Emotional Western songs used on TikTok | Introduced from various genres

Die For YouThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Die For You

Die For You is a track marked by a hefty beat and The Weeknd’s light, soaring vocals.

It’s one of the songs included on The Weeknd’s acclaimed 2016 album Starboy.

The music video for the track was released about five years later, on November 25, 2021.

The song brims with passionate sentiment—“I could die for you.” Let yourself get swept away by this sweet love song, delivered with The Weeknd’s cool, captivating voice!

abcdefuGAYLE

GAYLE – abcdefu (Official Music Video)

“abcdefu” lays bare searing anger toward an ex.

It’s a track released in August 2021 as the debut single by American pop singer GAYLE.

She also signed a major deal with Atlantic Records that same month, meaning she achieved the remarkable feat of exploding onto the global scene immediately after her major-label debut.

The reason this song blew up so much is likely because there are many people who harbor the same feelings toward their former lovers as GAYLE does.

The lyrics’ unabashed criticism of an ex makes them highly relatable, almost cathartic.

At the same time, there’s a playful touch: amid all the biting lines, the one bit of kindness she shows—to her ex’s dog—elicits a wry smile.

Lights Are OnTom Rosenthal

Tom Rosenthal – Lights Are On (Official Video)

With its gentle piano tones and softly layered vocals creating a beautiful harmony, “Lights Are On” is a song released in 2018 by British singer-songwriter Tom Rosenthal.

Its warm sound and touching vocals, which seem to strike a chord in the heart, are often used in moving video posts on TikTok.

The song also carries the message that “less is more.” It’s a track that offers a moment to pause and reflect amid our busy daily lives.

Sun and MoonAnees

Anees – Sun and Moon (Official Video)

With its catchy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, “Sun and Moon” makes a strong impression.

It’s a track released in April 2022 by Annies, a singer-songwriter based in the United States.

Shortly after the original release, a remix version involving Filipino musician Jay Roa was also released.

The song then became a massive hit—especially on TikTok in the Philippines—and achieved a historic milestone as the first by an overseas artist to hold the No.

1 spot on the Billboard Philippines Songs chart for five consecutive weeks.

Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith

Lauren Spencer Smith – Fingers Crossed

A masterpiece notable for its rich, resonant bass, “Fingers Crossed.” It’s a song released in January 2022 by singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith, who began her singing career after American Idol.

Before officially releasing the track, Lauren uploaded a video to her TikTok showing herself listening to the demo.

The video was played over 23 million times, and thanks to that surge in popularity, she decided to release the song officially.

I Hate USZA

SZA – I Hate U (Visualizer)

A classic sung over a mellow track, “I Hate U.” It’s a song released in 2021 by SZA, an R&B singer who has been active with great momentum since the late 2010s.

The track apparently wasn’t originally planned for an official release—it was uploaded to SZA’s SoundCloud account in August 2021.

It then exploded in popularity on TikTok and was officially released that December.

It’s a breakup song that vents pent-up anger over past relationships that didn’t work out and at former lovers.

Hrs & HrsMuni Long

Muni Long – Hrs & Hrs

The R&B classic “Hrs & Hrs,” noted for its sultry vocals, is a track released in 2021 by Los Angeles–based R&B singer Muni Long.

Its vividly colored sound world enhances video content, making it a popular choice on TikTok among both everyday users and celebrities.

Although Muni Long has only recently become widely known under her current stage name, she originally performed as Priscilla Renea.

In addition to her work as a singer, she has also contributed as a music producer for artists such as Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and H.

E.

R.