[2025] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended masterpieces

The Ghost Of YouMy Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance – The Ghost Of You [Official Music Video – 4K Film Restored]

In 2020, My Chemical Romance—whose miraculous reunion and long-awaited return to Japan at Download Japan 2020 have been making headlines—released a classic rock ballad on their 2004 second album.

Gerard Way’s earnest vocals and the melody are deeply moving.

Be sure to check out the music video for this track as well; its dramatic sound and tragic storyline are guaranteed to bring you to tears.

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

It’s a song that’s well-known in Japan too.

It’s been used countless times as background music, and on Japanese TV shows it’s usually played during the moving scenes of Unbelievable’s emotional reenactment dramas.

Daniel Powter practically conquered the world with this song, and I think you’ll understand its persuasive power once you listen to it.

TRUTH IN THE LIES (FEAT. LIL DURK)Central Cee

CENTRAL CEE – TRUTH IN THE LIES (FEAT. LIL DURK) (MUSIC VIDEO)

Steeped in an introspective mood, this work is the first collaborative track between British rapper Central Cee and American rapper Lil Durk.

Sampling Ne-Yo’s classic “So Sick,” the song is striking and poignantly voices emotions wavering between love and betrayal.

It appears on Central Cee’s debut album, “Can’t Rush Greatness,” released in January 2025, and its music video features the duo performing against the backdrop of the streets of Paris.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone struggling with matters of the heart or who enjoys emotionally charged tracks.

Nothing Compares 2 U (2009 Remaster)Sinéad O’Connor

Nothing Compares 2 U (2009 Remaster)

This is “Nothing Compares 2 U,” the signature song by Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer-songwriter known for her stylish shaved-head look.

Right after a breakup, you might find yourself with more time alone and even feel refreshed.

But loneliness inevitably follows.

This is a song that gently stays by your side in those moments.

All of MeJohn Legend

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)

The ultimate love ballad that sings of unconditional love for a cherished partner continues to move the hearts of many.

This song, dedicated by American artist John Legend to his now wife Chrissy Teigen, portrays a deep affection that cherishes even a partner’s perfect imperfections.

Set to a simple piano melody, the lyrics express an ideal form of love in which two people fully accept each other, stirring listeners’ emotions.

Released as a single in August 2013, it became a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.

Beloved by couples around the world, it remains a go-to song to enrich special moments with loved ones, such as weddings and anniversaries.

Always On My MindWillie Nelson

Always On My Mind

His singing seeps into your heart, carried by a strolling tempo and a jazz-tinged arrangement.

This is “Always On My Mind,” performed by singer-songwriter Willie Nelson, who was chosen as one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

As he’s also a guitarist, be sure to listen closely to his gentle guitar solo as well.

CreepRadiohead

Radiohead – Creep

Needless to say, it’s a classic.

Hearing the four-on-the-floor count-in before this song kicks in makes fans thrilled.

Until last year, the band had declared this song off-limits, making it one of those tracks you wanted to hear but couldn’t.

Now that it’s been brought back, any fan would be on the verge of fainting.