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

Live to TellMadonna

Live to Tell

This is a song called “Live To Tell,” released by Madonna, a legend of pop.

It’s the kind of song that only someone who has lived as a global star could write.

It’s undeniably a moving track that captures her strength and resilience as a woman.

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

Bruno Mars has a ton of great songs.

It’s okay to be your true self.

If you listen while telling yourself that—reflecting on whether you might not be as straightforward as the chorus keeps repeating, “it’s okay to be yourself”—you might find it worthwhile.

Momma SongBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Momma Song (Official Music Video)

Benson Boone, a young American talent who drew attention through his American Idol appearance and growing popularity on social media, is the focus here.

The work introduced here is a moving ballad he released in May 2025, singing of his boundless love and gratitude for his mother.

As you listen, the bittersweet feelings of thinking about the mother waiting in a distant hometown—and the warmth of the love he received from her—seem to melt into your heart along the beautiful piano melody.

The gentle piano tones intertwine with his delicate vocals, quietly touching the listener’s heartstrings.

This touching track is also included on his second album, American Heart, slated for release in June 2025.

It’s a song that will be there for you when you want to express gratitude to your family.

LandslideFleetwood Mac

Landslide (2017 Remaster)

This is a song called “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.

As we grow up, the way we think and see things changes compared to the past, doesn’t it? Sometimes those changes can be confusing and troubling, right? In those moments, try listening to this song.

It’s one I really recommend reading the lyrics along with, too.

Say It Backd4vd

d4vd – Say It Back (Official Lyric Video)

Isn’t this a track whose deeply permeating piano arpeggios stir the listener’s emotions? Hailing from the United States, the up-and-coming singer-songwriter David began his career by composing his own background music for gameplay videos, later gaining major attention after a viral hit on social media.

This piece sets the aching sorrow of unrequited love and the frustration of unanswered feelings to a beautiful piano melody that ebbs and flows like the tide.

At times gentle and at times impassioned, the melody seems to voice the protagonist’s inner cries.

Included on his debut album “WITHERED,” released in April 2025, it’s an essential song for understanding David’s artistic world alongside works like his EPs “Petals to Thorns” and “The Lost Petals.” Listen on nights when your feelings for someone special are overflowing, or when you want something to quietly sit with your heart—the piano’s tones are sure to wrap you in warmth.

blueYung Kayo

yung kai – blue (official music video)

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Young Kai is known for a distinctive style that skillfully blends indie, R&B, and pop.

He originally began as a producer making beats for YouTube, then posted cover songs, and made his debut as an artist in the spring of 2024.

Woven from gentle acoustic guitar melodies and a wistful, resonant vocal, this work beautifully portrays eternal promises with a loved one and tranquil moments spent in nature.

Inspired by the Chinese drama “When I Fly Towards You,” the piece has become a viral hit for its pure view of love and emotionally rich, poetic expression, resonating with many listeners.

Counting StarsOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

This is a work released in June 2013 by OneRepublic, a pop-rock band from the United States.

It expresses the emotions of modern people swayed by materialism and anxiety about the future through an impressive folk-pop sound.

Included on the 2013 album “Native,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

1 in the UK.

Used in the end credits of the film “Earth to Echo” and in the TV drama “Rookie Blue,” this song offers courage and hope in the face of adversity.

It also makes a great background track for school sports days, encouraging a spirit of challenge.