Ranking of Melancholic Western Songs [2025]

Fast CarTracy Chapman78rank/position

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (Official Music Video)

The acoustic guitar arpeggios, blending into the wistful air of dusk, are striking.

This is a gem of a ballad by singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, who has continued to sing powerful messages rooted in folk and blues.

The song portrays the story of a protagonist who pins their hopes on a fast car in an effort to escape a stifling reality.

Even as they dream that they “might be someone,” the aching emotions of confronting an unyielding reality are deeply moving.

Released in April 1988, the track appears on the classic album “Tracy Chapman” and reached No.

6 on the U.

S.

charts.

Its melancholy melody, which somehow overlaps with scenes of a fading summer, is perfect for moments of solitary reflection.

augustTaylor Swift79rank/position

Taylor Swift – august (Official Lyric Video)

Taylor Swift, an American singer with many fans in Japan.

The song that drew attention when she performed at the 2021 Grammy Awards was “august.” As the title suggests, it’s a love song about a romance in August.

The track is highly narrative, portraying with realism the feelings of a woman struggling in a love triangle.

With guitar and synthesizer at its core, the music has a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for when you want to cool down.

Be sure to check out the unusually wistful music video for a Taylor Swift work, too.

Good DaysSZA80rank/position

SZA – Good Days (Official Video)

The end of summer brings a bittersweet feeling along with all the happy memories, doesn’t it? There’s a song by R&B artist SZA that gently stays close to that tender mood.

While swaying between past pain and regret, it seeks a glimmer of hope in the future, expressed through her husky, deeply emotive voice.

The lyrics’ world overlaps with the sentimental atmosphere of a summer evening, and listening to it makes your heart tighten.

Released in December 2020 and included on the album “SOS,” the track garnered major attention, reaching No.

3 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

It’s perfect for a quiet night alone, when you want to bask in the memories of a joyful summer.

It’s a song filled with a kind of magic that gently wraps your wistfulness in warmth.

Midsummer Madness (ft. Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, AUGUST 08)88RISING81rank/position

88RISING – Midsummer Madness ft. Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, AUGUST 08 (Official Music Video)

When you’re head over heels in love, it can be hard to notice anything else around you.

Set in the summer, that feeling is captured in “Midsummer Madness (ft.

Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, AUGUST 08).” This piece was produced by 88rising and features the Chinese hip-hop group Higher Brothers and American singer AUGUST 08, among others.

Its multinational vibe—blending languages from different countries—is wonderful as well.

Two Out Of Three Ain’t BadMeat Loaf82rank/position

Meat Loaf – Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad (PCM Stereo)

The title “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” means “two out of three isn’t bad,” a humorous line often used in examples like “He’s tall, handsome, and unbelievably boring.” Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf’s songwriter, quoted this phrase to depict the elusive nature of love.

Lost in JapanShawn Mendes83rank/position

Shawn Mendes “Lost In Japan” (Audio)

The way it unfolds from a quiet piano intro into a groovy bassline evokes the shift from a late-summer dusk into night.

Sung by Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, this track blends R&B and funk in a comfortably smooth mix—both a little bittersweet and irresistibly uplifting.

The lyrics portray a passionate urge to bridge the distance to a loved one far away, driven by a single-minded desire to see them.

That earnest emotion overlaps with the sentimental feeling of summer slipping away, hitting you right in the heart.

Released in March 2018 as a cut from the album “Shawn Mendes,” the song is also known for a music video that pays homage to the film “Lost in Translation.” On a night spent reminiscing about summer, listening as you watch the setting sun is sure to deepen the emotional mood even more.

U Make Me WannaBlue84rank/position

Blue – U Make Me Wanna

Blue’s song weaves a bittersweet yet beautiful tale of unrequited love, with a powerful longing for that special someone pressing on the heart.

Late-night phone calls, the wish to hold each other until morning, the feeling of wanting to surrender one’s soul—these emotions are carried by Blue’s harmonies.

Released in March 2003, it reached No.

4 on the UK Singles Chart and also charted across Europe.

It’s recommended for those feeling the thrill of new love or the desire to be with someone precious.

Listening to this track will surely give you courage.

A heartwarming song that stays close to the feelings of someone in love.