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 recommended Western songs for video creation and BGM (181–190)

take a look aroundLimp Bizkit

♪ Limp bizkit – Take a look around

take a look aroundLimp Bizkit

From the opening narration voice, it’s already a cool track that gets your energy up.

The backing performance—especially the bass’s deep low end and that irresistible groove that makes you want to sway—is fantastic.

Since they’re a rap-core band, the arrangement takes on a more rock-like feel right before the chorus, and the excitement surges all at once.

With that vibe in mind, it’s no wonder this became the theme song for the film Mission: Impossible 2.

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Popular on TikTok too! A collection of Western songs recommended for video creation and BGM (191–200)

Smooth OperatorSade

Sade – Smooth Operator – Official – 1984

Smooth OperatorSade

Sade is a British band rooted in jazz and soul.

They released their debut album, Diamond Life, in 1984, which became a huge hit.

Among its tracks, the standout is Smooth Operator.

Their sound—fusing jazz, bossa nova, soul, and modern elements—is truly unique, and the song remains a classic beloved by many listeners.

This track is also used on TikTok as background music for highlight reels that showcase fans’ favorite moments.

Feel free to use it as a reference.

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99TOTO

Toto – 99

99TOTO

Included on Toto’s second album, Hydra.

Released in 1979.

This work is modeled after George Lucas’s 1971 sci-fi film THX 1138, eight years prior to its release, and its seemingly bland title takes on a deeper meaning through the film.

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Manic MondayThe Bangles

The Bangles – Manic Monday (Official Video)

Manic MondayThe Bangles

The American girl band The Bangles also thrived in the ’80s.

Among rock songs with female vocals, this track has a calm feel, and it’s a pleasant number reminiscent of an old movie’s opening theme.

It makes you want to listen to it in the morning or on a sunny day!

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Blinding LightsThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights (Official Video)

Blinding LightsThe Weeknd

I think it’s perfect for those who love sounds typified by synthwave.

I remember it being used a lot on social media and in challenge videos.

Although his original albums had been on hold since 2016’s ‘Starboy,’ the long-awaited album ‘After Hours’ was released in 2020, and this is a popular song by The Weeknd—whose beautiful voice has grown to make him a leading figure in the R&B scene.

His tracks have been consistently blowing up on TikTok, and this song is among his biggest hits.

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Boom Boom Boom BoomVengaboys

Vengaboys – Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!

Boom Boom Boom BoomVengaboys

It’s a single released in 1998 by the Dutch Eurodance group Vengaboys.

At the time of its release, it was a hit mainly in Northern Europe and also in places like Canada.

In Japan, it was used in a Nissan Wingroad commercial.

The verse that brings Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” to mind, the catchy chorus, and the upbeat rhythm make it fun to dance to.

It became a topic on TikTok mainly around November 2020.

Above all, its approachable feel is its strong point! It’s great for conveying a comical vibe and cuteness.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced lots of Western music BGM up to this point! Did you find any tracks you like? We’ve gathered recommended Western songs—mainly ones trending on TikTok—that are easy to use in any situation.

Feel free to use them as BGM in a variety of settings!