Popular “yami” songs. Western music artist rankings [2026]

Run Away With MeCarly Rae Jepsen22rank/position

Carly Rae Jepsen – Run Away With Me

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Run Away With Me” is a song that delivers a perfectly balanced sense of revival that feels comfortable even to today’s young listeners.

For middle schoolers learning English in particular, its catchy melody and rhythm help with memorizing the lyrics, and the clear pronunciation makes the meaning easy to understand.

The rich saxophone sound brims with vitality, and its energetic beat offers a liberating feeling, as if you’re dancing your heart out.

It’s a recommended track to color the shining moments of youth—fun times with friends, first love, and school life as part of growing up.

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan23rank/position

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)

In recent years, singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has been gaining international attention.

She’s won popularity for her expressive artistry rooted in queer culture and a sound reminiscent of 1980s synth-pop.

Released in 2024, this work portrays a relationship with someone who can’t accept their true feelings.

It carries a poignant message to a lover who keeps running from the truth out of fear of society’s gaze: one day, you’ll regret it.

Singing about the struggles of love and the pain of hiding your true self, the song reminds us of the importance of being who we are.

It’s a track I especially hope middle schoolers wrestling with friendship or romance will listen to.

How LongCharlie Puth24rank/position

Charlie Puth – “How Long” [Official Video]

Charlie Puth has become popular mainly in the United States and is gradually gaining popularity in Japan as well.

His clear, wistful voice perfectly suits the autumn atmosphere.

Among his songs, this particular hit makes you feel stylish just by listening to it on an autumn night.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Autumn LeavesChris Brown ft. Kendrick Lamar25rank/position

Chris Brown – Autumn Leaves (Explicit) ft. Kendrick Lamar

This song, created with Kendrick Lamar as a guest alongside Chris Brown, was released as a single from the album.

The depiction of autumn and a lover trying to distance themselves matches beautifully.

The sparse instrumentation of the track also effectively expresses the emotions.

HumanChristina Perri26rank/position

Christina Perri – Human [Official Video]

An emotional power ballad released in 2013 by American singer-songwriter Christina Perri.

Martin Johnson, the frontman of Boys Like Girls, was involved in its production.

The track became a hit worldwide and has been certified platinum in both the United States and Canada.

SymphonyClean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson27rank/position

Clean Bandit – Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson) [Official Video]

Speaking of autumn, it’s the season of the arts, so I also recommend a track like this with an orchestra.

The overall sound is polished and pop, but the occasional strings add a nice touch.

The music video, which depicts same-sex love, is also noteworthy.

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Saitō Ayumu

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ParadiseColdplay28rank/position

Coldplay – Paradise (Official Video)

Among rock bands, Coldplay is popular with junior high school students.

They can relate to how this earnest and straightforward young man became a big star.

Above all, the melodies—convincing whether in Western music or to Japanese listeners—are unforgettable.