[2025 Edition] Western songs to listen to in May: A roundup of recommended popular tracks

Please Please PleaseSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please

A country-tinged track from American artist Sabrina Carpenter wrapped in a disco-pop vibe.

With ironic lyrics, it brilliantly captures the complexities of love.

While worrying about her partner’s actions, the protagonist’s sensitivity and concern for appearances are conveyed through Sabrina’s warm vocals, offering comfort to listeners.

Released in June 2024 and nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, the track appears on the album “Short n’ Sweet.” It became Sabrina’s first No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in countries around the world, including Australia and the UK.

The music video features her real-life boyfriend, actor Barry Keoghan, and unfolds in a way that evokes Bonnie and Clyde.

It’s a perfect recommendation for May, when you’re settling into a new routine yet carrying a small doubt in your heart.

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)

This is a heart-stirring pop number by American artist Chappell Roan, woven from her own experiences.

With a wistful yet steadfast voice, she powerfully conveys hidden feelings and the struggle for identity.

Released in April 2024, this gem portrays the complexities of love from a queer perspective.

It’s packed with new facets of an artist who also received high acclaim for the album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Its powerful melodies and resonant lyrics evoke universal empathy as a story of heartbreak, regret, and self-discovery that anyone can relate to.

Perfect for a Golden Week drive or spending time with someone special.

It also works beautifully as an uplifting song to gently encourage those feeling anxious in a new environment.

ShiversEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shivers [Official Video]

May often has a negative image in Japan—think “May blues” and the rainy season.

When you listen to music, you want something as empowering as possible, right? That’s where Shivers comes in.

Released by Ed Sheeran in 2021, it became a global hit.

While the song itself follows an orthodox pop style, its real charm lies in the lyrics.

They’re highly sensual, and just reading them can make you feel like falling in love—and give you a real boost of energy!

Levitating Featuring DaBabyDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Levitating Featuring DaBaby (Official Music Video)

A heart-thumping pop track where sweet, bittersweet, and energetic feelings of love fuse with a ’70s disco sound.

It’s a song from British artist Dua Lipa’s March 2020 album, Future Nostalgia, whose bold metaphor of a cosmic adventure for romance hits home.

The catchy melody and danceable rhythm brilliantly capture the buoyant happiness of feeling like you’re floating in love.

In October 2020, a version featuring rapper DaBaby was released, taking its momentum even further.

Its striking music video, made in collaboration with TikTok, and its use in NBA promotional footage for the 2020–21 season drew widespread attention.

It’s a perfect pick-me-up for long-weekend drives or whenever you’re feeling down.

Good 4 UOlivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u (Official Video)

A refreshing breakup song crafted by Olivia Rodrigo from the United States.

Since its release in May 2021, the track has garnered widespread acclaim around the world, candidly expressing the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

It portrays the protagonist’s inner conflict as she watches her ex move on to a new love, all set to an energetic sound infused with punk rock elements.

Included on the album SOUR, the song weaves anger, sadness, and bitingly ironic well-wishes into a finely balanced whole that resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s perfect for blowing away lingering frustration during a morning jog or commute, and it’s also recommended as a gentle push for anyone looking to recover from the pain of heartbreak.

Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth – Light Switch [Official Music Video]

Charlie Puth, the artist who rose to global stardom with the ending theme of the film Fast & Furious, See You Again feat.

Charlie Puth, is known for his wide-ranging musicality and releases everything from pop songs to Black music.

His new track is Light Switch.

It’s a work that incorporates the genre known as synth-pop; while the lyrics are dark, the melody is put together in a bright, upbeat way.

As It WasHarry Styles

Harry Styles – As It Was (Official Video)

At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Harry Styles took home two titles: Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.

From his songs, the one I’d like to recommend as the perfect companion for a long-weekend drive date is “As It Was.” Its lyrics are wonderfully romantic, singing about a fateful encounter.

The sound has a nice sense of momentum, too, making it feel great to listen to with the wind in your hair.

Of course, it’s not just for drives—do give it a spin in other moments as well.