[2025 Edition] Uplifting Western Music — Latest Popular Songs and Recommended Tracks

Numb Little BugEm Beihold

Em Beihold – Numb Little Bug

Numb Little Bug, released in January 2022, is one of the standout tracks of the year, hitting No.

1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart right after it came out.

It’s the major-label debut single by singer-songwriter Em Beihold, born in 1999, and it first drew attention when she posted a piano-and-vocal version on her TikTok in August 2021, prior to the official release.

While the song features an irresistibly poppy, light-footed ensemble and a subtly wistful melody that sticks in your head, its lyrics—rooted in Beihold’s experience taking antidepressants—are far from bright.

They lay bare the raw emotions of young people living through the stifling atmosphere of the pandemic era, to an almost painful degree.

Even so, there’s also a sense that it isn’t sheer despair, which seems to capture the mindset of the younger generation remarkably well.

For listeners who find that purely cheerful, happy songs don’t quite satisfy—that inexpressible, hazy sense of unease that makes life feel hard—this is a track you should definitely hear.

Calm DownRema, Selena Gomez

Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down (Official Music Video)

Rema is a new-generation artist from Nigeria.

His collaboration with global songstress Selena Gomez is the track “Calm Down.” It’s a mellow love song.

Overall, the piece has a warm feel, but some lyrics depict confronting anxiety, so it can also be taken as an uplifting anthem.

When you’re feeling a bit worn out, why not listen to this track to relax? And be sure to enjoy the stylishly produced music video as well.

HeatRita Ora

Rita Ora – Heat (Official Video)

Rita Ora, a UK-born artist who showcases her multifaceted talents as a singer-songwriter and actress, is widely known for her success, having scored 13 UK Top 10 singles, including four No.

1 hits.

Released in June 2025, this track is sunshine pop with a summertime rush and vivid production.

Her confident vocals blend beautifully with an open, liberating mood that celebrates freedom and self-expression.

Timed to coincide with her performance at the World Pride Music Festival in Washington, D.

C.

the same month, the release also delivers a powerful message to the global LGBTQ+ community.

Following her July 2023 album You & I, it’s the perfect song to boost your beach-vacation vibes.

StarstruckYears & Years

Olly Alexander – Starstruck (Official Video)

A brand-new, undeniably dazzling and irresistibly catchy electro-pop classic was born in the era of 2021! This anthemic track, released in April 2021 by Years & Years—rebooted as Olly Alexander’s solo project, known not only as a musician but also for his work as an actor—marks a new chapter in Olly’s career and is a key song in forecasting the future of Years & Years.

Created amid the stifling conditions of the pandemic, ‘Starstruck’ packs in the simple desire and energy to hit the town and dance.

As mentioned at the outset, it’s a perfect pop song; its lyrics, which convey passionate feelings for a loved one directly, are uplifting just to listen to.

At the same time, it reminds listeners of the joy and beauty that music can hold.

Living My Best LifeJessie J

Jessie J – Living My Best Life (Visualiser)

Jessie J, the UK-born artist who has achieved global success with her powerful vocals and diverse musicality.

This new track is a bright, energetic number influenced by ’80s pop and funk, featuring an uplifting, dance-inducing sound inspired by Whitney Houston and Prince.

Teaming up with Grammy-winning producers Ryan Tedder and Marty Maro, she parted ways with longtime label Republic Records to release the song via independent label Darco Artist Partnerships in May 2025.

The music video—featuring her freely dancing and strolling through the streets of London—is also out now.

Brimming with positivity and energy, this track is perfect for a morning drive or a workout.

RottenSet It Off

Set It Off – Rotten (Official Music Video)

It’s a thrilling rebel anthem by the American band Set It Off, a song that feels like shouting “I’ve had enough!” at a deceitful society and everything that binds you.

When life is full of absurdity and your heart feels like it’s rotting, you might find yourself swallowing the honest feeling that “this is wrong.” But the ferocious sound of this track is a powerful ally that validates and unleashes that anger.

Having gone independent from a major label, this song serves as the opening salvo for their self-titled album “Set It Off,” slated for release in November 2025—it’s the embodiment of their resolve.

If you’re fed up with a world of falsehoods, listening to it will deliver the ultimate catharsis.

Paint A PictureThe Hives

The Hives – Paint A Picture (Official Video)

Sweden’s proud champions of garage rock, The Hives, unleashed a truly exhilarating track in June 2025.

Serving as the lead single from their forthcoming album “The Hives Forever Forever The Hives,” the song crackles with their signature fuzzy guitar riffs and impassioned vocals—an energetic blast of rock ’n’ roll.

Fearlessly stepping outside society’s established boundaries, it boldly celebrates the value of being unapologetically yourself—an anthem in every sense.

Produced by the likes of Beastie Boys’ Mike D, it made its debut on the UK music program “Later… with Jools Holland” in June 2025 to great acclaim.

It’s the perfect pick-me-up for anyone craving a jolt of energy or looking to shake up the status quo.