Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
These days, thanks to platforms like TikTok, people have more opportunities to encounter Western music.
As you dive deeper into it, some of you may find yourselves wanting to discover tracks that feel more stylish and high-sense.
For those readers, we’ve handpicked songs from the canon of Western classics that are especially tasteful.
Given the nature of this article’s theme, there will inevitably be fewer mainstream hits.
In their place, we’ll introduce lesser-known gems that only the initiated may recognize—perfect for anyone eager to explore Western music on a deeper level.
Stylish Western Music | Little-Known, Chic Masterpieces Make an Appearance! (1–10)
Eastsidebenny blanco, Halsey & Khalid
This song paints the sweetness of youthful memories and the harshness of reality, set to a sentimental melody.
Brought to life by the star-studded collaboration of American artists Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid, it was released in July 2018 and became a global hit.
It deftly captures the purity of first love and the gap between dreams and reality, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s recommended for those who reminisce about young love and for anyone who still wants to chase their dreams as an adult.
With its pop, catchy melody and the distinctive vocals of all three artists, it’s an irresistibly appealing track.
I Like Me BetterLauv
The love song by American singer-songwriter Lauv brilliantly captures the exhilaration of falling in love.
Based on his experiences at age 18 in New York, it expresses the feeling of liking yourself more when you’re with the person you love.
Released in May 2017, the track became a global hit.
It was also featured in the trailer for the film “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” gaining even more attention.
It’s a perfect song for young people excited about romance in a new environment, and for anyone who wants to cherish the time spent with someone special.
Lost in JapanShawn Mendes
This is a song overflowing with sweet longing and a spirit of adventure.
Released in March 2018 by Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, it portrays feelings for a lover far away.
The lyrics—said to be inspired by a scene from a dream—deftly capture the exhilaration of falling in love and the earnest desire to see the one you love.
Its mature sound, blending elements of pop, R&B, and funk, showcases Mendes’s musical range.
It’s a recommended track for those in a long-distance relationship or anyone whose heart is fluttering at the start of a new romance.
LocationKhalid
A sophisticated sonic world woven by Khalid, an artist from the United States.
This song, which portrays the pure love of youth, features sparse arrangements and a striking chord progression.
Released in May 2016, it catapulted to fame after being featured on Kylie Jenner’s Snapchat.
It peaked at No.
16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated at the 60th Grammy Awards.
The lyrics, which express a desire to connect across distance, reflect contemporary views on romance.
A recommended track for those troubled by love or seeking something pure.
Carry your own weight Feat. Jason MrazBuika
Buika is a songstress who represents Spain—an accomplished artist known to those in the know, with vocal prowess that ranks among the very best in the world.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend for its impeccable taste is “Carry Your Own Weight (feat.
Jason Mraz).” It’s a collaboration with Jason Mraz, famous for his many cross-artist projects, and it blends elements reminiscent of nuevo flamenco and R&B into a uniquely cohesive sound.
She has many other sophisticated tracks as well, so let this article be your gateway to exploring Buika’s music.
Paris in the RaiLauv
Let me introduce a heartwarming love song by Lauv, a singer-songwriter from the United States.
Its unique sound blends pop, indie, and R&B, featuring soft, warm vocals that harmonize beautifully with a light piano melody.
The lyrics are striking in how they liken special moments with a lover to rain in Paris, conveying the message that time spent with the person you love matters more than physical places or expensive things.
Released in October 2017, it was later included on the 2018 album “I Met You When I Was 18.
(The Playlist).” It’s a perfect song for when you want to feel the happiness of spending time with someone special.
Someone That Loves YouHONNE & Izzy Bizu
A gem of a duet from UK-based electronic soul duo HONNE and singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu.
Delicately portraying the turmoil of a forbidden love, this track appears on their July 2016 album Warm on a Cold Night.
Its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody resonate deeply, while the fusion of electronic and soul is captivating.
It’s a perfect song for anyone grappling with the complexities and conflicts of love.
Since forming in 2014, HONNE have steadily gained popularity and drew further attention through their collaboration with BTS’s RM.