received the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.
15: Without Me – Eminem
The lead track from American rapper Eminem’s fourth studio album, “The Eminem Show,” was the hip-hop song “Without Me,” which was released in 2002. The song has a catchy rhythm and amusing lyrics that parody pop culture and Eminem’s own scandals. One of Eminem’s most recognisable hooks is the chorus, which features a melody sample from the iconic 1981 song “Buffalo Gals”. Commercially, “Without Me” was a triumph, topping the charts in a number of nations and winning the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
14: I Will Prevail – Kate Shindle
The 2014 single “I Will Prevail” was written and performed by American actress and vocalist Kate Shindle. The song’s words exhort persistence and tenacity in the face of difficulty, and it has a powerful piano melody and Shindle’s soaring vocals.
It serves as a motivational anthem for people going through difficult times in their lives because the chorus reiterates the inspiring refrain, “I will prevail.” The relatable message of “I Will Prevail” and Shindle’s emotive performance have connected with listeners, making it a well-liked music for empowerment and self-motivation, if a little villainous.
13: Manta – Lexie Liu
Chinese singer-songwriter Lexie Liu’s 2019 single “Manta” is a captivating tune. Liu’s sultry vocals seamlessly combine modern pop elements with elements of Chinese traditional music in this song. The manta ray is used as a metaphor for the journey of life in the lyrics, which also discuss the majesty of nature and the freedom of the ocean. Fans of Chinese pop music and beyond adore “Manta,” which highlights Liu’s inventive musical style.
12: INFERNO – Sub Urban Ft. Bella Poarch
Bella Poarch, a Filipino-American TikTok star, is featured in the dark and intense single “INFERNO,” which was released by American singer Sub Urban in 2021. The song’s lyrics examine the destructive nature of toxic relationships and feature eerie production and deep, brooding vocals. The sinister verses by Sub Urban are stunningly contrasted by Poarch’s vocals in the refrain, creating a captivating and dynamic track. Fans of alternative music and dark pop are loving “INFERNO,” which features both artists’ talents.
11: Sorry Not Sorry – Demi Lovato
The lead track from American singer Demi Lovato’s sixth studio album, “Tell Me You Love Me,” is the upbeat pop song “Sorry Not Sorry.” In the song, Lovato celebrates self-love and empowerment in the face of criticism with a catchy rhythm and strong vocals. It has become a well-known anthem for speaking up for oneself due to the chorus’s defiant repetition of the refrain “Sorry, not sorry.” One of Lovato’s most well-known tracks, “Sorry Not Sorry” was a commercial success, peaking in the top ten of the charts in a number of different nations.
10: Bust Your Knee Caps – Pomplamoose
On their 2009 album “Tribute to Famous People,” the American indie pop duo Pomplamoose issued the jovial and upbeat single “Bust Your Knee Caps”. The song has a catchy, odd melody and humorous words about getting even with someone who has wronged you. The chorus adds to the song’s charm and humour by repeating the catchy phrase, “I’m gonna bust your knee caps.” Pomplamoose’s distinctive musical aesthetic is on full display in ‘Bust Your Knee Caps’, which has grown to be a favourite among fans of alternative pop.
9: Bad Guy – Billie Eilish
The lead single from American vocalist Billie Eilish’s debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” is the gritty and edgy song “Bad Guy,” which was released in 2019. The song has a melancholy melody, Eilish’s trademark whispered vocals, and playful lyrics that embrace the character of the villain. “Bad Guy” has achieved commercial and critical success, topping the charts in a number of nations, and growing to be one of Eilish’s most recognisable and iconic tracks.
8: Can’t Be Tamed – Miley Cyrus
American singer Miley Cyrus’ 2010 electro pop hit, “Can’t Be Tamed,” served as the first single from her third studio album of the same name. With lyrics about embracing her wild side and defying social expectations, the song has a pulsing rhythm and Cyrus’s strong vocals. The song’s themes of freedom and individuality are further emphasised by Cyrus in the accompanying music video, which also features her in a revealing outfit and bird cage. In her discography, “Can’t Be Tamed” has emerged as a fan favourite and serves as a showcase for Cyrus’s artistic development.
7: Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood And The Destroyers
George Thorogood & The Destroyers recorded the classic rock tune “Bad to the Bone” in 1982. The words of the song, which celebrates rebellion and the “bad boy” image, are delivered by Thorogood with his distinctive guitar riff and gravelly vocal delivery. In addition to appearing in a number of movies, TV programs, and advertisements, “Bad to the Bone” has established itself as a mainstay of classic rock radio. For decades, the song has served as a cherished anthem of rock and roll rebellion thanks to its memorable hook and Thorogood’s electrifying performance.
6: Bad – Michael Jackson
The late Michael Jackson recorded a pop and funk single titled “Bad” in 1987. The song, which serves as the seventh studio album’s title cut, has a strong beat and Michael Jackson’s distinctive vocal delivery. In the song’s lyrics, Jackson challenges his detractors and describes himself as “bad” in the best possible way. Martin Scorsese, who also directed the music video, shows Michael Jackson competing in a dance contest with some intimidating guys. Jackson’s song “Bad” became a huge hit and is considered by many as one of his signature tunes.
5: Look What You Made Me Do – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift released the pop single “Look What You Made Me Do” in 2017. The album’s lead track, “Reputation,” has a dark, moody electronic sound and scathing lyrics about retaliation and reputation. Swift plays several characters in the music video, which was produced by Joseph Kahn, and makes fun of her previous public persona. A commercial success, “Look What You Made Me Do” got varying reviews from critics. But because of its audacious and assured message, it has become a well-liked hymn for people who don’t let their critics hold them back.
4: Charmer – Stray Kids
The 2020 hip-hop and electronic single “Charmer” is performed by the South Korean boy group Stray Kids. The song has a strong and upbeat tempo, as well as punchy rap verses and a catchy refrain. The members express their confidence and drive to achieve while the lyrics centre on the idea of being a “charmer.” The members of the group perform their signature dance movements in the music video, which furthers the song’s appeal for its upbeat vibe. One of the Stray Kids’ best songs, “Charmer,” showcases both their skill and charisma as performers.
3: Heat – DMX
The late American rapper DMX released a hard-hitting hip-hop single titled “Heat”. The song, which was included on DMX’s debut album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” in 1998, contains intense and combative lyrics that highlight his unpolished talent and distinctive growling delivery. The gritty and relentless rhythm, which uses a sample from Billy Squier’s song “The Big Beat,” adds to the song’s overall intensity. A testament to DMX’s skill as a rapper and lyricist, “Heat” is still a classic in his catalogue.
2: Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
Kate Bush, a British singer-songwriter, has a hauntingly lovely song called “Wuthering Heights.” The song, based on Emily Bronte’s book of the same name, was released in 1978 as Bush’s debut single. It features Bush’s ethereal vocals, which range from soft and delicate to powerful and soaring. The song’s haunting quality is enhanced by its hypnotic tune and atmospheric instrumentation, which uses the harpsichord. Bush’s song “Wuthering Heights” rapidly rose to the top of the UK charts and established him as a distinctive and significant figure in the music business. Bush is a ghost haunting the grounds of Wuthering Heights, making the tune extra villainous.
1: Killer Queen – Queen
The British band Queen’s 1974 single “Killer Queen,” which was taken from their album “Sheer Heart Attack”, is a classic rock tune. Lead singer Freddie Mercury wrote the song, which combines rock and pop elements with his flamboyant vocal style. The words of the song describe a wealthy villainous courtesan who wins the narrator’s heart. One of Queen’s biggest songs, “Killer Queen,” solidified their reputation as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
20 Best Songs That Make You Feel Like A Villain – Closing remarks and thoughts
In conclusion, the greatest villain-inspiring songs can take you to a place where morality is ambiguous and social norms do not apply. The darker sides of human nature—from greed and power to rebellion and destruction—are explored in these tracks. They give us the freedom to accept our darker sides without worrying about criticism or repercussions.
The songs on this list can be empowering and liberating, despite the idea of villainy appearing to be innately negative. They give us a break from the constraints of daily living and give us access to our instinctual needs and feelings.
Additionally, these songs demonstrate the storytelling ability of music. Music has the power to transport us to various places and evoke a variety of feelings, from the eerie melodies of horror film soundtracks to the rebellious anthems of rock bands.
These songs provide a much-needed escape in a world where we are frequently urged to follow social standards. They serve as a gentle reminder that it is acceptable to be distinct, to challenge authority, and to value our own particular viewpoints and goals.
Closing Remarks:
So, put on your headphones the next time you want to unleash your inner villain and listen to some of the top tracks on this list. Allow the music to take you to a place where morality is a personal matter and anything is conceivable. After all, playing the villain can be entertaining occasionally.
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A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
What sets John apart from other music bloggers is his ability to connect with his readers on a personal level. His writing style is warm and engaging, making it easy for readers to relate to him as both a fellow music lover and someone who truly cares about the art form.
John’s love for music started at a young age when he discovered classic rock through his father’s vinyl collection. Since then, he has expanded his musical horizons to include everything from indie rock to hip hop and beyond.
As a blogger, John has found a way to share his love of music with others while also providing valuable insights into the industry.