Moving Western songs: classic and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs.
Unlike Japanese music, one of the advantages of Western music is that you can be moved by the mood of the melody even if you don’t know the lyrics.
This time, I’ve selected Western songs that are especially moving.
In the first half, I’ve prioritized commercially successful works and well-known tracks.
In the second half, I’ve gathered truly moving Western masterpieces, regardless of their popularity or commercial scale.
If you’re well-versed in Western music, you’ll likely encounter masterpieces you haven’t heard before in the latter half—so be sure to check them out!
- Most Moving Western Songs Ranking [2025]
- Tear-jerking Western songs: The world's recommended weep-inducing tracks
- Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
- [2025] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended masterpieces
- Emotional Western Music Special | Handpicked from All Generations
- Great songs, moving Western music. World-famous and popular songs that resonate with the heart.
- Classic Western songs to listen to when you want to cry: the world’s tearjerker songs and popular tracks for shedding tears
- Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.
- Tear-jerking, moving songs in Western music
- Emotional Western classics you’ll want to sing at karaoke: the world’s most moving songs
- Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Hidden gems of moving Western songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Touching Western songs recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits
Moving Western songs: Classic and popular emotional songs of the world (21–30)
MirrorsJustin Tinberlake
Justin Timberlake’s song “Mirrors” is captivating for its lyrics, which are filled with metaphors and have a mysterious, almost cryptic quality.
When it was released, fans buzzed with various interpretations, asking what the lyrics really meant.
Sign of the TimesHarry Styles
The first solo single from Harry Styles, a former member of the hugely popular boy band One Direction, which is effectively on hiatus.
It’s a mature track that marks a stark shift from the poppy, catchy image he had before.
The depth of the lyrics leaves you quietly pondering.
Moving Western songs: masterworks and popular picks among the world’s most emotional songs (31–40)
Firestone ft. Conrad SewellKygo
This song delivers a warm yet bittersweet emotion that strikes the heart on a summer evening.
Created by Norwegian artist Kygo and Australian singer Conrad Sewell, it was released in December 2014 and helped bring the tropical house genre to global prominence.
Light, breezy sounds woven from steel drums and marimba are layered with Sewell’s powerful, soulful vocals to express deep feelings for a loved one.
As its achievement of reaching No.
1 in Norway and entering the top 10 in many countries attests, it is a masterpiece that moves countless listeners.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to reminisce about a summer romance or feel the bond with someone special.
Take On Mea-ha
This is Take On Me, the smash hit released by the Norwegian band a-ha.
It’s an upbeat synth-pop track about making a bold move on someone you’re not quite in a relationship with yet.
The music video, which blends live-action and animation, is also a major highlight.
Good DaysSZA
A gem of a ballad that sings of the journey from the deep darkness of emotion to the light was released in December 2020 by American R&B singer SZA.
This moving masterpiece portrays the strength to hold on to hope while being trapped by past pain and complicated relationships.
Set to a dreamy sound that weaves neo-soul and psychedelic elements, it delicately expresses self-reflection and inner turmoil.
For those struggling with heartbreak or life’s uncertainties, and for moments when you want to sort out your feelings, this song will gently stay by your side and become a source of support for many listeners.
Teardrops On My GuitarTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s 2007 release “Teardrops On My Guitar” still carries a girlish innocence and the guitar-driven melodies that reflect her former country roots.
While Taylor is now synonymous with pop, I highly recommend giving her early country songs a listen.
Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis
Oasis, the Manchester-born band that made their name resound across the globe as a standard-bearer of Britpop, released a classic song in February 1996 that delivers an uplifting message of hope and resonates deeply with the heart.
This track, the first to feature Noel Gallagher as lead vocalist, sings about letting go of past anger and hate and moving forward toward a brighter future.
Beginning with a beautiful piano intro heavily influenced by the Beatles and building into a majestic chorus, the song’s structure is breathtaking.
It debuted at number one in the UK and later became a symbol of solidarity and hope in the midst of sorrow when it was sung at a memorial gathering after the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.