Oldies Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

Song 2Blur56rank/position

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)

The devastatingly powerful guitar sound unleashed by Blur, emblematic of British Britpop, sent shockwaves through the 1997 music scene.

Upending their previously English pop sensibilities, the band delivered an experimental piece that fused a raw, US indie rock–inspired sound with spontaneous, meaning-free lyrics—and, ironically, it became their biggest hit.

Born from the album “Blur,” the track’s impulsive creation—reportedly completed in just a few dozen minutes—helped open up a new frontier for the band.

Widely featured in films and video games, its explosive energy also electrifies crowds at sporting events.

It’s truly the perfect song for moments when you want to unleash your energy and get your heart racing.

Blue MondayNew Order57rank/position

New Order – Blue Monday (Official Lyric Video)

Overcoming the tragedy of their predecessor band and steering toward the dance floor, the British rock band New Order released this track in March 1983.

A groundbreaking dance tune running over seven minutes, it revolutionized the club scene.

In contrast to its mechanical, cool beat, the lyrics portray confusion and heartache over mistreatment by someone they once trusted.

Some may remember it being used in a Sunkist commercial.

Often hailed as a bridge between ’70s disco and ’90s house, this song seeps deep into the heart on nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts, its stylish, melancholic sound resonating all the more.

Don’t SpeakNo Doubt58rank/position

No Doubt – Don’t Speak (Official 4K Music Video)

This song, which portrays the pain of a relationship’s end, is known as one of the defining international hits of the 1990s.

Featured on No Doubt’s 1995 album Tragic Kingdom, the track captured many listeners’ hearts with Gwen Stefani’s stirring vocals and relatable lyrics.

When it was released as a single in April 1996, it became the most-played song on American radio and achieved high positions on various charts.

It was also a major international hit, reaching number one in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.

Quiet yet powerful in its expression of heartbreak, the song continues to be beloved as an anthem that speaks for those who have gone through similar experiences.

Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne59rank/position

Ozzy Osbourne Crazy Train(Ozzfest 2010)

When it comes to Black Sabbath, the band is often regarded as the origin of heavy metal.

After leaving Black Sabbath, vocalist Ozzy Osbourne formed his own band and released the album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980.

The track “Crazy Train” from this album is not only one of his signature songs, but also a classic packed with the appeal of hard rock, including its guitar solo.

One More NightPhil Collins60rank/position

Phil Collins – One More Night (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]

A renowned ballad from the first album released after Phil Collins, formerly the drummer of the British progressive rock group Genesis, went solo.

The sound and vocals evoke a dim, shadowy space that, true to the title, conjures the night—so striking that it invites comparison to Miles Davis’s equally nocturnal “’Round Midnight.” The lyrics, with their plaintive repetition of “one more night, one more night…,” are simple yet piercing.

Although Phil went on to rack up numerous hits with catchy, pop-savvy tunes after this number, he is in fact a master of heartfelt ballads as well, as shown by “Take a Look at Me Now,” which he performed for the film Against All Odds.

On a night when you’re alone with a bittersweet ache, give this song a listen, too.