[2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics

Kiss Me More (ft. SZA)Doja Cat

Doja Cat – Kiss Me More (Official Video) ft. SZA

After hearing a nostalgic, somewhat ’80s-style track with an insanely catchy melody and a cool rap dropped in at just the right moments, many of you probably found yourselves pulling out your phones to ask, “Whose song is this?” The track in question, Kiss Me More, is a 2021 April release by Doja Cat—wildly popular as a hitmaker of the new generation—featuring SZA, who’s often called one of the most important figures in contemporary R&B.

The story-driven music video also made waves, with Asian actor Alex Landi—showing off an impressive physique—appearing as an astronaut, and plenty of Japanese-inspired touches sprinkled throughout.

Choosing to feature SZA was a perfect call, and Doja’s songwriting talent is truly outstanding.

It’s a masterpiece that showcases Doja’s full range, commanding both singing and rapping with ease.

There’s no doubt it will be remembered as one of the defining hits of 2021—so if it’s been on your radar at all, check it out now!

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DreamsThe Cranberries

The Cranberries – Dreams (Dir: Peter Scammell) (Official Music Video)

Some of you may have been curious about the song sung by the children’s chorus in P&G Japan’s commercial “Lead With Love: Thoughts for the New Year,” which has been airing since January 2021.

If you know the original, it probably caught your attention immediately.

The song is “Dreams,” one of the signature tracks by The Cranberries, the iconic Irish band that had a string of huge hits mainly in the 1990s.

With the late singer Dolores O’Riordan’s unmistakable voice—powerful, richly expressive, and uniquely blending Celtic folk and rock—the anthemic melody that reaches straight to the listener’s heart, and the band’s solid sound, “Dreams” is a classic that dates back to the band’s early years, first released as a single in 1992.

It has been featured in the 1998 American film “You’ve Got Mail” and in Kirin Beverage’s Namacha commercials, so even those unfamiliar with The Cranberries by name may feel they’ve heard it somewhere.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly and passionately express feelings of love, are also captivating—be sure to check out the Japanese translation.

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Running Up That HillKate Bush

Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill – Official Music Video

If you’re looking for that song from the drama Stranger Things, let me introduce you to “Running Up That Hill.” It’s performed by the British singer Kate Bush and was included on her 1985 album Hounds of Love.

In fact, this song was also used during the 2012 Summer Olympics! That version is a remix, so even if you think you already know the song, give it a listen.

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Mr BrightsideThe Killers

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)

This song is marked by a striking guitar riff, a melody that resonates deeply, and achingly bittersweet vocals.

Released in 2004 as the debut single by the Las Vegas rock band The Killers, it became a massive global hit.

Its lyrics, which candidly portray the pain of love and the sting of jealousy, have resonated with countless listeners and continue to captivate audiences to this day.

In the UK, it set an astonishing record by remaining on the singles chart for over 260 weeks.

It’s known as a live staple that sparks a full-crowd sing-along and remains hugely popular with younger generations.

It’s also fresh in our memory that when SZA, who was slated to headline Fuji Rock 2024, canceled at the last minute, The Killers stepped in and closed the festival in her place—igniting a massive sing-along with Mr.

Brightside.

Happier Than EverBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever (Official Music Video)

Even people who hardly ever listen to Western pop have probably heard the name Billie Eilish.

Born in 2001, the singer-songwriter drew attention even before her album debut, and her 2019 debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”, broke numerous records.

Beyond the music world, she’s a Gen Z icon whose every move makes headlines across various cultures.

In 2021, she released her much-anticipated second album, “Happier Than Ever,” which debuted at No.

1 worldwide and continues to be a major hit.

The title track, “Happier Than Ever,” has racked up over 170 million views on YouTube, showing just how much attention her music commands.

Some of you may have recently heard it in a certain film—indeed, the song was used as the theme for the Japanese movie “The Midnight Maiden War,” released in January 2022.

The contrast between the first half—classic Billie with whispery vocals, an ennui-tinged melody, and restrained production—and the latter half’s shift into a dynamic rock ballad is strikingly dramatic and moving.

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FlowersMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

Miley Cyrus is a singer-songwriter from the United States.

She debuted in 2008 with her first album, Breakout, which became a hit in Japan, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Western music chart.

Her 2023 release Flowers became a massive hit, setting a personal best for weekly streams on Spotify.

With its cool, downbeat vibe, this track feels perfect for unwinding after school or work.

It’s also a great pick for anyone looking to explore stylish Western pop.

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Perfect DayHoku

Perfect Day – Hoku (Legally Blonde Soundtrack) – with Lyrics

A very happy song.

It’s a day in the life of a girl who’s full of positivity, dreams, and hope.

Nothing gets in her way, and there’s no time to feel down.

She’s absolutely sure everything will go perfectly and happily! It’s a confident, uplifting song.