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

LaylaEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Layla (Live at Royal Albert Hall, 1991) (Orchestral Version)

A signature work by Eric Clapton, the British guitarist, expressing the pain and passion of unrequited love through a grand melody.

Released in November 1970 under the name Derek and the Dominos, the piece was inspired by a 12th-century Persian love story.

It portrays his secret feelings for his best friend’s wife with a powerful guitar riff.

In 1992, the acoustic version won a Grammy Award.

It was also used memorably in the film Goodfellas, and it continues to move people as a universal tale of love.

On a night when you want to look back on the bittersweet memories of youth, why not listen quietly?

Lose ControlTeddy Swims

Teddy Swims – Lose Control (The Village Sessions)

A soulful song that portrays a heart swaying between love and dependence.

Released in June 2023 by American artist Teddy Swims, this track is included on his debut album, “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1).” With his powerful vocals and deeply expressive delivery, he sings of intense feelings for a lover and the anxiety of losing himself.

In March 2024, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record as the longest climb to the top by a solo male artist, taking 32 weeks.

It’s a highly recommended track that will resonate with anyone who has experienced both the joys and pains of love.

I Need to Be in LoveCarpenters

I Need To Be In Love

A heart-stirring ballad by the Carpenters that sings of yearning for eternal love while confronting the harshness of reality.

It stands apart from purely sweet love songs, capturing delicate emotions swaying between ideal and reality, beautifully conveyed through crystalline vocals.

Released as a single from the May 1976 album “A Kind of Hush,” it topped the U.

S.

Easy Listening chart.

In 1995, it was chosen as the ending theme for the Japanese TV drama “Miseinen,” drawing renewed attention.

It’s a gem of a melody that gently accompanies quiet nights spent in contemplation or moments of reflecting on memories with someone dear.

ThrillerMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official Video – Shortened Version)

A story about terrifying creatures that appear only in the dead of night, and the resolve to protect a loved one from those eerie monsters.

It’s a track from the album Thriller, released in November 1982 by Michael Jackson from the United States.

The music video is a film-like work running a full 14 minutes, memorable for its zombie dance.

It caused a sensation on MTV at the time and won eight awards at the 1984 Grammys.

Listening to it as Halloween approaches sends a chill down your spine while stirring a powerful determination to protect the one you love.

Killing Me Softly With His SongRoberta Flack

Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song (Official Audio)

A classic by American singer Roberta Flack.

It beautifully captures the feeling of a voice that seeps deep into the listener’s heart.

It won three awards at the 1973 Grammys, including Record of the Year, and spent five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

singles chart.

Featured in the film “Play Misty for Me,” it captivated music fans around the world.

It remains a beloved song for moments when you want your heart to be gently moved, or to accompany quiet time spent with someone special.

Take On Mea-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

A signature work by the Norwegian band a-ha, woven from vivid synthesizer melodies and a warm vocal tone.

Many will likely relate to the lyrics, which portray a young person trying—sometimes hesitantly, yet with optimism—to convey deep feelings to the one they love.

The resolve to build a meaningful relationship and the heartfelt wish to cherish the moment resonate deeply.

Released in 1985 as a track on the album “Hunting High and Low,” the song has also been featured in films such as “Ready Player One” and “La La Land.” Alongside its innovative music video—which won six MTV Video Music Awards—it continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a heartwarming track to listen to when you need the courage to take a step forward or when you want to immerse yourself in memories with someone special.

HumanThe Human League

The Human League – Human

It’s included on the 1986 album “Crash.” A trio from Sheffield, England, formed in 1977.

Within the beautiful melodies woven by drum machine rhythms and synthesizer tones, the male and female vocals—combining hardness and softness—create an unforgettable classic.