Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]

Love Me Like You DoEllie Goulding78rank/position

Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do (Official Video)

This song by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding is famous as part of the soundtrack for the film Fifty Shades of Grey, which portrays a passionate and complicated relationship.

Set to a sweeping melody, it sings of uncontrollable emotions that intensify with every touch and the resolve to step together into the unknown.

Many listeners will be moved by the protagonist’s willingness to surrender completely to the other person, declaring their presence to be a sacred light.

Released in January 2015, the track spent four consecutive weeks at number one on the UK charts and was later included on the album Delirium.

If you listen to it when you want to reaffirm the blazing love you feel for your partner, it just might deepen the bond between you.

Wouldn’t It Be NiceThe Beach Boys79rank/position

The Beach Boys – Wouldn’t It Be Nice

A coming-of-age love song by the American band The Beach Boys that sings of the pure wishes of young lovers.

Released in July 1966 as the opening track of the album Pet Sounds, this piece expresses a heartfelt longing to get married and live together through beautiful harmonies and sophisticated arrangements.

The lyrics, filled with anticipation and yearning, poignantly capture the essence of a love unattainable due to youth.

Chosen as the theme song for the 2004 film 50 First Dates, it radiates a charm that transcends generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on nights when your feelings for your partner grow stronger or when you want to reminisce about someone special.

Stand By MeBen E. King80rank/position

Stand By Me

A timeless masterpiece that continues to move people’s hearts across generations.

Its gently resonant melody and lyrics that seep into the soul are truly captivating.

It expresses gratitude and love for that special person who stays by your side, even in difficult times.

Released in 1961, it returned to the spotlight in 1986 as a movie theme song.

Covered by more than 400 artists and performed at a British royal wedding in 2018, it remains beloved across generations.

It’s recommended for moments when you feel down or want to feel the bond with someone important.

Wrapped in its warm vocals, you’re sure to find courage.

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton81rank/position

Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

A gem of a love song written with a single-minded desire to visit someone dear, far away.

Released in 2002 as the debut single of American artist Vanessa Carlton, the piece is memorable for its beautiful piano melody and crystalline vocals.

Its music video—featuring the innovative concept of playing the piano while moving through the city—garnered widespread attention and earned two Grammy nominations.

It was also used in a memorable scene in the film White Chicks and has since been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.

With a heartwarming melodic line and sincere emotion, this song resonates deeply with those in long-distance relationships or anyone who can’t easily see the one they love.

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple82rank/position

Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water (LIVE 1974)

Deep Purple’s signature song, released in 1972, took the world by storm with a guitar riff made of just four notes.

This classic of rock history was inspired by a fire that broke out at a Frank Zappa concert.

On December 4, 1971, a flare gun fired by an audience member ignited the ceiling at a casino in Switzerland.

Witnessing the scene firsthand, the band members masterfully transformed it into music.

Though simple, the riff has a profound allure, and the song is known as a rite of passage for many guitarists.

Beloved by people of all ages, it conveys the timeless power of rock.

Eagle Fly FreeHelloween83rank/position

Helloween – “EAGLE FLY FREE” (Official Audio)

Eagle Fly Free, included on Helloween’s 1988 album Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt.

2 by the German power metal giants, is one of the historic masterpieces of their musical career.

Its soaring high-register vocals, fast-paced guitar riffs, and fantastical lyrics blend exquisitely to continue captivating fans around the world.

A highlight of Helloween’s live shows, the song conveys a universal message that transcends music, earning support from people of all generations and nationalities.

For that reason, it’s a track I recommend to anyone seeking a stirring message and energetic melodies.

Beautiful Now ft. Jon BellionZedd84rank/position

Swift TV commercial “The Answer Is One” 15-second version

A signature song by ZEDD that became a worldwide hit.

It wraps you in a soaring, exhilarating feeling that’s just plain satisfying to listen to.

True to the title—“beautiful now”—it’s simple and straightforward.

I think it suits both fiery, high-energy moments and calm nights.

It would fit perfectly as background music for a drive or a date.