Cool, popular Western hit songs that are highly regarded

365Zedd, Katy Perry

Zedd, Katy Perry – 365 (Official)

Zedd’s “365” featuring Katy Perry was released and the music video dropped on Valentine’s Day in 2019.

In the MV, Katy Perry is a robot.

It’s a love song about thinking of the other person day and night, and the video is beautifully made.

You can’t take your eyes off robot Katy, and the story’s development is amazing too.

ВодопадомГригорий Лепс

Григорий Лепс Водопадом (official video)

Grigory Leps is an artist from Russia.

While he’s not very well-known in Japan, he enjoys great popularity not only in Russia but also across Europe, especially in the Nordic countries.

His appeal, above all, lies in his “cool, rugged musical style,” don’t you think? He’s just incredibly rugged.

It’s so rugged you might think he’s stepped right out of The Godfather (lol).

His song “Водопадом” is a rock number that really highlights that rugged coolness.

Iron ManBlack Sabbath

Black Sabbath – Iron Man (1970)

This is a song by Black Sabbath, a band you could say laid the groundwork for 70s hard rock and heavy metal.

From the ominous intro, the heavy guitar riffs kick in, and the sound has a powerful low-end that’s really cool.

And the charismatic Ozzy Osbourne’s distinctive vocals are another big part of the appeal.

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Smoke On the Water (Official Music Video)

It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the song everyone listens to first when they buy an electric guitar—a signature track by Deep Purple.

The intro guitar riff is surprisingly simple and straightforward, but I think composing a song like this is actually quite difficult.

Come AliveChromeo feat. Toro y Moi

Chromeo – Come Alive (feat. Toro y Moi) [Official Video]

This is a 2014 collaborative track by Chromeo, the Canadian electro-funk duo, and Toro y Moi, the American musician.

It doesn’t have much of Toro y Moi’s usual chillwave vibe, but it’s a cheerful, poppy tune.

Easier5 Seconds of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer – Easier

An electronic ballad from 5 Seconds of Summer.

The minimalist arrangement that has become their hallmark in recent years highlights the vocals with an alternative sound.

The music video is also distinctive: under lighting drenched in deep blue, vocalist Luke Hemmings sings passionately while his wrists are bound and he’s suspended, creating an atmosphere unlike anything we’ve seen before.

UnderdogAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Underdog (Official Video)

Alicia Keys is an American singer-songwriter known for her husky voice.

While she initially released works rooted mainly in R&B and soul, she later shifted toward dance music and has now settled into heartfelt pop with strong messaging.

Her song “Underdog” exemplifies this message-driven approach, featuring powerful, encouraging lyrics aimed at low-income listeners.

The melody is incredibly cool, and the track is crafted with a serious acoustic sound.