[2025] Learn English with Western Music! A roundup of the best Western songs for studying English

WaterTyla

Tyla – Water (Official Music Video)

The rising South African singer Tyla released a track in July 2023 that features a distinctive sound blending pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and amapiano.

Its passionate love-themed lyrics and catchy melody are captivating.

A dance challenge on TikTok went viral, boosting its popularity worldwide.

It broke into the UK Singles Chart top 10 and climbed to No.

15 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100.

Nominated for a Grammy, the song became a symbol of Tyla’s international breakthrough.

Its rhythmic lyrics and repeated catchy phrases also make it great for English learners.

Highly recommended for those interested in South Africa’s music scene or looking for fresh sounds.

Too SweetHozier

Hozier – Too Sweet (Official Video)

A track taken from Irish singer-songwriter Hozier’s EP “Unheard,” released in March 2024.

It features a mid-tempo sound that skillfully incorporates blues and soul elements, highlighted by Hozier’s distinctively rich vocals.

The lyrics portray the gap between a night-owl protagonist and their more regimented lover, with the phrase “too sweet” repeated throughout.

Released as a single on March 29, 2024, it reached number one on the charts in seven countries, including Australia and the United States, and drew significant attention, even being selected as a favorite by former U.

S.

President Barack Obama.

For English learners, it could serve as excellent material for picking up native expressions and pronunciation.

As It WasHarry Styles

Harry Styles – As It Was (Official Video)

Harry Styles, a UK-born artist who has become a global solo star.

The tracks from his 2022 album “Harry’s House” are characterized by a buoyant sound that incorporates elements of synth-pop and new wave.

Riding melodies that evoke the music of the ’80s, his powerful delivery of themes like breaking with the past and transforming into a new self is breathtaking.

The songs became massive hits around the world, including spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the UK Singles Chart.

Harry’s expansive, soulful vocals are also great for learning English—not only do they help improve listening skills, but singing along with the lyrics is excellent pronunciation practice.

It’s a perfect track to accompany a drive.

Shake It OffTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

Taylor Swift’s songs, which enjoy immense popularity worldwide, are captivating for their down-to-earth, relatable lyrics.

Released in August 2014, this track is an exhilarating pop number that sings about the strength to rise above criticism and gossip.

The chorus line “Shake it off” is especially memorable, reminding us of the importance of living true to ourselves.

It received high acclaim, including three Grammy nominations in 2015.

The song was also featured in the 2016 animated film Sing.

It’s perfect for learning English, so belt it out at karaoke and boost your English skills along with your positive vibes!

Birds of a FeatherBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish’s song explores deep bonds and love, carried by a gentle, comforting vocal delivery.

Featured on her May 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” the track has drawn attention, including being used in PR for a Netflix drama.

It stands out for its fusion of electropop and ballad elements, highlighted by Eilish’s emotive vocals.

The lyrics convey a strong desire for lasting relationships and a resolve to overcome hardships with a loved one, expressing the complexity of romance and the importance of connection.

As an American singer, her pronunciation and natural linking make the song ideal for learning native speech patterns, and repeated listening can help improve your listening skills.

Stay With MeSam Smith

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

Sam Smith, a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom, enjoys immense popularity around the world.

Their pop music, infused with elements of soul and R&B, captivates listeners with a moving vocal presence.

Featured on the debut album In the Lonely Hour, this song portrays the poignant feelings that follow a one-night relationship.

Its gospel-style chorus and Sam Smith’s emotionally rich singing are particularly striking.

Released in 2014, it climbed high on charts across many countries and received critical acclaim, including two awards at the 57th Grammy Awards.

For English learners, its simple lyrics and clear pronunciation make it ideal for listening practice, and the heartfelt words can help broaden one’s range of emotional expression.

HelloAdele

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

A moving and unforgettable song released in 2015.

It features lyrics filled with deep emotion and vocals that are both powerful and delicate.

Portraying lost relationships and a dialogue with one’s past self, it deals with universal themes that resonate with many people.

As the lead single from the album “25,” it generated huge buzz and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.

The music video was also a massive hit, surpassing 27 million views within 24 hours.

It’s great for learning English as well—listening repeatedly will improve your comprehension, and understanding the emotionally rich lyrics will help you learn natural, native-like expressions.

Why not aim to improve your English while taking in the heartfelt lyrics?