Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa29rank/position

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)

Dua Lipa’s iconic hit “Don’t Start Now,” known for its groovy bassline.

For many, this song was their introduction to her.

With its strikingly groove-rich melodic structure, the vocal line is kept simple to highlight the strength of the instrumentation.

The vocal range is particularly narrow—so much so that even male singers should have no trouble with it.

There are also no difficult sustained high notes.

It’s undeniably a popular number that’s easy to sing.

Fight SongRachel Platten30rank/position

Rachel Platten – Fight Song (Official Video)

An empowering anthem by American singer-songwriter Rachel Platten that declares, “I’m taking back my life with my own hands!” Born from her struggle against the helplessness she felt during 12 years of groundwork, this song is infused with the determination to rise again and shakes the listener to the core.

Released in February 2015 and included on the album Wildfire, it reached No.

6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No.

1 in the UK, and was also used as a WWE campaign song.

When you feel alone, believing no one understands you, her powerful voice will awaken the fighting spirit within you and give you the courage to face forward once more.

Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen31rank/position

Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen – Good Time (Official Video)

This is an exceptionally happy track created by Owl City, a leading figure in electropop, and the globally popular singer Carly Rae Jepsen.

The lyrics paint a picture of an incredibly fun time where you can laugh things off with a cheerful “It’s all good!” no matter what happens.

It’s brimming with a positive energy that says, “Let’s just enjoy the moment.” Released in June 2012, the song appears on both artists’ albums, The Midsummer Station and Kiss, and topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand.

Its brisk melody and the harmonious blend of male and female vocals are a delight, and it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that will light up the room if you duet it at karaoke.

Stay With MeSam Smith32rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

A beautiful ballad that gives voice to aching emotions became a signature song for the U.

K.

-born Sam Smith.

Featuring gospel-tinged choruses and lyrics that resonate deeply, it portrays the loneliness that follows a one-night encounter.

Released in the U.

S.

in April 2014, it reached No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

At the 57th Grammy Awards, it won two categories, catapulting Sam Smith to global fame.

It’s a song that comforts anyone who has experienced heartbreak or longs for someone’s warmth.

In August 2024, a collaborative version with Hikaru Utada was also released, showcasing a fresh appeal.

Viva La VidaColdplay33rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

This is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, whose grand strings portray the sorrow of a king who has lost his power, striking straight at the heart.

Released in May 2008 from the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” many will remember it for winning Song of the Year at the 51st Grammy Awards.

You may also have heard it in Apple’s iPod commercials.

Among fans, it enjoys overwhelming popularity as “majestic yet bittersweet,” and “like an anthem for life.” The protagonist’s emptiness—“I once ruled the world, and now I sleep alone”—echoes the hollow feeling that can follow great success.

Reflecting on the fragility of life revealed only after reaching the top makes you want to cherish the happiness you have now.

Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses34rank/position

Choir! Choir! Choir! sings Gn’R “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

The love song, which begins with a powerful guitar riff and features a beautiful melody and a moving vocal performance, was released in June 1988 as a single from the 1987 album Appetite for Destruction.

For the American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, this work became their first No.

1 hit in the United States, and it has been loved across generations, appearing in films such as Thor: Love and Thunder.

It was also performed during their Japan tour in May 2025, sending the venue into a frenzy.

Reimagined as a choral piece, it could reveal a new charm that harmonizes the raw energy of hard rock with the gentleness of a ballad.

Having the entire class sing it together would create a deeply moving, heartfelt stage.

One Call AwayCharlie Puth35rank/position

Charlie Puth – One Call Away [Official Video]

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, known for crafting numerous hits with catchy melodies.

This ballad from his debut album Nine Track Mind is a song that cheers on the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

The message that he’ll come running with just one phone call portrays a steadfast heart that longs to always be there for the one he loves.

Though he can’t be Superman, he wants to be your own personal hero—an emotional sentiment that really hits home.

Released in August 2015, the song was even nominated for Best Crush Song, making it a quintessential anthem for unrequited love.

With its warm sound, it’s a must-listen for anyone who hasn’t yet found the courage to confess their feelings.