[2025] Classic Western songs about brothers: a roundup of recommended popular tracks

My Little BrotherArt Brut

Art Brut-My Little Brother

Art Brut is an indie rock/art punk band formed in London.

Their frontman, Eddie Argos, is known for his distinctive talk-singing style and humor-filled lyrics.

Released as a single in December 2004, this track depicts, from an older brother’s perspective, the moment his younger brother awakens to rock music.

Set to a driving guitar sound, the warm, affectionate, and slightly teasing way he watches over his brother falling in love with music makes this a truly charming classic.

The song was also included on the following year’s acclaimed album “Bang Bang Rock & Roll,” and it reached No.

5 on the UK Indie Singles Chart.

It’s recommended for those who want to relive the primal thrill of hearing rock for the first time, or who’d like to reflect on their own relationships with their siblings while listening.

Little BrotherGrizzly Bear

Little Brother

Emerging from Brooklyn, Grizzly Bear’s intricate and beautiful sound has a unique presence in the indie rock scene.

This time, let me introduce a masterpiece in which they delicately portray the relationship between brothers.

Its hazy, dreamlike chorus and the multilayered textures of the instruments beautifully capture the subtle, not-so-simple emotional currents between siblings—those complex feelings where a touch of pain mingles with nostalgia.

The track appears on Yellow House, their landmark early album released in September 2006, known as a pivotal work that solidified the band’s lineup as a four-piece.

It also gained recognition for being used as background music on the American TV program Adult Swim.

Rather than delivering straightforward catharsis, it’s best enjoyed on a quiet night when you want to sink gently into a sentimental mood.

BrotherAlice In Chains

Alice in chains – Brother (lyrics)

It’s a lyrically rich song Jerry Cantrell wrote about his relationship with his younger brother after their parents’ divorce.

It was included on the EP Sap, released in 1992 by the American rock band Alice in Chains, and was performed on MTV Unplugged.

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My BrotherThe Hollies

The Hollies – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

The title of this song comes from the motto of Boys Town, a community founded in 1917 by a Catholic priest named Edward Flanagan.

The song was created through a collaboration between songwriters Bobby Scott and Bob Russell.

Brother MineSuzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega – Brother Mine

A song by singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, who is based in New York, USA.

It’s a country tune written for her brother, Matthew.

It is included on her eleventh album, Close-Up Vol.

4, Songs of Family, released in 2012.

All The MadmenDavid Bowie

All the Madmen (2015 Remaster)

A song inspired by David Bowie’s brother, Terry Burns, who suffered from severe mental health issues.

In 1985, Terry escaped from a psychiatric hospital and took his own life.

The song is included on the 1970 album The Man Who Sold the World.

BrotherMatt Corby

Matt Corby – Brother (Official Audio)

Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby began his music career at the age of 16.

This song, released as a single in 2011, was written after he was inspired by a falling-out with a close friend.

In 2012, it won Song of the Year at the ARIA Awards.