Moving Western songs: classic and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs.

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

It’s a song by the British rock band Oasis that captures a faint hope and a sense of loneliness—the feeling that someone might come to save you.

Sung over an acoustic backdrop, it conveys a heartfelt plea for a “wonder wall” of sorts, a presence that could rescue the singer.

The protagonist’s yearning for help from someone dear, even while burdened by anxiety and solitude, is something many can relate to.

Featured on the classic 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and released as a single the same year, the song’s music video won a BRIT Award in 1996.

When you’re a bit worn out by life or facing a vague unease at night, listening to this track might let its warmth seep into your heart and give you the courage to lean on someone.

Feeling GoodNina Simone

Nina Simone – Feeling Good (Official Video)

Nina Simone, whom it’s no exaggeration to call one of the greatest singers in American music history.

During her lifetime, she actively took part in the civil rights movement and, transcending the boundaries of being an artist, influenced countless people.

Among her works, the one that is especially moving is Feeling Good.

Its lyrics carry a sense of hard-won wisdom about life, inspiring not tears but a spine-tingling kind of emotion.

If you love the blues, be sure to give it a listen.

Viva La VidaColdplay

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

This is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, whose grand strings portray the sorrow of a king who has lost his power, striking straight at the heart.

Released in May 2008 from the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” many will remember it for winning Song of the Year at the 51st Grammy Awards.

You may also have heard it in Apple’s iPod commercials.

Among fans, it enjoys overwhelming popularity as “majestic yet bittersweet,” and “like an anthem for life.” The protagonist’s emptiness—“I once ruled the world, and now I sleep alone”—echoes the hollow feeling that can follow great success.

Reflecting on the fragility of life revealed only after reaching the top makes you want to cherish the happiness you have now.

Lover, You Should’ve Come OverJeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley – Lover, You Should’ve Come Over (Official Video)

This is an achingly beautiful soul ballad left behind by the legendary American singer Jeff Buckley, who died far too young at 30.

It sings of the helpless regret and burning longing after a breakup.

If you’ve ever let go of someone precious because of youthful mistakes, you’ll likely find this song deeply relatable.

Wishing “I wanted you to come see me,” only to realize it’s too late—those feelings with nowhere to go are truly painful.

The track appears on the classic album Grace and was also featured in the drama FlashForward.

Even decades after its August 1994 release, it continues to move hearts.

On a quiet night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, you might let yourself sink into this heavenly voice.

I Love U in MePrince

I Love U in Me

Prince, an American singer-songwriter whose exceptional musicality earned him extremely high acclaim from hardcore music enthusiasts around the world.

He was a hugely successful artist in the 1980s, and thanks to his popularity and uncompromising musical vision, he was often discussed as a counterpart to Michael Jackson at the time.

One of his moving masterpieces is I Love U in Me.

While the title is difficult to translate, it basically conveys the idea of someone as precious as oneself, or someone cherished as if they were a part of oneself.

It’s a work that depicts profoundly deep love—let yourself be swept away by this masterpiece, whose melody alone is enough to move you.

Eblouie par la nuitZAZ

ZAZ – Eblouie par la nuit (Clip officiel)

Zaz, the most beloved female singer in France.

In today’s French music scene, she is the most popular and adored by the most fans.

While her charming personality is one factor, the top reason is surely her high musicality and vocal technique.

In “Éblouie par la nuit,” you can savor both her musicianship and vocals—it’s a moving masterpiece.

The lyrics are crafted to be very intricate, making their true meaning hard to grasp, but be sure to check the Japanese translation and find your own interpretation.

Amiga MiaAlejandro Sanz

Alejandro Sanz – “Amiga Mia” (Video Oficial)

Alejandro Sanz is a singer-songwriter from Spain.

He is extremely popular in his home country and has won the Latin Grammy Awards 14 times.

His global recognition has also grown recently thanks to his collaboration with Camila Cabello.

“Amiga Mía,” released in 1997, is a classic Latin pop ballad.

Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, its highly polished, moving melody will resonate with you.