Ranking of Melancholic Western Songs [2025]

GrenadeBruno Mars15rank/position

Bruno Mars – Grenade (Official Music Video)

“I’d catch a grenade for you.” The song that belts out this almost painfully devoted love is by the American artist Bruno Mars.

Even knowing “no matter how much I give, it won’t reach that person,” the feeling is so strong you end up offering everything.

Aren’t there many people who are in such unrequited love? The deeper your feelings, the immeasurable the pain when they aren’t returned.

Fans have responded to this painfully pure love with comments like “It’s so urgent it makes my chest ache,” and “It’s amazing to be so single-minded.” Why not use this song to rediscover the deep love hidden in your heart?

Pumped Up KicksFoster The People16rank/position

Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks (Official Video)

This song by Los Angeles, California–based Foster the People, released in 2010, is a shocking work that sharply depicts the darker side of modern society beneath an apparently light, pop melody.

Frontman Mark Foster completed it in just five hours; it gives voice to the cries of a troubled youth, leaving a powerful impression through the contrast between its bright sound and heavy theme.

In 2011, it held the No.

3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks and became the standout track of their debut album, Torches.

Despite its summery sense of openness, it’s a recommended listen for those who want to think deeply about social issues.

Havana ft. Young ThugCamila Cabello17rank/position

Camila Cabello – Havana ft. Young Thug

This is a signature Latin pop number by Camila Cabello, who was born in Cuba and found success in the United States.

The song is crafted as a nostalgic and passionate piece that portrays the protagonist’s heart wavering between her hometown of Havana and her current home in Atlanta.

Through the expression that half of her heart remains in Havana, the lyrics delicately depict deep affection for her roots and the inner conflict of identity, conveying the complex emotions of living as an immigrant.

Released in August 2017, the song reached No.

1 in the U.

S.

, and its sound—an impressive fusion of traditional Cuban music elements with contemporary pop—is another highlight.

It’s a track that will resonate with anyone who finds themselves thinking of home at dusk or feeling a longing for a faraway place.

La Isla BonitaMadonna18rank/position

Madonna – La Isla Bonita (Official Video)

A single released in 1987 by the charismatic American singer Madonna.

The track is included on her 1986 album True Blue.

The title “La Isla Bonita” is Spanish for “The Beautiful Island,” and the San Pedro mentioned in the song refers to a city on a coral island in the Caribbean.

It’s a dreamy, Spanish-flavored piece that evokes the feel of summer.

Call Out My NameThe Weeknd19rank/position

The Weeknd – Call Out My Name (Official Video)

This is a song by The Weeknd, a singer from Canada.

It expresses an unbreakable attachment and poignant lingering feelings toward a former partner.

Even while knowing she’s no longer his, he vows to drop everything if she ever calls for help—a one-sided devotion.

Such feelings, with nowhere to go, tighten the heart.

His vocals, like a cry from the soul, and the ethereal, beautiful melody pierce deeply into the chest.

Anyone who has suffered the pain of still thinking about someone even after the relationship has ended will likely empathize acutely with this feeling.

It might be a song that stays by your side until the very moment this love truly ends.

A Sky Full of StarsColdplay20rank/position

Coldplay – A Sky Full Of Stars (Official Video)

Like countless stars scattered across the night sky, this song portrays a loved one on a grand scale.

Crafted by the British rock band Coldplay in collaboration with Avicii, it is a gem of a piece.

Comparing the presence of a beloved person to a starry sky, the song celebrates the joy of being enveloped in their light and sings of devoted love, beautifully depicting the importance of unconditional love and acceptance.

Released as a single from the album Ghost Stories in May 2014, it drew attention as Coldplay’s first innovative track to incorporate EDM elements.

It’s recommended for romantic summer nights spent with a partner, or for those who want to rediscover their gratitude for someone special.

One KissCalvin Harris, Dua Lipa21rank/position

Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa – One Kiss (Official Video)

This collaboration between Scotland’s Calvin Harris and the UK’s Dua Lipa is a heart-pounding dance anthem that captures the exhilaration of falling in love with just one kiss.

Its modern reimagining of 1990s house music pairs perfectly with Dua Lipa’s cool, crystalline vocals, creating an instantly captivating allure.

Released in April 2018, the track spent eight consecutive weeks at number one on the UK charts and topped charts in more than 32 countries worldwide.

It’s the perfect song for a sunset drive or a relaxing moment with a gentle breeze.