Lovely background music

Popular on TikTok! A collection of Western songs recommended for video creation and BGM

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

Have you ever thought, “What kind of cool Western songs are great for video production BGM or for creating a hyped or stylish mood in social media videos?” In recent years, TikTok and other platforms have helped songs spread, and the ways we enjoy music have really expanded! Here, we’re introducing especially popular Western tracks, including classic picks that also work great as BGM.

From creating a lovely atmosphere to unique vibes and even couple videos, these Western songs are hugely popular on TikTok and easy to use in your videos.

Be sure to enjoy them as everyday BGM, too!

Popular on TikTok too! A collection of Western songs recommended for video creation and BGM (111–120)

Count On MeConnie Talbot

Connie Talbot – Count On Me (HQ)

Count On MeConnie Talbot

Connie Talbot is a singer from the United Kingdom.

She became widely known after appearing on the British audition program Britain’s Got Talent at the age of six, and she has been active as a singer despite her very young age.

Her rendition of Count On Me, a classic by Bruno Mars, has a catchy pop vibe.

On TikTok, it’s often used for chin-rest videos.

If you’re planning to make a similar video, be sure to check it out!

Raise the rankinglower

Popular on TikTok too! A collection of recommended Western songs for video creation and BGM (121–130)

Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Private Eyes (Official HD Video)

Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates

Right from the start, this track rushes in with a moody vibe—it was a hit song in 1981.

It’s packed with the atmosphere of that era, and you can hear Daryl Hall and John Oates at their most soulfully expressive.

It’s also been used as background music in commercials in Japan, so it’s a familiar and reassuring song, isn’t it?

Raise the rankinglower

HeroesDavid Bowie

David Bowie – Heroes (A Reality Tour)

HeroesDavid Bowie

Included on David Bowie’s 11th album, “Heroes” (Japanese title: Eiyū Yume Gatari).

Released in 1977.

The song was inspired by lovers meeting near the Berlin Wall.

Even after the end of the Cold War and Bowie’s passing, it remains a timeless classic beloved by many.

Raise the rankinglower

Let’s DanceDavid Bowie

David Bowie – Let’s Dance (Live)

Let's DanceDavid Bowie

David Bowie, one of the greatest artists from the UK.

Although he passed away in 2016, he has regained popularity after the launch of his official TikTok account.

The work featured here is “Let’s Dance,” but other classics like “Space Oddity” and “Ashes to Ashes” are also trending on TikTok.

With so many iconic songs, his music is a great match for a wide variety of videos.

Raise the rankinglower

Be AlrightDean Lewis

Dean Lewis – Be Alright (Official Video)

Be AlrightDean Lewis

It’s a popular 2018 song by Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis.

His gentle vocals are soothing, but it’s a breakup song.

What’s a bit unusual is that the lyrics don’t just describe losing his girlfriend to another guy—they also include words of encouragement from his male friends.

There are friends who try to guide a man who keeps wanting to reach out, helping him move on.

It’s a song that conveys two kinds of love: romantic love and friendship.

Raise the rankinglower

Highway StarDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Highway Star (Official Video)

Highway StarDeep Purple

The opening track of Deep Purple’s sixth album, Machine Head.

It’s often treated as a kind of textbook piece, packed with the fundamental elements of guitar technique in heavy metal.

Incidentally, the circumstances surrounding the recording of the album that features this song are famously known as a literal blaze.

Raise the rankinglower

Let’s Go Trippin ’65Dick Dale & His Del-tones

Let’s Go Trippin ’65

Let's Go Trippin '65Dick Dale & His Del-tones

A lively track by Dick Dale released in 1965 that evokes the heat of the dance hall—sometimes using a song like this as background music might be a great way to change your mood! Dick, a left-handed guitarist from Boston, debuted in 1958.

Doesn’t it sound like something you’ve heard somewhere before? His music was featured in the films Pulp Fiction and Taxi!

Raise the rankinglower