The key to passion, darkness, and mystery, F minor has been used by some of the most talented musicians to create some of the saddest, darkest, and most heart-wrenching songs of all time.
And while there are a sea of songs to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best F minor songs of all time. These are the best that you’ll ever hear in this key.
Best Songs in F Minor of All Time
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Perhaps one of the most popular songs of all time, Smells Like Teen Spirit is a perfect example of how F minor can be used to create an angsty and dark atmosphere.
Released in 1991, it is one of Nirvana’s most iconic songs that features simple yet catchy guitar riffs and lyrics that deal with teenage angst and rebellion.
The song is written in standard tuning and is a rare piece that perfectly embodies the sound and feel of the 1990s.
2. Hello by Adele
“Hello” is another epic piano ballad in ‘F minor’ by English singer Adele. The first track from her third studio album, 25 (2015), this song is all about loss and regret. While the lyrics are depressing, the mellow piano melody and Adele’s gorgeous voice makes Hello one of the best songs in F minor.
3. Song 2 by Blur
“Song 2” is one more popular song written in F minor by Blur from their second fifth album ‘Blur’. Despite being two minutes long, it is an adrenaline, pumping, and catchy song that will get you hooked instantly. Featuring an infectious guitar riff, heart-pounding drums, and distorted bass lines, “Song 2” is a must-listen for any fan of alternative rock.
4. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls
A bit of departure from the dark and somber tone of most songs in F minor, “It’s Raining Men” is a fun and upbeat track by The Weather Girls. It is a classic 1980s disco song with vocals that screams diva. The catchy chorus will make you want to dance along despite the tragic undertones of the lyrics. Give it a listen and see for yourself.
5. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams by Green Day
One of the songs that defined the 2000s era, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is one more song that is a classic example of how to use the key of F minor and make something beautiful out of it.
The second single from their seventh studio album, American Idiot (2004), this song is about the struggles of life and trying.
It is a mid-tempo and mellow track that features an acoustic guitar playing the main strumming in the key of F minor. The lyrics are dark and depressing, but it is truly a masterpiece. At least for all the emo kids out there.
6. Telephone ft. Beyoncé – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is one of those popular artists of our generation that doesn’t shy away from experimenting with different sounds and styles. “Telephone” is a perfect example of that with its eerie and dark atmosphere created in the key of F minor.
Featuring heavy synths and club-ready beats, it is one of the most popular songs of Gaga’s career. You can also hear Beyoncé’s sultry voice in the track adding to its allure.
7. Misery Business by Paramor
One of my personal favorites, this track is lit from start to finish. Written in the key of F minor, “Misery Business” took Paramor from being a little-known band to one of the biggest names in rock.
It is the first single from their third studio album Riot! and features elements of pop punk, emo, and alternative rock. The lyrics are angsty and deal with the difficulties of young love but It is extremely catchy, relatable, and one of the best songs in F minor for sure.
8. GENTLEMAN – PSY
From the viral video to the world’s obsession with “Gangnam Style”, Psy followed up his success with another banger, “Gentleman”.
While the song is not in English, it quickly became a global hit with its catchy beat and dance moves. The song is written in F minor and features a mix of Kpop and electropop elements.
And with more than 1 billion views on youtube, this is by far the most popular song written in F minor.
9. Dream On – Aerosmith
Ranked 172 on Rolling Stones’ 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, “Dream On” is a true rock classic. Written by Steven Tyler, it is the opening track from their debut album Aerosmith (1973). The song is all about following your dreams and not giving up until you achieve them.
Starts off with a simple acoustic guitar melody in F minor it builds up to a soaring rock ballad with Tyler’s signature screams. On top of that, the song also features some impressive guitar works by Joe Perry which makes it a must-listen for any fan of rock music.
10. Because Of You – Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson’s sophomore album, “Breakaway” was a massive success and one of the main reasons for that was this lead single, “Because Of You”. The song is an emotional ballad that discusses a toxic relationship and how it can affect someone.
The song starts with a simple piano melody in F Minor which is later joined by Kelly’s powerful vocal performance. The chorus is particularly catchy and will stay in your head for days. As the song progresses, the instrumentation becomes more grandiose and by the end, it’s a full-blown orchestral piece with Kelly belting out the lyrics at the top of her lungs.
11. Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
An all-time disco classic, “Stayin’ Alive” was released as part of the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the Bee Gees’ most popular tracks.
Featuring a very catchy bassline and some great vocals, the song is impossible to resist dancing to. It’s been 45 years since its release and the song is still as popular as ever, proving that great music truly stands the test of time.
12. Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna
A true pop classic, “Papa Don’t Preach” was Madonna’s statement to the world that she was no longer the girl-next-door and was now a woman to be reckoned with.
The song is about a girl who is pregnant and is trying to convince her father not to be angry with her. The lyrics, the emotion, the production everything about this song is just perfect and it’s no wonder why it became one of Madonna’s biggest hits.
13. Another Day In Paradise – Phil Collins
When it comes to Phil Collins, most people tend to think of him as a drummer but he’s actually an extremely talented singer and songwriter as well.
This is perfectly illustrated by his song “Another Day In Paradise” which was a massive hit when it was released and still continues to be popular even today.
The instrumentation is very stripped down with just a piano and some drums but it’s Phil Collins’ voice that really shines through on this track and makes it so special.
14. Rooster by Alice In Chains
Written in F minor, “Rooster” by Alice In Chains is the fourth single from their second studio album Dirt (1992), and another great song in f minor. The song is about the Vietnam War and features heavy guitars and lyrics that reflect the horror and trauma that goes along with it.
While it may not be the happiest song on this list, it is definitely one of the most powerful and moving ones.
15. Remember The Time by Michael Jackson
They call MJ the king of pop for a reason and “Remember The Time” is one of the many reasons why.
The song is a classic slow jam released as the second single from his eighth studio album Dangerous (1991). Apart from its memorable bassline, smooth vocals, and excellent production, the song is mostly known for its iconic music video which is considered one of the best of all time.
Shot in Ancient Egypt, it features MJ dancing with some of the biggest stars of the time including Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson.
16. New Divide by Linkin Park
For anyone who grew up in 2000s, Linkin Park was a vital part of their musical upbringing. The band rose to fame with their debut album Hybrid Theory (2000) which featured the massive hit “In The End”.
They followed up this success with their sophomore album Meteora (2003) which features the lead single “New Divide”.
Peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is one of their most successful singles to date. And with more than 500 million views on YouTube, it is also one of the most popular songs written in F minor.
17. Nothing Can Come Between Us by Sade
Sade’s songs are the perfect mix of sensual and chill, and “Nothing Can Come Between Us” is no exception. The lead single from her fourth studio album Love Deluxe (1992), is one of her most soulful and loved compositions. Featuring her signature smooth vocals, the song is about a couple’s unconditional love for each other and is probably one of the most romantic songs in F minor on this list.
18. Genie In A Bottle – Christina Aguilera
Sometimes the nostalgia is just too strong and you can’t help but include a song on your list. “Genie In A Bottle” is one of those songs for me.
Released as the lead single from Aguilera’s self-titled debut album (1999), the song was an instant hit helping her sell over 1,360,000 copies worldwide.
Featuring some amazing vocal runs and harmonies, this song will hit you in the right place if you’re looking for some ’90s nostalgia.
19. Two Black Cadillacs – Carrie Underwood
You can’t talk about the key of F minor without including a country song and “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie Underwood is one of the best.
The song is about infidelity and revenge and includes some great guitar work and Underwood’s powerful vocals. If you’re a fan of country music or just looking for a great song in F minor, this is a must-listen.
20. In My Feelings by Drake
I am sure you remember those Drake In My Feelings Challenge videos that took over the internet a few years ago. Why not revisit the song that started it all? “In My Feelings” is one of Drake’s most popular songs and for good reason. It’s catchy, has a great beat, and features some of Drake’s best lyrics. And on top of all that, it’s in F minor.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, these are some of the best songs in F minor that you need to check out.
If you’re a fan of this key or are just looking for some great music to add to your collection, then these tracks should definitely be on your radar. Because there are some real gems on this list.
So, go ahead and give them a listen and see for yourself just how great they are.
