![Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VuNIsY6JdUw/sddefault.jpg)
Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]
Western songs that play as movie theme songs, in commercials, and sometimes even in comedy sketches.
Just by going about our daily lives, there are more and more moments when we think, “Oh! I’ve heard this song before!” A time may be near when Japanese people naturally hum Western songs, just like children sing ‘Butterfly.
’ So this time, we’ll introduce popular Western music artists in a ranking format.
Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2025] (1–10)
You Belong With MeTaylor Swift1rank/position
The person standing next to the one you love is someone other than you.
This signature song by American artist Taylor Swift belts out that frustrating, unrequited jealousy over an up-tempo melody.
Its lyrics—contrasting his glamorous girlfriend with the plain, unnoticed self watching from the bleachers—leave a poignant impression of a tender, aching heart.
Many will relate to the tight squeeze in your chest when she pleads, “I’m the one who understands you best.” The bright, catchy sound only makes the jealousy and frustration stand out more, cutting straight to the heart.
This is a track that poppily speaks for those helpless, pent-up feelings.
Shape of YouEd Sheeran2rank/position
Many of you are probably familiar with Ed Sheeran’s smash global hit.
Released in 2017 from the album ÷, it’s notable for its lively, dancehall-inspired beat.
The lyrics tell a passionate story about becoming captivated by someone met at a bar.
The song doesn’t incorporate many advanced vocal techniques and is sung in a soft, whisper-like style throughout, which might make it easier to try at karaoke.
Just the Way You AreBruno Mars3rank/position
A gem of a ballad from the debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, released in 2010, it marks the album’s 15th anniversary in 2025 and is enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
Sung by Bruno Mars, the song delivers a straightforward message—that you’re beautiful just the way you are—set to a comfortable, piano-driven sound.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart in October 2010 and remained on the chart for 48 weeks, becoming a long-running hit.
It has sold over 12.
5 million copies worldwide and also won a Grammy.
The lyrics, which express love in plain, unadorned words, are said to have been inspired by a classic by Eric Clapton.
It’s a perfect piece for when you want to honestly share your feelings with someone special, so be sure to give it a listen.
Wake Me UpAvicii4rank/position
The music of Swedish artist Avicii, which shines like fireworks blooming in the summer night sky, captivated many with its innovative sound that fuses EDM and folk.
This work, themed around life’s journey and self-discovery, is marked by Aloe Blacc’s powerful vocals and the warm melodies woven by acoustic guitar.
Released in June 2013 and reaching number one on the charts in 22 countries, it asserted a presence like a grand firework launched into the music world.
It’s a song I highly recommend for your walk home from a summer festival or for those standing at a turning point in life.
Bohemian RhapsodyQueen5rank/position
This is a track that resonates like a grand, roughly six-minute tale, as if you’re watching a single film.
Created by Queen, the song’s structure is breathtaking as it whirls from a beautiful ballad to opera and then into fierce rock.
Yet behind its dramatic sound lies the anguished cry of a protagonist who regrets his sins and struggles against fate, tightening your chest with sorrow.
Released ahead of the landmark album A Night at the Opera in October 1975, it’s also known for its memorable use in the film Wayne’s World.
When you’re crushed by inescapable loneliness or despair, surrendering yourself to this vast sonic world will let emotions well up from the depths of your heart.
One ThingOne Direction6rank/position
One Direction, the boy band that enjoyed worldwide popularity in the 2010s, is a familiar group in Japan as well.
Although they are currently on hiatus, the many masterpieces they left behind continue to be loved.
Among their works, a pop tune from their debut album Up All Night powerfully sings about the impulse of unrequited love.
It sets a straightforward, heartfelt longing—being crazy about you and aching for “that one thing”—to sparkling guitar sounds and a fast-paced, exhilarating melody.
Released on CD in the UK in February 2012, the track also ranked high on the charts.
When your feelings for someone become unstoppable, listening to it will give you the courage to affirm those emotions with strength.
Love YourselfJustin Bieber7rank/position
This work, one of his signature songs, is a hit number from the album Purpose, released in November 2015.
With a simple arrangement centered on the sound of the guitar, the melody is remarkably easy to remember.
Since it’s sung in a whisper rather than belted out, some listeners may find it surprisingly easy to sing.
The song reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts and impressively topped the year-end chart for 2016.