Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

HUMBLEKendrick Lamar92rank/position

Kendrick Lamar – HUMBLE.

This is a track created by Kendrick Lamar, a key figure in the hip-hop world.

Released in March 2017, the song grew out of Lamar’s own experiences and observations of society.

Centered on themes of humility and self-awareness, it reflects on changes brought by success and wealth while emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.

It also contains criticism of vanity and falsehoods, expressing a desire for authenticity and naturalness.

Released as the lead single from the album “DAMN,” the song topped the Billboard charts and generated major buzz, winning six awards at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.

It has also become a staple in dance scenes and is frequently played in many hip-hop dance battles.

Out of TimeThe Weeknd93rank/position

The Weeknd – Out of Time

The Weeknd’s song “Out of Time” brilliantly fuses the essence of 1980s Japanese city pop with a sleek, contemporary Western sound.

Released in January 2022, it quickly became a beloved global hit, showcasing a smooth groove and The Weeknd’s characteristically luscious vocals.

It skillfully samples Tomoko Aran’s city pop classic “Midnight Pretenders,” a move that sparked considerable buzz and remains fresh in memory.

The lyrics, depicting regret and the course of love, are deeply affecting, and the aching sense of “running out of time” resonates powerfully with listeners.

You’re BeautifulJames Blunt94rank/position

James Blunt – You’re Beautiful (Official Music Video) [4K]

Singer-songwriter James Blunt, who has the unusual background of being a former British soldier.

The work that made his name known worldwide was included on his 2004 debut album, Back to Bedlam, and became a global smash hit as a single in 2005, including reaching No.

1 in the U.S.

The poignant lyrics, which capture lingering feelings for an ex encountered in passing on the subway and the beauty of that fleeting moment, are unforgettable.

In Japan, it’s well known as an insert song for the drama Kobayakawa Nobuki no Koi and as the theme for Toyota’s Vitz commercial.

Though it isn’t a happy ending, this piece—resonant with a beautifully played piano melody—is filled with pure emotion.

It’s recommended for a quiet Valentine’s night when you want to convey your feelings, or for calm moments spent with someone special.

EspressoSabrina Carpenter95rank/position

Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso

It may still be chilly in February, but how about a euphoric track that lets you feel the spring mood a little early? The song I’m introducing is an irresistibly catchy number by Sabrina Carpenter, who’s also active as an actress.

She compares herself to a strong caffeinated drink, making someone so captivated they can’t sleep—a confident, humorous concept that really stands out.

Released in April 2024 as the lead single from the album “Short n’ Sweet,” it became a global hit and topped the UK charts, drawing plenty of attention.

With its light, upbeat sound infused with funk and disco elements, it’s sure to boost your self-esteem just by listening.

Give it a spin when you want to start your day on a positive note.

CirclesPost Malone96rank/position

Post Malone – Circles

A Post Malone track that depicts a relationship at an impasse, set to a gentle melody.

Released in August 2019, this breakup song uses a soft rock sound to portray a romance stuck in the same looping dead end.

It spent three weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and an unprecedented 39 weeks in the Top 10.

Featured on the album Hollywood’s Bleeding, it captivates with a soothing groove woven from acoustic guitar and airy synths.

Despite its irresistibly singable melody, it expresses the ache of being unable to move forward.

As you step into a new year and look to reset your mindset, this is the perfect song to help you face lingering feelings from the past.

Every Breath You TakeThe Police97rank/position

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

The Police are a British band that rose to prominence in the late 1970s with their innovative musical style that blended rock with reggae elements.

This work is their signature song, released in May 1983.

In Japan, it’s frequently heard in commercials, so many people may recognize the melody.

At first glance, it seems like a romantic love song, but the lyrics depict a slightly unsettling side—intense obsession with and surveillance of a lover.

This imbalance between the sweet melody and stalker-like lyrics becomes a compelling charm that captivates listeners.

Featured on the classic album Synchronicity, the song spent eight consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

It is a masterpiece ballad that is not merely beautiful, but one that delves into the depths of human psychology.

Last ChristmasWham!98rank/position

Wham! – Last Christmas (Official Video)

The signature song by Wham, the beloved British duo, cherished around the world every Christmas.

What’s distinctive about this track is that it actually sings of the pain of heartbreak.

It portrays the feelings for the person to whom the singer gave their heart last Christmas, along with the resolve to find someone special this year.

The contrast between the breezy synth-pop sound and the somewhat wistful melody seems to reflect the protagonist’s complex state of mind.

In 2019, it became the theme song for the film “Last Christmas,” moving many audiences.

Whether on a night when you want a song to stay close to the loneliness of heartbreak, or when you want to soak in the slightly bittersweet mood of Christmas, listening to it is sure to resonate deeply.