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

Only YouTHE PLATTERS

The Platters – Only You – Lyrics

Released as a single in 1955, this hit by The Platters was a huge success, spending seven consecutive weeks at number one on the R&B chart.

Often played in moody scenes or sophisticated settings, it’s a quintessential classic of R&B.

In My FeelingsDrake

Drake – In My Feelings

The posted videos in the dance challenge series that went viral worldwide under the name “Kiki Challenge” became a huge topic.

It’s included on Drake’s fifth album, Scorpion.

It’s the biggest hip-hop hit of 2018, expressing a man’s feelings of “I need you.” The sound design is quite edgy, featuring a lightly distorted kick and a very innovative track structure sprinkled with a woman’s shouting voice.

Drake is always witty and cool.

greedyTate McRae

Tate McRae – greedy (Official Video)

The song released in September 2023 by Canadian artist Tate McRae features confident lyrics and a catchy melody.

It skillfully portrays complex emotions about love and expresses a strong sense of self-worth with the phrase “I would want myself.” Showcasing the full appeal of Tate, who is also active as a dancer, the track generated major buzz on TikTok.

The piece was co-created with Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of OneRepublic.

Set to an up-tempo beat, it conveys the strength to stay true to oneself.

It’s a perfect pick for a drive or whenever you want to boost your mood.

Havana ft. Young ThugCamila Cabello

Camila Cabello – Havana ft. Young Thug

After making her mark as a member of Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello transitioned to a solo career and achieved great success.

As a Latina American, she incorporates Latin music into her songs.

The track that propelled her to global acclaim is “Havana ft.

Young Thug.” Richly infused with Latin flavor, it’s a masterpiece that, despite its slow tempo, exudes a passionate atmosphere.

It has been used by many media outlets, so many listeners will likely find it familiar.

Walk This WayRun-D.M.C.

RUN DMC – Walk This Way (Official HD Video) ft. Aerosmith

No matter when you listen to it, the guitar riff—boasting flawless funkiness and cool—will knock you out on its own.

Long before it became commonplace, this track realized the fusion of rock and hip-hop, making it an epoch-making milestone in music history.

That masterpiece among masterpieces is “Walk This Way.” The original was released in 1975 by the world-famous hard rock band Aerosmith, and it later became a hit when the legendary hip-hop group Run-D.

M.

C.

covered it in 1986.

Rather than sampling the riff, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry actually took part in the recording, so it truly stands as a bridge between rap and rock.

The insanely cool music video featuring the artists themselves is a must-see, too!

Take My BreathThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Take My Breath (Official Music Video)

While his fifth studio album, Dawn FM—released in January 2022—continues to be a massive hit, The Weeknd has once again presented a sound at the forefront of mainstream trends, namely ’80s-style synth-pop.

Once known as a standard-bearer of alternative R&B, he is now one of the most important artists in popular music.

His track Take My Breath, released ahead of the album in August 2021 as its lead single, features a simple disco beat, sparkling synths, and a melody full of wistful, hook-laden lines that particularly appeal to Japanese listeners.

It’s an undeniable killer tune, and its sound—akin to his previous smash-hit album After Hours—felt like The Weeknd’s declaration that Dawn FM would serve as a second chapter to After Hours.

The song was also used by NBC in the United States for its commercials for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and is available on YouTube, so those who love the Olympics and check out commercials from various countries may have noticed it.

Lyrically, it’s a passionate and sensual love song that is quintessentially him.

On My MindAlex Warren & ROSÉ

Alex Warren & ROSÉ – On My Mind (Official Music Video)

This piece brings together two dazzling artists: Alex Warren from the U.

S.

, who rose to stardom from the world of social media, and Rosé of the global group BLACKPINK.

The song expresses feelings for a cherished person who continues to shine in your heart, even when you’re apart.

The acoustic tones layered with their gentle vocals feel like an unfading, beautiful memory itself, don’t they? It’s a bittersweet yet warm emotion that many of us have experienced at least once.

As a pre-release from Alex Warren’s debut album, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” scheduled for release in July 2025, this track will make memories of someone unforgettable feel all the more precious.