Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]

JumpVan Halen50rank/position

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

The moment that full-on ’80s synthesizer phrase from the intro hits your ears, you feel like jumping up just as the title suggests! Released in 1984, it was a massive hit that topped the U.

S.

Billboard chart.

It’s an ambitious work that showcased Van Halen’s new direction; the bold blend of catchy keyboards with their hard guitar sound makes it a definitive anthem of the ’80s.

Combined with David Lee Roth’s exuberant vocals, it’s a track that gives you a burst of energy just by listening.

In 2019, it was featured in a Suntory All-Free commercial, and it continues to be loved by many to this day.

It’s also used as the walk-up song for Tokyo Yakult Swallows pitcher Koshiro Yoshimura, instantly firing up the stadium atmosphere.

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars51rank/position

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

This track stands out with a pop-rock sound full of wave-riding rhythm and powerful energy.

It’s a collaboration between Rosé, the main vocalist of Korea’s BLACKPINK, and 15-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars.

Released in October 2024, it topped the charts in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Inspired by a drinking game popular among young people, it deftly weaves together the exhilaration of a party and the sweetness of romance.

The wistful vocals and edgy guitar work blend seamlessly, resulting in a polished, sophisticated song.

It’s perfect for boosting team motivation at school sports festivals or anytime you want to hype up the crowd with powerful chants.

Counting StarsOneRepublic52rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Have you ever struggled with the gap between ideal and reality, spending sleepless nights anxious about the future? In those moments, this song gently frees the heart from materialistic values, whispering, “Instead of counting money, why not count the stars?” Created by the American band OneRepublic, it offers courage with a message that even the moments that knock you down are proof that you’re alive.

Included on their 2013 album Native and reaching number one on the UK charts, the song was also featured in the film Earth to Echo.

When daily life threatens to make you lose sight of your dreams, simply shifting your focus to what truly matters can make your heart feel a little lighter, don’t you think?

If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys53rank/position

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Official HD Video)

Without someone to love, wealth and fame mean nothing—this is a stirring R&B ballad that sings of eternal love.

Alicia Keys’s soulful voice and classical piano melodies gracefully express the preciousness of love.

While contrasting the emptiness of those who chase materialism and fame, it asks what truly matters.

Released from the album “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” the song won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance after its February 2004 release.

In 2023, an orchestral arrangement was featured in the Netflix series “Queen Charlotte,” bringing a new wave of emotion.

It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone special, such as a proposal or a wedding.

I DON’T WANT TO MISS A THINGAerosmith54rank/position

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

A song by Aerosmith, the American hard rock band that can rightly be called a living legend.

Released in 1998 and a massive hit as the theme song for the film Armageddon, this track became the band’s first to reach No.

1 on the U.

S.

singles chart, holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks.

In Japan, it’s been heard in various contexts, including commercials for the Nissan Elgrand and Nissin Cup Noodles.

The lyrics depict a pure, unwavering love—watching a beloved one sleep and wishing not to sleep even for a moment.

Its majestic arrangement featuring strings and the distinctive, passionate vocals combine to create a one-of-a-kind song—an enduring classic that continues to be loved more than twenty years after its release.

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire55rank/position

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

Just hearing the sparkling horn section in the intro makes your heart start to dance—the definitive disco anthem! It’s a worldwide smash hit by the American musical group Earth, Wind & Fire.

With lyrics that celebrate an irreplaceable, memorable day and a relentlessly positive, euphoric sound, it instantly fills listeners with happiness.

Released in November 1978, the song was included on the greatest hits album The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol.

1 and featured in the film Night at the Museum, continuing to captivate audiences to this day.

Put it on when you’re gathering with your favorite people, and the moments you share might shine even brighter!

SorryBeyoncé56rank/position

Beyoncé – Sorry (Video)

Beyoncé’s iconic track “Sorry” is filled with anger.

She had been dating the rapper JAY-Z, but they broke up after he cheated.

It’s said that “Sorry” channels that anger.

It’s basically full-on beef (lol).

The lyrics read like, “I don’t care about you one bit anymore,” and so on.

The hip-hop-leaning production also makes it feel super beefy (lol).

Definitely check it out!