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

Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic

OneRepublic – Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)[Official Music Video]

It’s an emotionally resonant number that brilliantly captures the anime’s world! Released in April 2025 by the globally acclaimed American band OneRepublic, this track was produced as the ending theme for the special episode “Hoshina’s Day Off” of the hit anime Kaiju No.

8.

Featuring a powerful melody and Ryan Tedder’s richly expressive vocals, the song was also used in the special theatrical cut Kaiju No.

8: Mission Recon, shown in North American cinemas, and has earned fervent support from Japanese anime fans.

With a strong, uplifting message that inspires the courage to face adversity—and following the success of “Nobody,” which was used as the anime’s ending theme in 2024 and won a Japan Gold Disc Award—its high acclaim is clear.

The music video, filmed in Tokyo, is also a must-see!

Steve’s Lava ChickenJack Black

Jack Black – Steve’s Lava Chicken (Official Music Video) | A Minecraft Movie Soundtrack | WaterTower

This unique track features a bouncy rhythm and comical phrases that get stuck in your head after just one listen.

Released in March 2025 as an insert song for the film “A Minecraft Movie,” it fully showcases the talents of American multi-hyphenate Jack Black.

While he’s known in Hollywood for roles such as in “School of Rock,” he also performs as the vocalist of the rock band Tenacious D.

Dropped alongside the film’s premiere, the song proved popular, reaching No.

11 on New Zealand’s singles chart.

It sparked buzz on social media as “impossible to get out of your head,” and some theaters reportedly even saw a stir when audience members brought live chickens.

With its humorous lyrics and catchy melody, it’s a fun tune that you’ll find yourself humming along to.

AzizamEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Azizam (Pink Heart Video)

Ed Sheeran’s new song, by the British artist, captivates with a compelling blend of exotically tinged melodies and contemporary pop.

Its title, which means “my beloved” in Persian, heralds a fresh musical experience where traditional Persian instruments and pop are beautifully harmonized.

Released as the lead single from his eighth album, “Play,” which came out on April 4, 2025, the track features lyrics that movingly express deep love for his wife.

A surprise street performance in New Orleans on March 15, 2025, also drew attention.

This song, from a globally celebrated artist who once again proves the universality of music, is perfect for those interested in cross-cultural sounds or in search of a heartwarming love song.

NOKIADrake

Drake – NOKIA (Official Music Video)

A collaborative track by Canada’s Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR packed with irresistible appeal, set to an electro-pop sound bursting with party vibes.

Featured on the album “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” released in February 2025, this song stands out for its dancefloor-fueling beat and playful lyrics.

Built on shimmering synthesizers and Atlanta bass rhythms, it shifts in the latter half into a groove-rich rap section.

The message in the lyric “I’d rather hype the party than beef in rap” conveys a pure dedication to the joy of music.

Billboard praised it as “a banger Daft Punk would be proud of.” It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to heat up the summer party scene!

AnxietyDoechii

Doechii – Anxiety (Official Video)

A hip-hop and R&B sound that vividly captures the inner struggle of facing anxiety and self-identity.

The track released in May 2020 by Deweychii, an artist from Tampa, Florida, stands out for its experimental approach that samples Gotye and Kimbra’s classic “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Although it initially received limited attention, it regained the spotlight in early 2025 as the “Bunny Hop Dance” challenge spread on TikTok.

Her candid emotional expression and poetic lyrics resonate with many listeners and encourage conversations about mental health.

If you’re seeking the courage to confront your inner conflicts or struggling to put deep-seated feelings into words, this is a must-listen.

lutherKendrick Lamar & SZA

Kendrick Lamar & SZA – luther

A love ballad that touches the heartstrings with soulful flow and polished production.

The beautiful harmonies woven by American artists Kendrick Lamar and SZA invite listeners into a moving world themed around love and hope.

Created as an homage to Luther Vandross, this track expresses elements of traditional R&B through a contemporary lens.

Its profound message—singing of the possibility that beauty can be born even in difficult circumstances—captures listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.

Released in November 2024, it appears on Lamar’s sixth album, GNX, and became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was performed before 133.

5 million viewers at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, setting a record not seen since Michael Jackson.

A song dedicated to everyone seeking music that resonates with the soul.

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Mark Ronson’s hit song released in 2014, “Uptown Funk ft.

Bruno Mars.” Featuring Bruno Mars, it became a worldwide smash by deliberately channeling the sound of 1970s funk at a time when EDM was the dominant trend.

With over 20 million downloads and physical sales, it is known as one of the best-selling songs in history.

It has been used across various media, so many of you will likely find it familiar.