10 Most Depressing Music Videos Of The 21st Century

Music videos can be an excellent storytelling device, bringing alive the story and emotions present within the songs lyrics and tune. Sometimes though this means that we the innocent viewer are left somewhat sadder than when we started watching the videos in question.

While there are some deliberately manipulative entries on this list, the most effective 'depressing' songs are those that play on genuine emotions of loss and grief. The context of the song can also play a key role in our reactions to this song, be it relationships gone wrong or the real life death of someone the singer knows.

That's not to say the manipulative use of dying old people and puppy dogs is not also brutally effective in bringing the tissues out and managing to totally ruin our day.

So grab yourself a heavy drink, wrap your arms around a loved one and prepare to cry yourself to sleep as we look at the most depressing videos of the 21st century.

If there's one thing that can be taken away from this video, it's that Rihanna is really in touch with her emotions. And she can act. The incredible raw emotion she brings to this video is phenomenal, with shots of Rihanna naked in a bath that could easily have been depicted as manipulative erotica, instead representing her vulnerability. The tears she produces are genuine, and just makes you want to give her a hug. (For comfort, not in that way!)

The context of the on again off again relationship between her and Chris Brown adds extra weight here, Rihanna's mixed emotions laid bare. Within this context, the video is a fascinating portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster that a violent relationship can have on the victim, knowing the person isn't right for them but desperately wanting them to stay at the same time.

At the very least this video is a sad reminder of the horrific injuries the Barbadian singer received at the hands of the Brown.