[2025] Western Music You’ve Heard at Least Once — From Trending New Tracks to Timeless Classics

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

Released on February 7, 2007 as the lead single from Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne’s third album, The Best Damn Thing, which she debuted at age 17.

In Japan, this catchy, upbeat track was also used for a limited time in a Universal Studios Japan attraction.

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

Maroon 5 is a US band known for its musical versatility, spanning genres like alternative rock, R&B, and pop.

They’re hugely popular in Japan as well.

Among their works, many people probably think of Sugar as their most famous song.

The track centers on the theme of marriage and is apparently a go-to wedding song overseas.

Its poppy, catchy sound is likely familiar to many listeners.

WannabeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Wannabe (Official Music Video)

The debut single by the British girl group Spice Girls! From the very beginning, its distinctive melody makes it a fun listen, and it’s a song frequently heard in Japan as well.

With this debut track, they reached number one in 37 countries and sold six million copies worldwide, becoming a massive hit.

At the 2012 London Olympics, they appeared at the closing ceremony and performed this song.

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)

Isn’t it fair to say this song practically cemented the revival boom of nostalgic, funky ’80s-style disco that so many artists have been embracing in recent years? Released in November 2019 and a worldwide hit, “Don’t Start Now” is a masterful track from UK-born next‑gen pop star Dua Lipa.

It’s a sound often called nu‑disco—modern interpretations of classic genres like Eurodance and house—and it functions unmistakably as pop music, which is fantastic.

Even if you didn’t know her name, plenty of people were captivated by the catchy melody, sultry vocals, and refined funkiness.

Speaking personally, this song is what made me interested in Lipa in the first place.

I highly recommend it to those who lived through the ’80s in real time as well!

Top of the WorldCarpenters

Top of the world [Japanese translation & with English lyrics] Carpenters

Top of the World is a song everyone has heard at least once.

It’s one of the Carpenters’ signature tracks.

While the Carpenters excel at slightly sentimental, mellow songs, Top of the World is a bright masterpiece that lets you feel the joy of being with the one you love.

Killing Me Softly With His SongRoberta Flack

Killing Me Softly With His Song | Roberta Flack | Lyrics ☾☀

It’s the song “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” famous from the Nescafé commercials.

When it comes to soul singers, you can’t leave out Roberta Flack.

The relaxed drum beat and her velvety voice make this an exceptionally captivating track.

I’ve heard that the original release didn’t make much of a splash, but Roberta Flack happened to hear the song, loved it, released her version, and it became a worldwide hit.

In Japan, it has been covered by major singers such as Misato Watanabe and Kiyohiko Ozaki, making it a true classic.

I Don’t CareEd Sheeran & Justin Bieber

Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care [Official Music Video]

Delivered by the powerhouse duo of Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, this track is irresistibly poppy and instantly catchy.

The relaxed restraint in both of their vocals, combined with a title like ‘I Don’t Care,’ makes it feel like the perfect song to help you forget the bad and the tough, and spend an amazing day with friends or a loved one.

Even though it’s a collaboration the whole world is watching, the music video is pretty playful and goofy—very them.

The song itself is a warm, danceable tune that’s perfect for moving to.