Lovely Western music

Trendy Western Music [January 2025]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

In January 2025, the tides of music are shining with a new brilliance.

In the globally watched Western music scene, stirring melodies and innovative sounds are emerging one after another.

Like a kaleidoscope, a spectrum of genre-crossing music—from pop to R&B to electronic—colors our everyday lives.

Tonight, you just might encounter a special song that resonates with your heart.

In this ever-expanding global music world, why not discover a new sense of wonder?

Trending Western Music [January 2025] (21–30)

SmileMorgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen – Smile (Official Music Video)

SmileMorgan Wallen

This is a gem of a ballad from American country singer Morgan Wallen.

Looking back on a past romance, it poignantly captures fleeting happiness.

Through smiles frozen in photographs, it delicately portrays the complex emotions within a relationship gone cold.

Released as a New Year’s Eve surprise on December 31, 2024, it reached No.

3 on the charts in New Zealand.

It’s a song that showcases Wallen’s growth.

Recommended for when you want to heal the pain of a broken heart or reminisce about someone special.

You’re sure to encounter a rich, resonant voice that will touch your heart.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

StargazingMyles Smith

Myles Smith – Stargazing (Lyric Video)

StargazingMyles Smith

A heartwarming love song from rising British singer-songwriter Myles Smith is making waves.

Like gazing up at a starry sky, this piece reflects on the bond with a loved one, capturing many hearts with its deep emotions and universal themes.

Released in May 2024, the track went viral on TikTok and reached No.

2 on the UK Singles Chart.

Its refined folk-pop sound and lyrics about soulful connection are compelling.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to cherish special moments with their partner.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Another LifeNOTD, Oaks

NOTD, Oaks – Another Life (Visualizer)

Another LifeNOTD, Oaks

The new track by Sweden’s Nötid and Oakes, who have teamed up, is creating a buzz.

The lyrics, which portray a bittersweet love and a world of “what if,” are striking and resonate deeply with listeners.

A sprightly beat infused with electropop elements blends beautifully with emotional vocals, resulting in a track that’s sure to ignite the dance floor.

Released in January 2025, the song is striking a chord especially among younger audiences.

It’s the kind of comforting piece you’ll want to play after a breakup or when standing at a crossroads in life.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

SMBODETARI

Odetari – SMB (w/ Hongjoong of ATEEZ) [Official Visualizer]

SMBODETARI

This is a track released in January 2025 by Odetari, a rapper from the United States.

A collaboration with Hongjoong from the K-pop group ATEEZ, the song carries a powerful message centered on self-affirmation and inner strength.

With its catchy melody and energetic beat, it inspires the courage to face the pressures of modern society.

Featured on the album “PHAZONVARIA,” it has also been generating buzz on social media.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the importance of living true to themselves.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

DriveSZA

SZA – Drive (Official Video)

DriveSZA

The new single by R&B singer SZA, known for her comfortable groove and mellow sound, is creating a buzz.

It’s a track that fully showcases her distinctly American roots with a rich, resonant voice and refined musical sensibility.

The lyrics evoke a late-night drive, charting a journey of self-discovery and brilliantly expressing feelings of loneliness and chaos.

Included on the album “Lana,” released in December 2024, the music video even features actor Ben Stiller.

It’s a perfect listen when you want to clear your mind or face yourself.

SZA’s soul-stirring vocals are sure to deliver moments you can deeply relate to.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Buckle UpShubh

Shubh – Buckle Up (Official Music Video)

Buckle UpShubh

A track blending Punjabi music and hip-hop has been released.

It’s one of the songs from the album “Sicario,” which Shubh, an artist based in Canada, released in January 2025.

Featuring powerful vocals and an up-tempo beat, it sings about the courage to face life’s challenges.

It expresses Shubh’s strength and confidence.

It has resonated especially with younger listeners and is a song that gives you the strength to overcome hardships.

It’s recommended for times when you want to motivate yourself or gear up for a new challenge.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

RockStepz

Stepz – Rock (Official Music Video)

RockStepz

A rising, cutting-edge artist is taking over modern TikTok! “Rock” by UK rapper Steps features an energetic beat and a heavy bassline that captivate listeners.

Released in October 2024, the track has surpassed 100 million views on TikTok and claimed the No.

1 spot on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 in December of the same year.

The music video, directed by Kevin Hudson, is also making waves.

Steps’s distinctive rapid-fire flow and lyrics centered on self-expression and challenge are likely to resonate with younger audiences.

Blending drill, grime, and hip-hop, his style signals a new wave in music.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem