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: Top 1–10 masterpieces and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs
When I Was Your ManBruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a singer-songwriter from Hawaii whose husky voice and sophisticated musicality have earned him high acclaim around the world.
He has produced a variety of hit songs, and among them, one of the most popular ballads is When I Was Your Man.
It’s a heartbreak song that portrays regret toward an ex-girlfriend—thoughts like “I should have done this” and “I should have said that.” For men fresh off a breakup, a handkerchief is a must.
See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa
The Fast & Furious series is hugely popular in Japan as well.
Among its songs, See You Again—written as the theme for Furious 7—is a tear-jerking track about brotherhood.
During the filming of the movie, lead actor Paul Walker passed away in a car accident.
While the world was steeped in grief, Charlie Puth, who had also lost a friend in a car accident, poured his feelings for him and his thoughts on an unending friendship into this song.
It’s a moving piece that calls out, “I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again,” celebrating a bond that never fades.
HelloAdele
Adele is a singer-songwriter who represents the United Kingdom.
One of her signature works, Hello, was released as a single in 2015.
Its melody blends soul and pop, creating a mature atmosphere.
The lyrics portray a woman who has committed some kind of wrongdoing and wants to apologize to the man she broke up with.
It’s probably about infidelity of some sort, and those who have had a similar experience may find the song deeply moving.
Lose You To Love MeSelena Gomez
Lose You to Love Me, released as the lead single from Selena Gomez’s third album Rare in 2019, is a pop ballad distinguished by its lyrical poignancy.
The song pairs a grand, sweeping feel with a bittersweet melody that is deeply appealing.
While much of the lyricism leans into abstraction, that very quality makes it widely relatable.
It’s a moving piece I recommend to anyone feeling worn down by life.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Your PowerBillie Eilish
This is a song released in 2021 by singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, who had a major breakthrough with “Bad Guy.” Many people have been moved by her courageous statements and the meaningful messages in her music.
With “Your Power,” what she wanted to convey was: “Don’t abuse your power.” Between men and women, there is, literally, a difference in power, and in workplaces, at home, and within relationships, there are people who flaunt their authority and try to control others.
Because of that, there are many people who have been hurt—far more than we hear about.
This song both heals the hearts of many and speaks up on their behalf with an important message.
Stay With MeSam Smith
The single “Stay with Me,” included on Sam Smith’s debut album In the Lonely Hour.
This song is the work that brought Sam Smith worldwide recognition, achieving mega-hit status by reaching number one on the charts not only in the UK but also in countries like Canada and New Zealand.
The lyrics portray the bittersweet dilemma of an adult who knows it’s just a one-night affair yet still wants the other person to stay.
Sam Smith has come out as gay, so it’s possible the song also reflects a same-sex romantic perspective.
It’s a deeply moving piece—be sure to check it out.
High HopesPanic! At The Disco
One of Panic! at the Disco’s signature songs, “High Hopes,” was released in 2018 as the second single from their sixth album, Pray for the Wicked.
For a time, the band’s strong messaging sparked debate due to its significant influence, but this track became a turning point that earned them wider public recognition.
The lyrics convey the importance of keeping your hopes high no matter how tough things get.
It’s an inspiring, uplifting anthem—perfect for anyone who’s feeling worn out, so be sure to give it a listen.