Hidden gems of Western music. Lesser-known songs.

Anywhere Away From HereRag’n’Bone Man & P!nk

Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk – Anywhere Away From Here (Official Video)

Rag’n’Bone Man is a singer-songwriter from the UK.

His 2016 track “Human” became a massive hit worldwide, propelling him to global popularity.

One of his hidden gems is “Anywhere Away From Here,” a collaboration with R&B singer Pink.

The song blends philosophical lyrics with an emotional melody.

If you’re looking for moving Western music, be sure to give it a listen.

MarshEminem

Marsh [Official Audio]

Eminem is a rapper who enjoys tremendous popularity among many heads in Japan as well.

When it comes to overseas rappers, he’s such a household name that he’s often the first artist people think of.

One of his underrated gems is “Marsh.” He has long expressed doubts about the current trap music boom—specifically, that focusing too much on trap leads to neglecting skill.

In this track, however, while it’s undeniably trap, it’s also firmly grounded in technical prowess, resulting in a quintessentially Eminem masterpiece.

Spanish JointD’Angelo

Spanish Joint

Neo-soul is a genre that combines soul music with funk, hip-hop, and jazz.

It was pioneered in the 1990s by D’Angelo.

While it remains relatively niche in Japan, it’s highly regarded by dedicated music enthusiasts around the world.

Spanish Joint is one of D’Angelo’s underrated gems, and as the title suggests, it blends Latin music with soul.

It also has a strong jazz flavor, so if you like songs with a sophisticated, adult vibe, this is a must-listen.

MoonshineBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Moonshine (Official Audio)

Bruno Mars, a singer-songwriter from Hawaii who has remained at the forefront from the 2010s to the present.

He’s an artist who’s hugely popular in Japan as well.

Since the 2020s, music centered on 1980s synth-pop and disco has become a trend, but in fact, Bruno Mars had already set his sights on this genre back in the 2010s.

A track that showcases his sophisticated musicality is Moonshine—an exceptionally stylish classic that masterfully blends contemporary R&B with synth-pop.

I Was Just A Stupid Dog To ThemNina Simone

Nina Simone – I Was Just A Stupid Dog To Them (Audio)

Nina Simone, one of the greatest singer-songwriters in history.

In her later years, she distanced herself from America’s sales-driven music scene and thrived around the world—especially in Europe, where merit is prized.

For that reason, she’s often called “the greatest singer the US let slip away.” One of her hidden gems is I Was Just A Stupid Dog To Them.

While it contains many jazz elements, it isn’t simply jazz; it weaves them into a sophisticated, complex melody with an Afro-Cuban flair.

I Love U in MePrince

I Love U in Me

Prince, the legendary artist who gained worldwide popularity with his wide-ranging musicality.

Younger people may not know him, but in the 1980s, when he was at his peak, he stood as a counterpart to Michael Jackson.

A hidden gem by Prince is “I Love U in Me.” It’s a work packed with the essence of his music, and Andy Allo, known as his protégé, has also covered it.

The title, which suggests that a lover is as important as oneself, leaves a strong impression.

I Love You More Than You’ll Ever KnowDonny Hathaway

I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know

Singer-songwriter Donny Hathaway, who, along with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, helped fuel the neo-soul boom of the 1970s.

He actively covered songs by white artists, which made a significant contribution to challenging racial discrimination at the time.

His signature songs include the classics A Song For You and This Christmas.

While I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know didn’t become a major hit like those tracks, its sophisticated soul sound earned high praise from core fans.