Music is a beautiful thing. It can summon beloved memories and it can change moods from bad to good.
But just like everything else, there is a dark flip-side. Music can be used to change moods from good to bad or conjure bad memories.
Videos by American Songwriter
And that’s precisely why government agencies like the United States’ CIA have used certain songs as torture. Whether the songs are used because of drastic tone or volume, culture shock or simple annoyance on repeat, these tunes below were some of the most popular, according to Far Out Magazine and Business Insider, that were used by the United States CIA when attempting to traumatize those in custody.
What do you think? Would they drive you mad, too? Comment below.
Britney Spears, “Baby One More Time”
Drowning Pool, “Bodies”
Bruce Springsteen, “Born in the U.S.A.”
Dope, “Die MF Die”
Metallica, “Enter Sandman”
Eminem, “Kim”
Prince, “Raspberry Beret”
The Blues Brothers, “Rawhide”
Barney & Friends, “I Love You”
Eminem, “White America”
Eminem, “The Real Slim Shady”
Dope, “Take Your Best Shot”
Christina Aguilera, “Dirrty”
Mohamed el-Qasabgi, “Zikrayati”
David Gray, “Babylon”
The Bee Gees, “Saturday Night Fever”
“Meow Mix Theme”
Marilyn Manson, “The Beautiful People”
Deicide, “Fuck Your God”
Queen, “We Are The Champions”
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 03: Musician Tom Petty (L) and guitarist Mike Campbell perform at the Bridgestone halftime show during Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) -
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum -
Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn pose with the award for Duo of the Year at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brenton Ho/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images) -
Photo by Christopher Polk/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 12: Craig Morgan speaks onstage for America Salutes You Celebrating The 250th Anniversary Of The U.S. Armed Forces on November 12, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for ABA) -
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 07: Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden performs at Spark Arena on November 07, 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Simpson/WireImage) -
Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images
