Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne15rank/position

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

A power ballad that stirs the heart with bittersweet emotion is brought to you by Canadian artist Avril Lavigne.

Portraying the farewell to a loved one and the pain of loss against a piano melody, this gem is featured on the album “The Best Damn Thing.” Released in June 2007, the song reached the top 10 on the charts in the UK and Ireland, capturing the hearts of listeners across borders.

Its sweeping string arrangement and her emotionally expressive vocals blend beautifully, leaving a profound afterglow.

It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone who wants to connect with feelings for someone dear, or who is seeking a soul-stirring ballad that truly resonates.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis16rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

One of the most iconic songs by Oasis—the ultimate rock band to come out of ’90s Britain—this track is a flawless masterpiece.

On this song, guitarist Noel Gallagher, who handles the songwriting, takes lead vocals to deliver a powerful message: “Don’t look back in anger.” Released as a single from the February 1996 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, it has in recent years come to feel like a national anthem sung when people unite after the tragic events in Manchester.

It’s a song that stays close to the heart when you want to draw a line under the past and move forward.

bad guyBillie Eilish17rank/position

Billie Eilish – bad guy

The hit song “bad guy,” which gained worldwide popularity in 2019.

Many people may have discovered Billie Eilish through this track.

As the impression of the song suggests, with its downer-style melody and vocal line, it’s sung within a narrow range.

Moreover, it doesn’t require much vocal power, so you can sing it well even without an advanced level of fundamental vocal technique.

However, because it’s sung quietly, you’ll need to skillfully use a whispery voice and dynamic nuance, so pay close attention to your breathing.

Someone Like YouAdele18rank/position

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

This is a gem of a ballad sung by Adele, a singer-songwriter from the UK, that brought tears to listeners around the world.

It’s based on her own real-life experience of learning that her ex had found someone new.

The lyrics, which bravely claim “I’ll find someone like you” while her heart cries out “It isn’t over for me yet,” are so honest they make your chest tighten.

That complicated state of mind—holding painful lingering feelings yet trying to wish the other person happiness—is something anyone who’s been through a hard breakup can’t help but relate to.

Listening to this song may bring back memories of a love you can’t forget.

Her soulful voice etches that sorrow even more deeply into the heart.

It’s My LifeBon Jovi19rank/position

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

This is a signature work by the American rock band Bon Jovi, delivering a powerful message and a high-octane rock sound that champions the importance of staying true to yourself.

The song, which boldly sings about self-assertion and taking the helm of your own life, was included on the album Crush released in May 2000 and won strong support from younger listeners.

Its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody line are striking, and the exhilarating sound—like speeding down a highway—stirs the soul.

A must-have track for energizing dance scenes, it’s perfect as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.

A classic that gives you the courage and vitality to stand tall and follow your own path, it surpassed 1 billion views on its music video in July 2021.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys20rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.

Released in April 1999, the song reached No.

1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.

While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.

It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.

Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.

If I Can’t Have YouShawn Mendes21rank/position

Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You (Official Music Video)

The song released in May 2019 by Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes is a pop-rock number that portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

It tells the story of a protagonist grieving the loss of a lover, infused with a powerful emotion that they cannot live without the one they love.

In contrast to its bright melody, the track expresses the pain of heartbreak and the inability to let go.

Included on the deluxe edition of the album “Shawn Mendes,” the song reached No.

2 on the charts in Canada and the United States, becoming Mendes’s highest-charting single at the time.

It’s a recommended listen for those struggling with love or looking to connect with a sense of wistful longing.