Foreign Love Songs: A Collection of Popular Overseas Love & Romance Songs [2025]

5 Years TimeNoah and the Whale

Noah And The Whale – 5 Years Time

Noah and the Whale is a British rock band formed in 2006.

Their song “5 Years Time” was first released in 2007 but received little attention; it was re-released in 2008 and finally gained recognition.

Overseas, it was used in a 2015 Volkswagen Golf commercial.

For My Hand feat. Ed SheeranBurna Boy

Burna Boy – For My Hand feat. Ed Sheeran [Official Music Video]

“For My Hand feat.

Ed Sheeran,” in which the simple lyric “Hold my hand” is repeated many times, is a stylish mid-tempo number by Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy featuring fellow singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

The straightforward groove they create makes it very easy to listen to, and if you’ve been hesitant—thinking, “I want to try listening to an English love song, but English songs seem difficult…”—why not give this track a try?

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Shape of You” was a massive success worldwide.

Released in 2017, the track rode the wave of then-trending tropical house and, combined with Ed Sheeran’s star power, went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Unlike a typical love song, its lyrics vividly yet endearingly portray a young man’s feelings as he looks at an older woman in a sexual light.

Need Your Love feat. Noah KahanGryffin & Seven Lions

Gryffin & Seven Lions – Need Your Love feat. Noah Kahan (Lyric Video)

This song that sings “I need you” makes it painfully clear how deeply the singer longs for someone, even if you’re not very good at English.

The male vocalist’s clear, translucent voice goes straight to the heart, and it’s a song that makes you think, “I wish I could love someone like this.” Be sure to put it on heavy rotation!

D.U.M.B.Jaden

Jaden – D.U.M.B. (Music video)

An emotional song themed around young love and self-discovery, featuring an upbeat, energetic track that leaves a strong impression.

It’s a piece that showcases Jayden’s growth and musical evolution.

Released on October 4, 2024, the track is included on the EP “2024: A Case Study of the Long Term Effects of Young Love,” set to be released on October 18 of the same year.

The music video was filmed at Salvation Mountain in California, where the vibrant scenery visually expresses the song’s themes.

It’s a track that resonates with young people struggling with the complexities of love and the journey of self-exploration.

Don’t Wake Me UpJonas Blue, Why Don’t We

Jonas Blue, Why Don’t We – Don’t Wake Me Up (Official Video)

Jonas Blue, a popular DJ from the UK who has released many hits in the tropical house genre, dropped a collaboration track with the American boy band Why Don’t We titled “Don’t Wake Me Up” in January 2022.

True to Jonas’s style, it’s a chic, pop-infused dance track with a glamorous yet slightly bittersweet melody.

The bouncing piano riff and the sweet vocals of Why Don’t We deliver an irresistibly catchy performance.

If they told you, “I finally found you,” many listeners would surely feel their hearts skip a beat.

That said, the overall lyrics can also be read as lingering feelings for someone after a breakup, which makes the phrase “don’t wake me up” in the title all the more poignant.

If you’re interested, try reading a Japanese translation of the lyrics and then give the song another listen.

Running Up That HillKate Bush

Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill – Official Music Video

Speaking of the most surprising revival hit of 2022, it would have to be Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Originally released in 1985, the song was prominently featured in Netflix’s series Stranger Things 4 and went on to top streaming charts in multiple countries.

Remarkably, it reached No.

8 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart—the highest position of Kate’s career—leaving a strong impression on many.

Those who remember the era might recall that the song was introduced in Japan under the title “Shinpi no Oka,” while many younger listeners likely discovered it for the first time through its revival success.

While “Shinpi no Oka” captivates with the striking beauty of its melody and Kate’s truly otherworldly vocals, the lyrics themselves can be seen as a curveball love song: they suggest that if two people in love could switch places and experience each other’s perspective, they would deepen their understanding.

If you watched the show, you might find new insights by revisiting it with the song’s lyrics in mind!