Summary of Western pop music: A comprehensive introduction to famous pop songs from overseas.
Countless pop songs have emerged on the Western music scene, captivating music fans around the world.
Beyond catchy, memorable tunes, Western pop delights us in every way—lyrics, singers’ voices, and even the visual aspects like choreography and music videos.
In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of classic Western pop hits!
From universally known masterpieces to highly recommended tracks, we’ve selected plenty for you to enjoy.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Western music or someone who isn’t very familiar with it yet, take this opportunity to give them a listen.
Roundup of Western pop music: A comprehensive introduction to classic international pop hits (1–10)
I Want You BackThe Jackson 5
The debut single released by America’s Jackson 5 in 1969 is a gem of a pop number that sings of regret over a lost love and a wish to reconcile.
With its catchy melody and rhythmic beat, the track is especially memorable for the powerful vocals of Michael Jackson, who was just 11 years old at the time.
It reached No.
1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts in January 1970, catapulting the Jackson 5 to worldwide fame.
It was also featured in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, winning over a new generation of fans.
This is a perfect song for easing the pain of heartbreak or lifting your spirits.
What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction
A youthful pop song delivered by the UK’s One Direction.
The lyrics, telling a woman who doesn’t recognize her own charm “You’re beautiful,” are especially memorable.
With its catchy melody and positive message, it captured the hearts of many.
Released in September 2011, this track became a massive hit despite being their debut single.
It went on to win the Best British Single at the 2012 Brit Awards.
It’s a perfect song to sing along with friends for a boost of excitement, or to encourage someone who’s lost their confidence.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift, a singer, also leverages her beauty to take on acting and modeling work.
Many of her songs are themed around romance and are supported by fans—particularly young men and women—as their target audience, and she is now attracting attention from around the world.
Rolling in the DeepAdele
A masterpiece that powerfully voices anger and sorrow born from deep love.
Written candidly by the British artist Adele from the emotions she felt after breaking up with her former lover, this work was released in November 2010 and topped the charts in 12 countries worldwide.
In the United States, it held the Billboard Hot 100’s number-one spot for seven consecutive weeks, marking Adele’s first-ever U.
S.
number-one single.
The lyrics, portraying the feelings of a betrayed lover, are infused with anger, disappointment, and resolve, beautifully balanced by Adele’s soulful vocals and gospel-inspired sound.
As a song that comforts those suffering heartbreak and those trying to move forward, it continues to be cherished by many.
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
The timeless rock band Queen.
Thanks to the film Bohemian Rhapsody, they’ve become known to younger generations as well.
This signature track of theirs was released in November 1978.
With Freddie Mercury’s lustrous piano and overwhelming vocal power, the song explosively expresses feelings of freedom and elation.
Its energetic melody and lyrics remind us of the joy of living life to the fullest.
Even if you don’t know Queen but love rock, this is a track you should definitely listen to.
Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC
The song “Bye Bye Bye,” used as the opening for the film Deadpool & Wolverine, is, as everyone knows, a classic hit by *NSYNC.
Perhaps because it was used almost in full within the movie, the association of Deadpool = Bye Bye Bye has really stuck.
Surprisingly, the song sits in a relatively low vocal range and doesn’t require the kind of intricate, R&B-style melodic runs.
As long as you keep the groove in mind, you should be able to sing it without any issues—so consider adding it to your repertoire.
On The FloorJennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull
The song jointly created by Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez, both very popular as singers, is an energetic track that feels like a festival from start to finish.
The two seem to be a great match, having also collaborated on the 2014 World Cup theme song.