Popular Western music. Latest rankings [2025]

Look What You Made Me DoTaylor Swift36rank/position

Taylor Swift – Look What You Made Me Do

Having transformed from a country music darling into a leading force on the global pop scene, Taylor Swift has continued to thrive at the forefront.

The lead single from her 2017 album Reputation is a truly revolutionary work that overturns her previous image from the ground up.

Set to dark electropop, it delivers a scathing counterattack against public criticism and a declaration of breaking away from her past self.

In the music video, she digs up her own grave and proclaims that the “old Taylor is dead,” a scene that seems to symbolize her strength to rise again from adversity time and time again.

This track is a powerful anthem for reclaiming your own narrative.

When you want to leave something behind and move forward, it will surely give you a push.

The re-recorded version was also used in the TV series The Handmaid’s Tale.

We Will Rock YouQueen37rank/position

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

With its powerful handclaps and stomping rhythm, this staple track energizes sports festivals and dance events.

Released in October 1977 by the British rock band Queen from the album “News of the World,” the song celebrates the determination to overcome setbacks and hardships in pursuit of victory.

As a rousing anthem symbolizing unity and fighting spirit, it continues to be embraced across sports scenes worldwide.

The foot stomps and handclaps recorded by the band members themselves create a sense of togetherness that draws in the audience, and in 2002 it was also adopted as the title song for the musical “We Will Rock You.” It’s the perfect choice for those who want to bring an entire venue together during school sports days or dance performances.

MemoriesMaroon 538rank/position

Maroon 5 – Memories | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)

A tear-jerking ballad released to the world by the quintessential American band Maroon 5 in September 2019.

Its gentle, soothing melody embraces the experience of losing someone dear and the memories that linger in the heart, resonating deeply.

Featured on the album Jordi, the song is an accessible piece based on Pachelbel’s Canon.

It is said to carry Adam Levine’s feelings for a close friend.

It was also used in the trailer for the Disney film The One and Only Ivan and in the final scene of Venom: The Last Dance, warming the hearts of many.

Sung as a chorus, each person’s emotions overlap, creating a profound impact on listeners.

We Are the WorldUSA For Africa39rank/position

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World

A song of human love created by the coming together of top artists from around the world.

It carries a powerful message about the importance of people joining hands and supporting one another.

Released in March 1985, it became a global hit in no time, winning numerous awards including a Grammy and selling over 20 million copies.

This work achieved the remarkable feat of raising roughly 7 billion yen in donations to relieve famine in Africa.

A truly timeless classic that lights a beacon of hope in people’s hearts—highly recommended for anyone who wishes for world peace.

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa40rank/position

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)

Dua Lipa’s iconic hit “Don’t Start Now,” known for its groovy bassline.

For many, this song was their introduction to her.

With its strikingly groove-rich melodic structure, the vocal line is kept simple to highlight the strength of the instrumentation.

The vocal range is particularly narrow—so much so that even male singers should have no trouble with it.

There are also no difficult sustained high notes.

It’s undeniably a popular number that’s easy to sing.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper41rank/position

Choir! Choir! Choir! sings Cyndi Lauper “Time After Time”

A beautiful ballad released in January 1984 by American songstress Cyndi Lauper, who took the world by storm with her four-octave voice and unconventional fashion.

Born from heartbreak, this song conveys a timeless bond of love with simple yet profound lyrics, spending two consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Set against synthesizers and a gentle drum beat, her tender, resonant vocals deliver a warm emotion that sinks deep into the heart.

Beloved across generations, this classic has been featured in the Netflix series Stranger Things and has been covered by numerous artists, including Miles Davis and P!nk.

It will surely be performed on her farewell tour in Japan in April 2025.

When singing it as a chorus, uniting your hearts and expressing it with care will create a performance that truly moves the audience.

SugarMaroon 542rank/position

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

This is a sweet song by the American pop rock band Maroon 5.

The piece, which sings about romantic desire and dependence, features an upbeat rhythm infused with disco and funk elements.

Adam Levine’s vocals balance urgency and lightness, capturing listeners’ hearts.

Released in January 2015, it is included on the album V.

It reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

Billboard charts and became a major hit, spending over 20 weeks in the top 10.

The music video, which depicts surprise appearances at real weddings, generated considerable buzz.

Its refreshing, pleasant vibe makes it a great recommendation when you want a change of pace or a quick refresh.