Lovely Western music

Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

For those who mainly listen to Japanese music, foreign songs might not feel very familiar.

However, these days, hit Western tracks are used all over the place—as BGM for TV shows and social media videos, in commercials, and more—so even people who don’t usually listen to Western music have probably heard plenty of it.

In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of those universally recognizable Western songs all at once.

You’ll likely find tracks you’ve heard but never knew the title of, as well as songs whose titles or artist names you’ve seen but never actually listened to.

Take this opportunity to discover the appeal of Western music!

Western songs everyone knows: a collection of famous tunes you’ve heard somewhere (41–50)

Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)

Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes

A signature track by The White Stripes, characterized by its powerful riff and minimal sound.

Released by the American rock duo in February 2003, the song is included on their fourth album, Elephant.

Its lyrics, depicting a strong resolve to stay true to one’s will despite external pressure and criticism, resonated with many listeners.

The track won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Editing.

Embraced across the global sports scene, it is also widely used as a chant at international soccer tournaments.

With its simple yet clear chord progression and rhythmic pattern, it’s a highly recommended piece for those learning the basics of band performance.

Raise the rankinglower

Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of famous tunes you’ve heard somewhere (51–60)

Made You LookMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Made You Look (Official Music Video)

Made You LookMeghan Trainor

The song released in October 2022 by American pop singer Meghan Trainor is a captivating track themed around confidence and self-love.

Blending doo-wop style with a modern pop sound, it showcases Meghan’s signature positive message and a catchy melody.

Drawing from her own experiences, the lyrics express confidence in being attractive without wearing luxury brands.

The song gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with many listeners, peaking at No.

11 on the Billboard charts.

It’s a perfect choice for weddings or whenever you want a boost of confidence.

Raise the rankinglower

Suddenly I SeeKT Tunstall

KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See (Larger Than Life Version)

Suddenly I SeeKT Tunstall

The song released in August 2005 by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall is a captivating track that celebrates female strength.

Inspired by Patti Smith, it depicts her own musical awakening and gives listeners courage and hope.

Its sound incorporates pop-rock elements, and the vocals are both powerful and delicate.

The track was used as the opening theme for the film The Devil Wears Prada and as the theme song for the TV series Ugly Betty, winning the hearts of many.

It’s a recommended song for anyone ready to take a new step forward or wanting to believe in their own potential.

Raise the rankinglower

We Are the ChampionsQueen

Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)

We Are the ChampionsQueen

It’s a song by the British rock band Queen that most people have probably heard.

Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals and the moving lyrics are unforgettable.

Released in October 1977, this track has been used at many sporting events as an anthem celebrating victory.

It was even chosen as an official theme song for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

The chorus, boldly proclaiming “We are the champions,” feels empowering just to listen to.

Its lyrics about overcoming setbacks and moving forward can be encouraging in many moments of life.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

We’ve carefully selected and introduced Western songs that just about everyone has heard of.

Many of them are tracks frequently played on TV, used in commercials, or popular on social media, so chances are you recognized most of the songs we featured.

That said, there were probably some you haven’t listened to all the way through.

If any caught your interest, take this opportunity to give them a full listen.