Life often beckons for that uplifting anthem when everything around you feels overwhelming — but what do you do when you’re not ready to stray from your beloved melancholic rock or metal bands? Thankfully, some of the most profound acts, like The Cure and Type O Negative, have crafted the ideal soundtrack for those times when you want to energize your day while still embracing a slightly moody vibe.

Here’s a curated list of 11 upbeat songs from rock and metal bands renowned for their darker, more somber music. These tracks strike a balance between energy and emotion, making them perfect for any playlist.

Discover American Football’s Unique Take on “Desire Gets In the Way”

Listening to American Football evokes a sense of bittersweet joy, a blend of Midwest emo with themes of guilt and introspection. On their second album, the track “Desire Gets in the Way” showcases a lively tempo that contrasts with their usual sound. Interestingly, the lyrics even include a mention of lingerie, a rare occurrence in the emo genre from this area, adding a playful twist to the song’s deeper themes.

Experience American Football’s “Desire Gets In the Way”

Explore Amigo The Devil’s Darkly Positive Anthem “One Kind of People”

Amigo The Devil presents a compelling message wrapped in shadowy themes in “One Kind of People.” The song reflects on the inevitability of death, emphasizing that regardless of our backgrounds or choices, we all share a common fate. This powerful theme resonates deeply, reminding listeners of our shared humanity in the face of mortality.

Dive into Amigo The Devil’s “One Kind of People”

Feel the Joy in The Cure’s “Friday, I’m In Love”

“Friday, I’m in Love” not only boasts one of the most delightful titles on this list, but it also stands out as one of the most cheerful love songs of its era. In this track, Robert Smith paints a vivid picture of experiencing joy through simple moments, like watching someone enjoy a late-night meal. He encourages listeners to “throw out your frown and just smile at the sound,” capturing the essence of love and happiness.

Relish in The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”

Embrace the Catchy Chorus of Death Cab for Cutie’s “The Sound of Settling”

This track is all about the catchy chorus. “Bop bah, this is the sound of settling,” Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie sings, providing a catchy hook that draws listeners in. While the song discusses the struggles of voicing true feelings and the consequences of missed opportunities in love, its upbeat melody encourages listeners to reflect positively on their experiences.

Enjoy Death Cab for Cutie’s “The Sound of Settling”

Experience the Instrumental Brilliance of Explosions in the Sky with “Your Hand In Mine”

How can a band known for their instrumental compositions evoke such depth without lyrics? Spending time with any of Explosions in the Sky‘s albums will leave you feeling a spectrum of emotions as you ride the waves of sound, culminating in crescendos that resonate deeply. “Your Hand In Mine” starts gently before building to an uplifting climax, creating a sonic journey that captivates and inspires, making you want to relive the experience over and over again.

The 8-minute track ultimately settles into a groove that feels both refreshing and exhilarating, leaving listeners eager for more.

Immerse Yourself in Explosions in the Sky’s “Your Hand in Mine”

Discover Katatonia’s “My Twin” for an Upbeat Twist

Swedish metal outfit Katatonia typically embraces dark and brooding themes, but in “My Twin,” they take a different approach with a more upbeat sound. The song explores themes of betrayal and heartbreak, focusing on a cheating lover, yet it manages to maintain an energetic vibe that makes it stand out from their usual fare. This intriguing blend of emotions showcases the band’s versatility and ability to engage listeners in different ways.

Listen to Katatonia’s “My Twin”

Experience The National’s Emotional Journey in “Abel”

The National has fully embraced their sadboy aesthetic, even branding themselves as “Sad Dads” in merchandise. Their music frequently dives into themes of anxiety, pain, and despair, and “Abel” is no exception. Lead singer Matt Berninger starts the song with a raw proclamation of his struggles, repeatedly stating “my mind’s not right.” Despite its heavy subject matter, the track captivates with its intensity and emotional depth, making it an unforgettable listening experience.

Engage with The National’s “Abel”

Revisit Radiohead’s Early Days with “How Do You?”

<pListening to early Radiohead can feel like stepping into a different era, one that precedes their more somber albums like OK Computer and In Rainbows. From their debut album, Pablo Honey, the band’s track “How Do You?” radiates a vibrant Britpop energy that stands in stark contrast to their later works, making it a refreshing and memorable piece.

Enjoy Radiohead’s “How Do You?”

Feel the Contrast in The Smiths’ “Cemetery Gates”

Four tracks into The Queen Is Dead from 1986, The Smiths delve into bleak territory with the slow and plodding “Never Had No One.” However, before despair takes over, the band lifts spirits with the upbeat and catchy “Cemetery Gates,” serving as a perfect counterbalance to the previous track. This lively number provides a shot of energy and optimism, setting the stage for the remainder of the album.

Celebrate The Smiths’ “Cemetery Gates”

Catch the Upbeat Vibe of Type O Negative’s “I Don’t Wanna Be Me”

Peter Steele, with his famously deep voice, can deliver an unexpectedly uplifting performance, even in the darkest of Type O Negative songs. In “I Don’t Wanna Be Me,” Steele maintains an upbeat tempo that contrasts with the song’s themes of addiction and mortality. While the lyrics hint at heavy topics, the overall feel of the song is surprisingly lively, illustrating the band’s ability to blend darkness with vibrancy.

Jam to Type O Negative’s “I Don’t Wanna Be Me”

Explore Woods of Ypres’ Unique Sound in “Wet Leather”

Known for their expansive doom metal, Woods of Ypres offers a contrasting experience with the track “Wet Leather.” This 2009 release opens with the audacious line “life is just pain and piss,” which is repeated multiple times throughout the song. Rather than meandering through melancholy, this straightforward and energetic metal track stands out as one of their most engaging pieces, showcasing a different side of their artistry.

Listen to Woods of Ypres’ “Wet Leather”