Timeless Western pop classics that stick in your ears: Hit songs flowing through everyone’s hearts [2025]

Going Bad feat. DrakeMeek Mill

Meek Mill – Going Bad feat. Drake (Official Video)

“Going Bad” means “to snap back/retort aggressively” in Japanese, and as the lyrics suggest, it seems to be one of the lessons from Drake, a true heavyweight in the hip-hop world.

The song is all about flaunting wealth, fame, and ultra-celebrity status—but that makes sense when it’s a major collaboration between Meek Mill and Drake.

It’s a track only these two, who stand at the very top of global rap, could pull off.

Michael JacksonMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Bad (Official Video)

It’s included on the 1987 album “Bad.” Born in 1958, he’s a singer from Indiana.

The intro has an attack-like sound that evokes something sensational and really sticks in your ears.

Overall, it’s a song overflowing with Michael’s signature pop sensibility.

I Can’t WaitNu Shooz

Nu Shooz – I Can’t Wait (Official Music Video)

It’s included on the 1985 album “That’s Right.” A 12-member group formed in 1979 from Portland, Oregon.

The mantra-like rhythm that may initially sound monotonous, along with the percussion and keyboard tones, becomes addictive the more you listen.

glory of lovePeter Cetera

peter cetera – glory of love (Video Official) HD

It’s included on the 1986 album “Solitude/Solitaire.” It was the theme song for the 1986 film “The Karate Kid Part II.” Born in 1964, he’s a singer from Chicago and a former member of Chicago.

With a slow, gently flowing melody line, his sweet vocals soar with elegance and clarity—so beautiful you’ll want to keep listening forever.

KissPrince

Prince and the Revolution – Kiss (Official Music Video)

It’s included on the 1986 album Parade.

Born in 1956, the singer-songwriter hails from Minnesota.

Over a light guitar sound and a sparse, hollow mid-tempo rhythm, Prince’s voice—sung with sexy, sensual falsetto—is unforgettable once you’ve heard it.

CareeringPublic Image Ltd

Public Image Ltd.- Careering

It’s included on the 1979 album Metal Box.

A four-piece formed in London around John Lydon, who left the Sex Pistols in 1978.

The sound—like something you’d hear as a spaceship approaches—combined with the distinctive bass chord progression makes a huge impact, and once you hear it, it sticks in your head for quite a while.

Bohemian RhapsodyQueen

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody

It’s a single released by Queen in 1975, included on the album A Night at the Opera released the same year.

As the album title suggests, it has a dramatic, almost operatic style and is remembered as a work that goes beyond simple rock.