Cool, popular Western hit songs that are highly regarded

Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon

GIVĒON – Heartbreak Anniversary (Official Music Video)

Giveon is a singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming popularity in the contemporary R&B scene.

He’s even been nominated for a Grammy, so if you regularly listen to Western music, you’ve probably heard of him.

Among his works, the track I especially recommend is Heartbreak Anniversary.

It’s one of his signature songs.

It’s a gentle R&B love song, but because his vocals are so soulful, if you focus just on the melody, it comes across as a cool ballad.

LOST YOUSnoh Aalegra

Snoh Aalegra – LOST YOU

Snow Allegra is a Swedish-born singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles.

If you keep up with Black music, you probably know her.

Her sound is centered on R&B, uniquely blended with smooth jazz and smooth soul.

Her style is reminiscent of Sade.

Among her work, the especially cool track I recommend is LOST YOU.

Its deep smooth-soul vibe is exquisitely cool—be sure to check it out.

DFMUElla Mai

Ella Mai – DFMU (Official Music Video)

In Japan, when we say a “cool” track, it’s usually a sharp, hard-hitting rock sound.

Of course, those songs are cool too, but some of you might be getting tired of that kind of obvious standard, right? For those people, I recommend this track: DFMU.

It’s a masterpiece by Ella Mai, a leading female singer-songwriter in the contemporary UK R&B scene, crafted into a refined slow jam.

If you want to savor a cool, deep track, this is a must-check.

SixteenThomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett – Sixteen

“Sixteen” is a track from American country-pop singer Thomas Rhett’s third album, Life Changes, released in September 2017.

In the song, the 25-year-old narrator laughs with his wife as he reminisces about how he used to think of nothing but turning sixteen—saying he’d do anything to be sixteen because it seemed cool and free.

It’s a song that naturally brings back memories of one’s own past and stirs a nostalgic feeling.

Treat You BetterShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better

Shawn Mendes is a singer-songwriter from Canada, and this song is an emotional track where he sings to a girl he likes, telling her that her boyfriend doesn’t deserve her and that he would treat her better.

With his fresh looks and outstanding vocal ability, his future success is definitely something to watch.

ClassicMKTO

MKTO – Classic (Official Video)

MKTO is an American pop duo, and this song is a bright, fun track that’s perfect for lifting your mood.

It’s a cool piece with stylish, witty lyrics—like the line, “In a world of plastic, you’re so classic.”

Problem With YouSabrina Claudio

Sabrina Claudio – Problem With You (Official Acoustic Video)

Sabrina Claudio is a female singer-songwriter whose distinctive R&B has won her widespread popularity.

She’s especially beloved in today’s R&B scene, and one of the key reasons behind her success is her exceptional songwriting ability.

Her musical style blends slow-jam R&B with various genres, and it impresses me every time.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Problem With You.

Its serious yet sensual vocals could be considered a pinnacle of R&B sung by a woman.