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

IrresistiblementSylvie Vartan

Sylvie Vartan – Irresistiblement

This is a signature song by Sylvie Vartan, the queen of French pop who has been active since the 1960s, released in 1968.

Its Japanese title is “Anata no Toriko” (I’m Your Fan/Prisoner).

At the time in France, many ‘French Lolita’ singers emerged under the influence of Serge Gainsbourg.

Sylvie Vartan was one of the leading figures of this ‘French Lolita’ style.

DaylightMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Daylight (Official Music Video)

A song by the American rock band Maroon 5, which has set numerous records, including multiple Grammy Awards.

This track is used in an Asahi Beer commercial, and there are many other cases where Maroon 5’s songs are used in Japan as well.

Their signature sound resonates deeply with listeners.

How Do You Sleep?Sam Smith

Sam Smith – How Do You Sleep? (Official Music Video)

It’s “How Do You Sleep?” by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith, released in 2019.

It expresses the sadness of thinking about a lover whose heart has grown distant.

It’s a poignant ballad that showcases the voice of this Grammy-winning artist, often described as angelic.

The video also features Sam’s first-ever dance performance.

abcdefuGAYLE

GAYLE – abcdefu (Official Music Video)

Singer Hail, who is based in Nashville.

As of 2021, she’s just 17 years old, but her talent is already drawing attention in the industry.

Her debut single is “abcdefu.” Stylistically, it’s like a mix of Avril Lavigne–style pop punk and Billie Eilish’s downbeat vocals.

Since the song is frequently used on TikTok, many of you may already be familiar with it.

One More TimeDaft Punk

Daft Punk – One More Time (Official Video)

Even if you didn’t know the name Daft Punk, the moment you hear that irresistibly catchy melody that uses the title as its hook, you’d probably think, “Oh, it’s this song.” Daft Punk, the French electronic music duo, released One More Time in 2000, and it became a massive hit that cemented their already global popularity and made their name known even to people not particularly interested in club music.

The animated music video created by the late Leiji Matsumoto—whom the two Daft Punk members were fans of—was a hot topic at the time as well.

The Japanese edition of the album Discovery, which features this track, also used artwork with characters by Matsumoto.

This song never loses its shine no matter when you listen to it, and it’s a great gateway into the world of French house and electro.

TalkKhalid

Khalid – Talk (Official Video)

If you’re talking about the modern R&B scene, Khalid is someone you absolutely can’t leave out.

His track “Talk,” released in 2019, is one of his catchiest and most popular songs.

It’s the perfect sound for when you want to relax, don’t you think? Of course the vocals are great, but it’s also a song where I’d love you to pay attention to the highly polished production—the mysterious tones of the synthesizers and the rhythmic drum tracks.

What do you think—have you listened to it before?

Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder-Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics

It’s a song included on Stevie Wonder’s 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.

The Japanese title is “Kawaii Aisha” (“Cute Aisha”), and it was written as a celebration of the birth of Stevie Wonder’s own daughter, Aisha.