When you’re hurting and feel like you want to disappear… timeless Western songs to listen to at times like these

Here I Go AgainWhitesnake

Whitesnake – Here I Go Again ’87 (Official Music Video)

A song written in Portugal by Whitesnake’s leader, David Coverdale.

Although it’s generally considered an inspiring song about facing challenges, it was originally about loneliness.

It was inspired by Coverdale’s relationship with his first wife, Julia, during his first marriage.

Fade Into YouMazzy Star

Mazzy Star – Fade Into You (Official Music Video)

Within its fragile, melancholic melody, yearning and deep affection melt together.

Mazzy Star’s signature song portrays the anguish of longing for unity with another while knowing it can’t be realized, set against a dreamlike soundscape.

Brimming with the essence of one of America’s defining alternative rock bands, this work was included on the October 1993 album “So Tonight That I Might See” and was released as a single the following year.

The black-and-white music video aired on MTV is memorable for its performance scenes in a dim, burlesque-era ballroom.

Featured in numerous films and TV dramas, including “Gilmore Girls” and “CSI,” it carries a timeless allure.

It’s a song that stays with you on dark days, a companion for nights when you want to quietly reexamine your feelings alone.

HallelujahPentatonix

Hallelujah – Pentatonix (From A Pentatonix Christmas Special)

Leonard Cohen’s 1984 release “Hallelujah” has been reborn as a beautifully resonant hymn by the American five-member a cappella group Pentatonix.

In its majestic, divine soundscape, I feel a sense of gratitude for having been given life in this world.

The word “hallelujah” is used in Christianity to express joy and thanks, but to us Japanese listeners, doesn’t it also evoke a bright, uplifting scene? Encountering such a great work makes our own worries feel small, doesn’t it?

Nessun DormaPlacido Domingo

Nessun Dorma – Placido Domingo

Nessun Dorma, known as the signature aria from the opera Turandot, is one of the most famous pieces in opera and is beloved by listeners around the world.

As an operatic aria, its lyrics are highly complex, but on a surface level it can be taken as a song about having courage.

More than the lyrics, the melody is truly outstanding, so listening to it when you’re feeling down can lift your spirits.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Lonely AvenueRay Charles

Ray Charles – Lonely Avenue

A song written by Doc Pomus.

It was released as a single in 1956.

It is said to have been one of the first songs The Beatles rehearsed when they started as a group.

The song has been covered by many artists, including the Everly Brothers and Los Lobos.

To ZionLauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill – To Zion

Ms.

Lauryn Hill, known as a leading artist in neo-soul.

In Japan, she’s famous for her starring role in the film Sister Act 2.

Her renowned song To Zion was written when she became pregnant and portrays her resolve to live strongly as a mother.

The melody leans toward soul music, so fans of Black music will likely enjoy it.

It’s also a song I’d especially recommend to parents and to anyone feeling down or struggling with their mood.

Cool KidsEchosmith

Echosmith – Cool Kids [Official Music Video]

Echosmith is an indie pop band from Southern California, formed in 2009.

This song, which sings about the feelings and hopes of boys and girls who want to be noticed, is a track from their debut album, Talking Dreams, released in 2013.