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

Hero Of WarRise Against

Rise Against – Hero Of War

I don’t think it’s easy to sing in a way that truly appeals to people.

In particular, prompting someone to question themselves is even harder.

So what else can we call this Rise Against song, which effortlessly does exactly that with just an acoustic guitar, but a masterpiece?

PerfectEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)

Ed Sheeran released a heartwarming love song in March 2017 that portrays happy moments spent with a loved one.

Filled with gentle warmth, its beautiful melody and lyrics—capturing pure love from his younger days—are deeply influenced by real experiences with his wife.

Included on the album ÷ (Divide), the song won support from a wide audience, and its collaborations with Beyoncé and Andrea Bocelli also became major talking points.

The music video, filmed at a ski resort in Austria, beautifully depicts the artist and his partner close together, and its tender scenes are truly captivating.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to express your feelings to someone special or create unforgettable memories.

FluxEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Flux (Official Video)

A gem of a ballad that delicately captures the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Ellie Goulding’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully portray the feeling of being trapped by a past love.

The simple, piano-centered arrangement enhances the emotion conveyed by the lyrics.

Released in March 2019, the track is included on the album Brightest Blue.

Its black-and-white music video also superbly reflects the song’s world.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or carries unspoken feelings in their heart.

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 “I Want You Back” on The Ed Sullivan Show

The debut single released by America’s Jackson 5 in 1969 is a gem of a pop number that sings of regret over a lost love and a wish to reconcile.

With its catchy melody and rhythmic beat, the track is especially memorable for the powerful vocals of Michael Jackson, who was just 11 years old at the time.

It reached No.

1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts in January 1970, catapulting the Jackson 5 to worldwide fame.

It was also featured in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, winning over a new generation of fans.

This is a perfect song for easing the pain of heartbreak or lifting your spirits.

Sad ForeverLauren Spencer Smith

Lauren Spencer Smith – Sad Forever (Official Video)

A heartfelt ballad crafted by Lauren Spencer Smith, a young singer-songwriter from Canada.

Featured on her October 2023 album “Mirror,” this track lays bare the inner turmoil that accompanies success.

Her powerful yet delicate vocals brilliantly capture the complex feeling of “I should be happy, but somehow I feel sad.” It’s a song that inspires the courage to face oneself in the age of social media.

Recommended for those who want to look inward and for anyone seeking music that stays close to the heart.

By Your Side (In My Mind)Leony

Leony – By Your Side (In My Mind)

Leonie’s new single is a heartwarming track that beautifully portrays the enduring nature of friendship.

Hailing from Germany, she crafts works that resonate deeply with listeners through her emotional vocals and catchy melodies.

The song weaves in memories of youth and hopes for the future, expressing a wish for a 17-year friendship to last another 70 years.

Released on January 9, 2025, the track is drawing attention as the lead single from the album “Oldschool Love.” It’s a recommended listen for anyone who cherishes the bonds of friendship or wants to bask in nostalgic memories.

Too MuchDove Cameron

Dove Cameron – Too Much (Official Visualizer)

American artist Dove Cameron has released an ambitious work that channels the turmoil between self-affirmation and the pressure to meet others’ expectations through a powerful electropop sound.

Cameron, who won a Daytime Emmy in 2018 and is also active as an actress, confronts her inner self in this piece and advocates a way of living unbound by external validation.

The refined, synth-heavy arrangement blends beautifully with operatic vocals reminiscent of early Lady Gaga, resulting in a track that more than lives up to its role as the lead single for her second album.

It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone who wants to reaffirm the importance of living true to oneself.