Oldies Western Music: Popular Rankings [2025]

WannabeSpice Girls22rank/position

Spice Girls – Wannabe (Official Music Video)

If you came of age in the 1990s, this is a wonderfully nostalgic classic.

The Spice Girls, the girl group born in the UK.

The song I’d recommend as their anthem of friendship is their debut single, released in June 1996.

It’s an energetic track that boldly proclaims the bond with your mates is eternal—more important than romance.

Its irresistibly catchy melody topped the charts for seven consecutive weeks in their home country and went on to conquer the charts in 37 countries worldwide.

It’s perfect for celebrating a new friendship or getting together with your closest friends.

Be sure to check it out.

Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO23rank/position

Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry (Official Music Video)

This is a signature work by the American brass-rock band Chicago, depicting the pain of heartbreak alongside an elegant piano melody.

Released in September 1982 and produced by David Foster, the song elevates the rich musicality of the brass section into a pop arrangement.

It topped the U.

S.

singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

Chosen as the ending theme for the film “Blue Lovers,” it also became familiar in Japan as a commercial song for Osaka Gas and Toyota.

The lyrics portray a man who, after being told goodbye by his lover, regrets his past behavior—feelings that many listeners can surely empathize with.

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana24rank/position

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

It’s fair to call this the quintessential grunge anthem that swept the globe and reshaped the music scene of the ’90s.

With a single blast of its simple power-chord intro riff, this masterpiece grabs the listener’s heart.

Released in September 1991 by the American band Nirvana as the lead single from the album Nevermind, it dominated the charts.

Listening again, you’re reminded how brilliantly Kurt Cobain’s songwriting and vocals shine, how strong the melodies are, and how the powerful rhythm section underpins a simple yet carefully crafted band ensemble.

It’s a song that was destined to be a hit—and one that feels straightforwardly, undeniably cool.

Beat ItMichael Jackson25rank/position

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)

Known as one of the defining hit numbers of the 1980s, this song is distinguished by its sharp guitar riffs and powerful beat.

Michael Jackson’s soaring vocals blend spectacularly with Eddie Van Halen’s breathtaking guitar solo, captivating listeners.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of choosing peaceful solutions over violence, reflect the social issues of the time while conveying a universal message.

Released in 1983 as a single from the album Thriller, it spent three consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also won a Grammy Award.

It’s a perfect track to light up the dance floor or boost your confidence.

EverlongFoo Fighters26rank/position

Foo Fighters – Everlong (Official HD Video)

A masterpiece that stands as a landmark of grunge rock, where bittersweet love and hope intersect.

Featured on the Foo Fighters’ 1997 album The Colour and the Shape, this song depicts deep affection and the intimacy of human relationships.

It beautifully conveys the wish for moments of happiness to last forever, alongside the anxiety of losing them, with powerful guitar riffs and passionate vocals vividly tracing the ebb and flow of emotion.

The music video, directed by Michel Gondry, captivated many with its dreamlike world and was nominated at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards.

It has also been featured in the films Little Nicky and The Wolf of Wall Street.

This is a perfect track for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone important or light a fire in your heart.

AloneHeart27rank/position

Heart – Alone

A captivating song that resonates with a sentimental atmosphere and a powerful melody.

The Wilson sisters’ strong vocals brilliantly convey the feelings of a protagonist suffering from loneliness and love.

Released in May 1987, it reached number one in the United States and Canada, spending three consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Featured on the album “Bad Animals,” this track became a popular hit and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when spending a long autumn night alone or when thinking of someone special.

Perfect for anyone carrying hidden feelings in their heart.

Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz28rank/position

Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way (Official Music Video)

This is an energetic rock tune that epitomizes the ’90s and is perfect for summer.

Created by American artist Lenny Kravitz, the single was released in February 1993, followed by the acclaimed album “Are You Gonna Go My Way” in March of the same year.

Set to a striking guitar riff reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, its powerful message challenges the status quo, as if asking, “Are you gonna go my way?” It’s filled with a sense of freedom and exhilaration that stirs a spirit of summer adventure, and it’s also known for serving as the opening theme to the PlayStation 2 game Gran Turismo 3: A-spec.

Listen to it while driving or when you want to boost your mood, and you’ll feel a supportive push forward.