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

BABY I’M BACKThe Kid LAROI

The Kid LAROI – BABY I’M BACK (Official Audio)

The artist behind this luminous fusion of melodic pop and hip-hop is The Kid LAROI, a young rapper and singer-songwriter from Australia.

Released in August 2024 as part of the deluxe edition of his debut album, The First Time, the track symbolizes LAROI’s growth and transformation.

Sampling an iconic song from the 1980s, it blends a contemporary sound with his distinctive vocals.

The lyrics, which attempt to reconnect with past emotions and relationships, deftly capture the thrill of success, its costs, and a lingering sense of loneliness—resonating deeply with fans.

Heartbreaker From TennesseeDasha

Dasha – Heartbreaker From Tennessee (Official Audio)

Set to a blend of country and pop, this standout track by Dasha looks back on a brief romance with a man from Tennessee.

Marked by moody guitar riffs and a smoky beat, the song vividly captures the sting of heartbreak and the introspection that follows.

Released in November 2024, it serves as the closing chapter of Dasha’s debut album, What Happens Now?.

2024 was a breakout year for Dasha, highlighted by RIAA platinum certification for “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).” It’s a song that offers solace to anyone trying to move past the bitter aftertaste of love.

Summer BabyJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Summer Baby (Official Lyric Video)

A warm-hearted pop tune by America’s Jonas Brothers that sings of simple yet profound love.

Set to a gentle melody that savors happiness, the song expresses the bond with a partner and gratitude for family.

Radiating the warmth of a midsummer sunbeam, this piece is included on their May 2023 release, “The Album.” The emotional vocals and polished production blend beautifully, skillfully fusing elements of pop and country.

It’s a tender, family-love-filled number that only three brothers who have performed together for years could create—perfect as background music for a weekend drive or a relaxing café time with someone special.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear especially when your heart feels a little tired.

Every Summertimeniki

NIKI – Every Summertime (Official Video)

A bittersweet coming-of-age story spun by NIKI, an artist from Jakarta, Indonesia.

This heartwarming song gently captures universal moments of love—like tender memories with a partner she met in America and the nervousness of introducing a boyfriend to her father for the first time.

Included on the soundtrack album for Marvel’s film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, it was released in August 2021 and climbed the charts across various Asian countries.

It also comes with the remarkable anecdote of having been created in just one hour.

Its bright, poppy rhythm is perfect for a May afternoon drive under fresh green leaves or as background music for a weekend picnic.

With a soothing melody that wraps around the feeling of being in love, it stays close to the heart.

Slow HandsNiall Horan

Niall Horan – Slow Hands (Official Lyric Video)

Irish pop singer Niall Horan gained worldwide recognition as a member of the boy band One Direction and made his solo debut in 2017.

Influenced by Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, he’s known for a warm vocal style that blends folk and pop.

He won Favorite Breakout Artist at the 2017 People’s Choice Awards and has collected numerous awards since.

His album Flicker reached No.

1 in both the United States and Ireland, proving his strength as a solo artist.

In 2023, he served as a coach on the popular audition show The Voice, leading a winner from his own team.

He’s a recommended artist for those who enjoy gentle vocals, guitar-driven performances, and songs with folk-pop elements.

LifelinePapa Roach

Papa Roach – Lifeline

A track from Papa Roach, a driving force in the American rock scene, that carries a passionate, message-filled punch.

Centered on themes of youth, growth, and self-discovery, its powerful vocals resonate with the feelings of people facing economic crisis.

Released in 2009 and included on the album Metamorphosis, this song gives you the courage to hold onto hope even in hard times.

The beautiful harmony woven by the guitar riffs and catchy melodies signals a new frontier for Papa Roach.

Featured in the Rock Band series and Band Hero, it gained broad support from a wide audience.

It’s a track that stands by your side when you want to keep moving forward, or when you need the courage to take a new step.

Girl on FireAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Official Video)

When you feel like you’re about to be overwhelmed by hardship, this is a song that awakens your inner strength and gives you the courage to rise.

Released by American artist Alicia Keys in September 2012, it powerfully portrays an ordinary girl igniting her passion and overcoming adversity.

Featured on the album “Girl on Fire,” the track captured hearts worldwide following its debut at the MTV Video Music Awards.

While rooted in R&B, it’s distinguished by its innovative sound that incorporates elements of electro and hip-hop.

It’s a song I highly recommend when you’re losing sight of your own worth or when you’ve hit a wall and can’t move forward.