Popular Western music. Latest rankings [2025]

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys15rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.

Released in April 1999, the song reached No.

1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.

While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.

It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.

Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis16rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

One of the most iconic songs by Oasis—the ultimate rock band to come out of ’90s Britain—this track is a flawless masterpiece.

On this song, guitarist Noel Gallagher, who handles the songwriting, takes lead vocals to deliver a powerful message: “Don’t look back in anger.” Released as a single from the February 1996 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, it has in recent years come to feel like a national anthem sung when people unite after the tragic events in Manchester.

It’s a song that stays close to the heart when you want to draw a line under the past and move forward.

Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen17rank/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.

Fight SongRachel Platten18rank/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.

bad guyBillie Eilish19rank/position

Billie Eilish – bad guy

The hit song “bad guy,” which gained worldwide popularity in 2019.

Many people may have discovered Billie Eilish through this track.

As the impression of the song suggests, with its downer-style melody and vocal line, it’s sung within a narrow range.

Moreover, it doesn’t require much vocal power, so you can sing it well even without an advanced level of fundamental vocal technique.

However, because it’s sung quietly, you’ll need to skillfully use a whispery voice and dynamic nuance, so pay close attention to your breathing.

The Best DayTaylor Swift20rank/position

Taylor Swift – The Best Day

This country-pop number depicting the warmth of family bonds is included on the 2008 album Fearless.

Taylor Swift wrote the song as an expression of gratitude to her mother, weaving in childhood memories, adventures with her mom, and episodes of overcoming teenage struggles.

Marked by a restrained yet emotionally rich melody, it received high praise from both fans and critics.

A re-recorded version was released in 2021 and won “Best Family Feature” at the CMT Awards.

It is often performed on tour around Mother’s Day, and is a recommended track when you want to feel the love of family or express appreciation to someone special.

DelicateTaylor Swift21rank/position

Taylor Swift – Delicate

This is a track with a curious charm: the vocals processed through a vocoder end up expressing the protagonist’s fragile, almost breakable heart all the more vividly.

Included on Taylor Swift’s 2017 album Reputation, this gem carries an intimate atmosphere within its electropop sound.

The lyrics portray the desire—and the anxiety—of wanting to believe that someone she met during a time of bad press will love her for who she truly is, striking a superb balance of precarious longing.

It became the album’s most successful single on radio, spending 35 weeks on the Hot 100.

It also appears in the Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty.

It’s the kind of song that gently stays by your side on those nights when you’ve just fallen for someone and feel a little timid.