Are you searching for angry songs to blow some steam off?
We’ve got you covered – we gathered the best angry songs ever written. They will undoubtedly help you process all those uneasy emotions.
The thing is, music can undoubtedly make you feel better. And some people can’t listen to relaxing music to calm down – quite the opposite.
So, let’s start with the list of the best songs to listen to when you’re angry.
1. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
Who knew that the reigning pop princess had such a cruel side? All of us, actually, because this song had such phenomenal success, didn’t it?
It is definitely better to just send this song to an ex who literally won’t give up. It will eventually get through to them and they will understand what you are trying to say!
2. “The Way I Am” by Eminem
In the United States, the song “The Way I Am” by Eminem became extremely popular. It’s well-known for its angry, aggressive delivery and angst-ridden lyrics.
In addition, it has Eminem’s very first self-produced drum loop, which is accompanied by a creepy bass line, bell chimes, and a piano loop.
In the album, Eminem lashes out against individuals he feels are exerting too much pressure on him, and he reacts to those who demand him to do certain things and behave in a specific manner.
He addresses those who believe he should behave in a particular way. He asserts that he would not change his sound in order to appease fans, record labels, or reviewers.
He delivers each word with a fury that is so close to yelling that it conjures up the acrid, angry tone of the lyrics.
The song “The Way I Am” is one of the rare tracks for which he is given credit as the only songwriter. When compared to the album’s first hit, “The Real Slim Shady” this track has a tone that is darker and more dramatic.
3. “In The End” by Linkin Park
The song “In The End” by Linkin Park is an angry song that explores emotion to its greatest potential.
The performer is shown in the song as being frustrated by their inability to advance in their careers despite their best efforts.
When considered in the context of the life of Chester Bennington, this song can be interpreted in a myriad of additional ways.
4. “You Don’t Own Me” by Grace featuring G-Eazy
Grace (Grace Sewell) is an Australian recording artist who comes from a musical family (her grandparents toured with the Bee Gees, and her older brother Conrad Sewell is famous for his ARIA #1 hit “Start Again”).
Grace has released a number of singles that have reached the top of the Australian music charts.
The young woman, who is just 17 years old, worked with the American rapper G-Eazy to record a rendition of the groundbreaking song “You Don’t Own Me.” which is about the emancipation of women.
In the song, which is an expression of liberation, the singer tells a lover that he does not own her, that he is not to dictate her behavior or beliefs, and that he is not to set her on display.
She is free from his control. The words of the song were a source of motivation for younger women, and they are frequently acknowledged as having an influence on the second-wave feminist movement.
5. “So What” by Pink
Incredible music has been the foundation of Pink’s whole career and that no-nonsense attitude that we have grown to adore.
If there is one song that exemplifies what the “Missundaztood” album is all about, it would have to be “So What?”
6. “IDGAF” by Dua Lipa
IDGAF is the title of a song that was released by Dua Lipa in the year 2018. Her deadpan delivery of the vocals is supported by a military drumline as well as an electro palm-muted electric guitar riff.
Lyrically, the song is about an ex-boyfriend who wants to get back together with Lipa before she pushes him away completely.
7. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine
The song “Killing in the Name” by Rafe Against the Machine is considered by many to be an anthem for the rage subculture.
In 1992, the band released the song in order to express their frustration with politics, sociopolitical injustices, and disparities in society.
8. “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, an American singer, lyricist, pianist, actor, and civil rights activist, released this song in 1967. The song was written in 1953 by Don Covay, an R&B performer.
She gave a stunning performance of the song, and as a result, “Chain Of Fools” became a huge commercial success and became one of her best songs ever.
The story told is about a girl who finds out that her lover has a “Chain” of other girlfriends.
It’s more of a karaoke slow-burn than a shout-along, but it’s hard to think of a song that better conveys the fury that this crap keeps occurring.
9. “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” is a rap song that, as the name of the song suggests, is about being furious with your surroundings and, as a result, shattering anything that you come across.
This song belongs to the “rap metal” genre and has a lot of built-up tension.
10. “The Kill” by Thirty Seconds To Mars
Many individuals, upon hearing the song “The Kill” would conclude that it is about a romantic or sexual encounter with another person. Having said that, the focus here should truly be on your connection with yourself.
It is about addressing both the truth of who you are and the concerns that you have about yourself.
This song holds the record for the most time spent at number three on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, having spent a total of 52 weeks there.
11. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
Ugh, this is arguably one of the best songs to listen to when you’re fed up.
“You Oughta Know” was released as a lead single from Morissette’s iconic album “Jagged Little Pill” in 1995.
There were some speculations that the energetic break-up anthem is about the comedian Dave Coulier (“Full House”), but that was never confirmed.
Either way, it’s clear that Alanis wasn’t happy about her relationship status at the time.
12. “Man Down” by Rihanna
Another excellent song about a woman’s rage is “Man Down” by Rihanna.
The song was released on the singer’s fifth studio album “Loud”, and immediately got a lot of attention.
The controversial video revolves around the murder of a man who was abusive towards Rihanna.
The video was criticized for its violence, but Rihanna explained that she wanted to raise awareness about sexual violence and violence against women in general.
13. “Sorry” by Beyoncé
The message behind Beyoncé’s “Sorry” is pretty straightforward – it’s a song about betrayal and cheating.
To put things into context, Beyoncé wrote songs for her studio album “Lemonade” after finding out that Jay-Z was unfaithful to her. So the whole album is basically her personal testament.
And the track “Sorry”, just like the rest of the album, turned out to be very empowering.
14. “Get Out Of My House” by Kate Bush
Kate Bush suddenly became super famous among younger generations after her song “Running Up That Hill” played an important role in the Stranger Things show. But the singer should be appreciated for her other songs too.
And “Get Out Of My House” is a song infused with anger. The background yelling and all those weird sounds make it even more effective.
15. “The Devil You Know” by Kovacs
“The Devil You Know” by the Dutch singer Kovacs is dark, powerful, and a bit soulful. So it’s everything you need from a good angry song.
Even if you don’t pay attention to the lyrics, the song feels very revengeful – but in the best way possible.
16. “Karma” by Alicia Keys
If you play with Alicia Keys, karma will get you.
“Karma” is one of her older songs, but it’s brilliant – it’s honest and empowering, and it’s about the aftermath of a failed relationship.
The song was released on Alicia’s second studio album “The Diary of Alicia Keys” in 2003.
17. “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish
“Bad Guy” is undeniably one of Billie’s signature songs.
It’s fast-paced and unusual, and it can easily get stuck in your head.
Plus, it’s full of mockery of people who present themselves in a fake way, so you should definitely include it in your rage playlist.
18. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino
The beginning of “This Is America” is mellow and almost gentle, but don’t let that fool you. The song turns into a rollercoaster of anger and uneasy sentiments.
The song talks about white supremacy, entertainment as a distraction, and the issue of gun violence in the United States. So, it still seems to be relevant…
19. “Otherside” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
“Otherside” isn’t a typical angry song, and it actually starts with a rather melancholic melody.
However, there’s that powerful build-up that simply makes you want to let everything out…
On top of that, the song talks about drugs and addiction, and it delivers a strong message through masterful lyrics.
20. “Crushcrushcrush” by Paramore
“Crushcrushcrush” by Paramore is such a great throwback, but it’s also a perfect song to listen to when you feel angry.
The song is about two people who like each other but nothing actually happens. So, it’s basically about being fed up with mixed messages.
There are many other songs by Paramore that could be on this list, but “Crushcrushcrush” seems to be the most suitable.
21. “Zitti e Buoni” by Måneskin
“Zitti e Buoni” is a song that helped the Italian band Måneskin reach universal fame.
The song itself feels very powerful and angry, especially if you can understand the lyrics. It talks about being different from other people and being told to ‘be quiet and behave’.
It seems like being quiet didn’t work for Måneskin – they’re doing their thing and now performing on the biggest world stages.
22. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
It’s hard to say something new about this legendary rock classic.
But one thing is for sure: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the best angry songs ever.
After all, it deals with the topic of apathy and ignorant youth. Other explanations entail a deodorant though… So it’s up to you to find your own meaning.
23. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
It’s time for another angry timeless classic.
Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” isn’t specifically about anger, but it certainly sounds like it could be.
In fact, the song talks about the mythical being (the Sandman) who gives you dreams at night. And nightmares too…
24. “What Kind Of Man” by Florence and the Machine
“What Kind Of Man” by Florence and the Machine starts off as a mellow tune. And then the guitar kicks in…
“What Kind Of Man” could definitely be described as angry music because it’s energetic and powerful, and it keeps asking the question: What kind of man loves like this?
It’s obviously a song about a relationship that doesn’t seem to be happy or healthy.
25. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
“The Pretender” by Foo Fighters presumably talks about people who are being deceived by individuals in power.
Either way, it’s about lies and pretending, and ‘the pretender’ could be interpreted in many different ways.
But the most important thing about this song is the vibe – and it’s definitely angry.
26. “Won’t Stand Down” by Muse
Muse is no stranger to angst-filled songs about politics and humanity.
They released “Won’t Stand Down” in 2022, and the song definitely sounds like some of their older stuff. It’s intense, powerful, and memorable.
And it talks about standing your ground against bullies – whoever and wherever they are.
27. “Too Close” by Alex Clare
There is something about this song that makes it sound both angry and motivating.
Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic track, just like the rest of the album (“The Lateness of the Hour”) it was released on.
28. “Fuck You” by Lily Allen
Sometimes you just need to yell the title of this song from the top of your lungs. That’s normal.
But Lily Allen portrayed these feelings in a surprisingly sweet way which somehow makes it even more effective.
Plus, Lily Allen joined Olivia Rodrigo on stage during her recent Glastonbury performance to perform the song.
It was their brilliant response to the Supreme Court overturning of Roe V.Wade. The message was very loud and clear.
29. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
“Fighter” is definitely one of the angriest songs Christina Aguilera released.
It’s also very empowering and catchy – it’s just great.
The song also points out that sometimes difficult situations or people can make us stronger and more resilient.
30. “Get Outta My Way” by Kylie Minogue
It’s funny that one of the most popular angry songs actually doesn’t sound angry at all. But it doesn’t matter – it’s still an awesome tune.
However, Kylie Minogue does express some relatively angry thoughts here – she wants someone to get out of her way.
And perhaps one of the ways to deal with your anger could be to dance it off.
31. “Holdin On” by Flume
“Holdin On” was released as a lead single on Flume’s debut studio album in 2012.
It’s a nice electronic jam that can help you get through some rough times.
The song is also cool enough to be on your party list, so the way it sounds might depend on your mood. That’s how it is with some songs.
32. “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde
Lorde’s “Yellow Flicker Beat” was released as a single on the official soundtrack of “The Hunger Games” movie.
The track actually fits the movie (and our angry playlist) perfectly – it’s captivating, unusual, and intense.
33. “River” by Bishop Briggs
You should also put “River” by Bishop Briggs on your angry playlist.
The song is very unique and catchy, and it has a powerful chorus full of angst and strong intentions.
34. “Judas” by Lady Gaga
In her 2011 pop hit “Judas”, Lady Gaga certainly sounds angry.
After all, the song is named after a guy who betrayed Jesus Christ. So, the song is presumably about betrayal, in one way or another.
She released the song on her iconic studio album “Born This Way”.
35. “Basket Case” by Green Day
Listening to good old Green Day is perfect for blowing some steam off.
So if you ever feel like a basket case, just turn the volume up and go jogging, do some push-ups, or jump around the house… We guarantee you that you will feel better afterward.
36. “The Kids Aren’t Alright” by The Offspring
“The Kids Aren’t Alright” is a nice throwback. But it’s also an energetic, angry rock song.
The song basically talks about how as kids we are happy, innocent, and carefree. But as we grow, things change, and many people have to face a completely different reality.
37. “Bite Me” by Avril Lavigne
In her fresh track released in 2022, Avril Lavigne has a clear message.
The song is energetic, direct, youthful, and somewhat angry – so, it feels just like ‘older’ Avril is back, and that’s great news.
38. “U + UR Hand” by Pink
We know that we’ve already mentioned Pink, but this song feels like a perfect follow-up.
Because just like Avril’s, Pink’s early music is full of honesty, girl power, and angst.
And in her 2006 hit “U + Ur Hand”, she lets us know that you can’t mess with her. To be more precise, she says: ‘I’m not here for your entertainment, you don’t really want to mess with me tonight.’
39. “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks
Meredith Brooks’s signature song maybe doesn’t sound like an angry song at first. However, things take a different turn when the chorus comes.
In fact, “Bitch” is a girl power anthem, and it sounds just as angry as it should be.
40. “Look Back In Anger” by David Bowie
“Look Back In Anger” is taken from Bowie’s 13th studio album ‘Lodger’ released in 1979.
The song is fast-paced and energetic, and it does have a clear element of anger. One thing is for sure: it’s a suitable ending to our list of the best angry songs.
Best Angry Songs – Final Thoughts
Feeling better now?
Some of these songs are really intense, but listening to them when you’re angry can also feel very liberating.
At the end of the day, a small amount of anger is normal and sometimes even useful. But it’s also important to remember that you need to control anger before it controls you.
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