Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]

The ClimbMiley Cyrus71rank/position

The Climb (Miley Cyrus) | One Voice Children’s Choir cover

This piece was released in March 2009 as part of the soundtrack for the Disney film “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Sung by American artist Miley Cyrus, it’s a powerful ballad with a heartwarming melody that incorporates country-pop elements.

It portrays overcoming life’s trials and hardships, accompanied by gentle piano and guitar and the beautiful sound of violins.

The song reached No.

4 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 28 weeks, becoming a classic.

It also received high acclaim, winning “Best Song From a Movie” at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.

With lyrics that convey a message of hope and courage and a grand, uplifting sound, it’s perfect for choral performance.

Singing it with classmates is sure to create a moving stage that resonates in everyone’s hearts.

Love You Like a Love SongSelena Gomez & The Scene72rank/position

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song

Formed in the United States in 2008, Selena Gomez & The Scene, a group under Selena Gomez’s alternate moniker, quickly gained immense popularity especially among young people despite their brief period of activity.

“Love You Like a Love Song,” the second single from their album When The Sun Goes Down, was released in 2011 and became a beloved track worldwide with its catchy melody and sweet atmosphere.

This song particularly resonates with women who feel the spark of a fresh romance or who are in the midst of a bittersweet crush.

Its lyrics, which carry a magical pull that makes you want to hit repeat, capture both the sweetness and the sting of unrequited love, evoking a sense of both transience and strength.

For women yearning for love yet troubled by feelings that may not be returned, Selena Gomez’s catchy refrain offers encouragement.

May the power of music lighten even a little of that heavy heart.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston73rank/position

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston, a great singer who etched her name in music history, hails from the United States.

Her immensely famous signature ballad is actually a cover of a song originally released in 1974 by country singer Dolly Parton.

The piece portrays a bittersweet yet profound love, choosing to step away for the future of a beloved.

Released in November 1992, it became a worldwide sensation as the theme song for the film The Bodyguard.

Its 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts is now the stuff of legend.

Whitney’s overwhelming vocal prowess elevates what could be a simple heartbreak song into a grand tale that vows eternal love—one that deeply resonates with anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

CreepRadiohead74rank/position

Radiohead – Creep

A raw, urgent cry of the soul laying bare self-loathing and alienation is vividly expressed by the British band Radiohead.

Sung from the perspective of a lonely soul who doesn’t fit into society, yearning for an object of admiration, this work was released in September 1992 and initially faced harsh criticism, including being refused airplay by the BBC.

However, after heavy rotation on Israeli radio, it gradually gained worldwide support and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

34 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart.

Featured in films such as The Social Network and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.

3, it continues to resonate with people who struggle with loneliness and feelings of inferiority.

Born This WayLady Gaga75rank/position

Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Official Music Video)

Lady Gaga is the most powerful pop star in the music scene since the late 2000s, highly regarded as an actress as well, and wields immense influence not only in music but across various cultures and social spheres.

She is also known for being fond of Japan, and it would be no exaggeration to say she is one of the most famous American musicians in contemporary Japan.

Her smash hit “Born This Way” appears as the name of the Stand belonging to Yasuho Hirose in Part 8 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, JoJolion.

While JoJo’s Western music references are often associated with hard rock and progressive rock, Part 8 draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, including modern pop artists like Lady Gaga and Rihanna.

This breadth reflects Araki-sensei’s tastes and makes it all the more fascinating.

You’re BeautifulJames Blunt76rank/position

James Blunt – You’re Beautiful (Official Music Video) [4K]

This is a moving song about unrequited love by British singer-songwriter James Blunt.

Released in May 2005, it was inspired by his experience of unexpectedly seeing a former lover on the subway with a new partner.

Featured on the album “Back to Bedlam,” it became a major hit, reaching number one in 13 countries worldwide.

In Japan, it was used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Kobayakawa Nobuki no Koi” and as a commercial song for the Toyota Vitz.

Although it may sound romantic at first, it actually conveys bittersweet feelings and complex emotions, resonating deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

RoundaboutYES77rank/position

YesSongs #7: YES – Roundabout

It’s such a stylish touch to use a masterpiece—virtually a monument of progressive rock—as an anime ending theme.

Released in November 1971, this YES track is distinguished by its complex structure and advanced musicianship.

Its poetic lyrics evoke the majestic landscapes of Scotland, blending beautifully with a psychedelic sonic aesthetic.

YES was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, and thanks to this song, they’ve become widely known among younger generations as well.

It’s an ideal track not only for anime fans but also as an introduction to progressive rock.

Put it on while driving, and you’ll feel as if you’re setting off on a grand adventure.