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

number one girlROSÉ

ROSÉ – number one girl (official music video)

Known for her emotive vocals, Rosé has released a track that explores self-worth and the longing for love.

Hailing from South Korea, she is also active as a member of BLACKPINK.

In this work, the delicate expression of emotions drawn from her own experiences stands out.

It deftly portrays the desire to be an irreplaceable presence to someone, as well as the need for reassurance of self-affirmation.

Released in November 2024, the song’s music video—set against the cityscape of Seoul—has also garnered attention.

It is a highly relatable piece that resonates with those struggling with love and relationships.

Sweet DreamsEurythmics

Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Official Video)

The new wave duo Eurythmics, who helped define the UK music scene, formed in 1980.

With Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals and Dave Stewart’s innovative production, they effortlessly span a wide range of genres from synth-pop to rock and R&B.

They achieved global breakthrough with the 1983 album “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” and followed it with “Be Yourself Tonight,” which featured collaborations with artists including Stevie Wonder.

Kicking off with a Grammy win in 1987, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

With their distinctive musicality and overwhelming expressiveness, they’re highly recommended for listeners seeking powerful, energetic music.

LevitatingDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Levitating (Official Animated Music Video)

Dua Lipa, the young pop icon from the UK whose album Future Nostalgia—packed with full-on retro disco-funk and ’80s pop elements—recently topped charts worldwide, is still fresh in our memories.

Every track on Future Nostalgia is incredibly catchy and sticks in your head, and because the songs were played across so many platforms, they likely caught the attention of music fans of all ages.

Among them, Levitating, released as a single featuring popular rapper DaBaby, became one of Lipa’s signature songs, peaking at No.

5 in the UK and No.

2 in the US.

Notably, this song has multiple music videos: the original version, a remix featuring DaBaby, a compilation of off-shot footage from her visit to Japan (befitting Lipa, who is known to be fond of Japan), and a video created by the Japanese animation team NOSTALOOK inspired by retro Japanese animation.

It’s unfortunate that the song has recently drawn renewed attention in an unwelcome way due to a plagiarism lawsuit.

Running Up That HillKate Bush

Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill – Official Music Video

If you’re looking for that song from the drama Stranger Things, let me introduce you to “Running Up That Hill.” It’s performed by the British singer Kate Bush and was included on her 1985 album Hounds of Love.

In fact, this song was also used during the 2012 Summer Olympics! That version is a remix, so even if you think you already know the song, give it a listen.

Lift Me UpRihanna

Rihanna – Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

The theme song of the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is Lift Me Up.

Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, you’ve probably heard it on the music charts or on TV programs.

Rihanna wrote this song specifically for the film, drawing on its story.

In the song, she sings about longing for someone who has passed away and finding the courage to overcome sorrow.

As you listen, be sure to pay attention to her soaring high notes.

FTCUNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj – FTCU (Official Audio)

A track infused with trap elements that feels poised to take over the club scene.

Nicki Minaj’s razor-sharp rap merges with a powerful beat to overwhelm the listener.

Featured on the album Pink Friday 2, released in January 2024, this song stands as a significant entry in Minaj’s musical career.

Its confident lyrics are quintessentially her, reflecting her Trinidad and Tobago roots.

Recommended for those looking to light up the party scene or seeking music from a strong female artist.

I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan – I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)

I Remember Everything (feat.

Kacey Musgraves) depicts the bitter experiences of life.

This song by country music singer Zach Bryan features Kacey Musgraves.

In the lyrics, a man looks back on memories of his father—focusing less on happy moments and more on poignant, painful experiences.

It’s a track best listened to quietly, letting your thoughts dwell on the story of a parent and child.