Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.
Even if you don’t understand English or don’t usually listen to Western music, songs with beautiful, pure melodies and sounds can be easy to enjoy.
The greatness of music itself transcends language barriers, and many people probably started listening to Western music with a beautiful ballad.
With that in mind, we’ve gathered timeless classics of Western music with stunning, graceful beauty—recommended especially for beginners, regardless of era or genre.
Please enjoy these wonderful songs that may move you to tears with their beauty or fill you with warmth.
Beautiful and lovely Western music. A collection of recommended classics (1–10)
RunawayAURORA
Aurora is a Norwegian singer-songwriter with passionate fans all over the world.
She expresses a mystical worldview through a sound that blends folk and electronics.
One of her signature songs, “Runaway,” is a track that highlights her greatest charm—her one-of-a-kind voice.
In the middle of the song, when the instrumentation quiets down and only Aurora’s vocals remain, you can especially feel the beauty of her voice.
As her singing shifts in expression toward the climactic finale, it’s sure to give you goosebumps.
Night Before ChristmasNEW!Sam Smith
Singer-songwriter Sam Smith, known for his distinctive high-tone voice, originally focused mainly on ballads, but his musical style has evolved since around “Unholy,” and he’s now exploring a variety of genres.
His Christmas number “Night Before Christmas” is a piece imbued with a soulful vibe.
Because it’s in 3/4 time, the rhythm can be hard for Japanese listeners to feel, but the tempo is very slow and the melodic leaps aren’t extreme, so if you’re comfortable with Black music, definitely give it a try.
Like A StarCorinne Bailey Rae
Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, best known for “Put Your Records On.” “Like a Star” was released in 2006.
The chord progression, which reflects her jazz roots, is wonderfully stylish.
The most beautiful part of the song is the big swell in intensity that comes right after the middle and toward the end.
It’s breathtaking how it grows from her quiet, intimate vocal—as if she’s singing right in your ear—into a fuller sound as instruments join and the arrangement opens up.
Easy On MeAdele
A refreshing song with a clear, transparent vocal that brushes past your ear.
It’s a track released in 2021 by the British singer-songwriter Adele: Easy On Me, which means “go easy on me.” The spark for writing the song came from her struggle to explain the reasons for her divorce to her young son.
With that in mind, reading the lyrics conveys Adele’s inner conflict, her efforts, and her love for her son.
The message she arrives at—“Easy On Me,” after overcoming her guilt—carries a beautiful blend of freshness and sorrow.
Stay With MeSam Smith
This is “Stay With Me,” released in 2014 by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith.
The song, which expresses the pain of a one-night affair, resonated with many people and went on to win four Grammy Awards.
What makes this track especially beautiful is the chorus, which incorporates gospel influences rooted in Sam Smith’s background.
The harmonies created by the layered, powerful vocals are stunning, so try listening with that in mind.
Heal The WorldMichael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s 1992 release “Heal the World” is a grand song themed around global issues.
Through his music, Michael conveyed social messages—such as human rights and environmental concerns—to audiences around the world.
Among these, this song carries the message: “Let’s make the world a better place for everyone.” In the latter part of the track, there is a section where many voices sing the chorus together.
Listening to that section while reflecting on the song’s message allows its beauty to resonate even more.
Close to youCarpenters
“Close to You,” one of the Carpenters’ signature songs.
Many of you may recognize it from commercials and elsewhere.
Its calm overall sound pairs perfectly with Karen’s low, gentle vocals.
Every part of the song is beautiful, but pay special attention to the exceptional quality of the harmonies.
Layering multiple vocal tracks creates a sense of breadth in the sound, which contributes to the song’s beauty.
The choral work toward the end is especially gorgeous, so be sure to listen for it.