Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

Viva La VidaColdplay15rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

This is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, whose grand strings portray the sorrow of a king who has lost his power, striking straight at the heart.

Released in May 2008 from the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” many will remember it for winning Song of the Year at the 51st Grammy Awards.

You may also have heard it in Apple’s iPod commercials.

Among fans, it enjoys overwhelming popularity as “majestic yet bittersweet,” and “like an anthem for life.” The protagonist’s emptiness—“I once ruled the world, and now I sleep alone”—echoes the hollow feeling that can follow great success.

Reflecting on the fragility of life revealed only after reaching the top makes you want to cherish the happiness you have now.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys16rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

A signature song by the Backstreet Boys, a classic bittersweet and romantic ballad.

It’s definitely a song you want a man to sing! Because the harmony and chorus parts are so prominent, the key is to firmly learn the main melody.

In the call-and-response section in the latter half, I’m not sure which part karaoke scoring recognizes, but memorizing both parts will likely help when you sing with someone else.

Also, my vocal training student sang it, and there aren’t any particularly difficult pronunciations.

You can just read the lyrics straightforwardly.

However, since there are entrances on the off-beat rather than the downbeat and some distinctive rhythms, it’s a good idea to run through the song once.

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Love YourselfJustin Bieber17rank/position

Justin Bieber – Love Yourself (PURPOSE : The Movement)

This work, one of his signature songs, is a hit number from the album Purpose, released in November 2015.

With a simple arrangement centered on the sound of the guitar, the melody is remarkably easy to remember.

Since it’s sung in a whisper rather than belted out, some listeners may find it surprisingly easy to sing.

The song reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and impressively topped the year-end chart for 2016.

High HopesPanic! At The Disco18rank/position

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)

Known as a band that represents emo, Panic! at the Disco has earned worldwide acclaim for their heartfelt messages and catchy sound.

Among their works, this one is especially recommended.

Released in May 2018, it’s featured on the acclaimed album “Pray for the Wicked” and was also used in a Honda commercial.

The song portrays a determination to keep aiming high even in difficult situations, with lyrics about chasing dreams while holding onto a mother’s teachings.

Blending a dazzling horn section with Brendon’s outstanding vocals, it’s a perfect pop song.

It’s also an ideal send-off track for bidding farewell to valued colleagues at work.

One Call AwayCharlie Puth19rank/position

Charlie Puth – One Call Away [Official Video]

When you think of someone dear who’s far away, a warm melody that feels like it’s by your side begins to resonate.

Sung by Charlie Puth, who continues to churn out global hits with his genius songwriting sense, this track is a heartwarming pop-soul ballad with touches of gospel.

Included on the album Nine Track Mind and released in August 2015, it became a hit that peaked at No.

12 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

The lyrics—“Even without Superman, you’ve got me”—leave an impression with their reassuring, hero-like kindness.

It’s a perfect song for couples who can’t meet in person on Valentine’s Day or for two people who want to reaffirm their deep bond, so try sending your feelings along with some sweet chocolate!

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper20rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

Singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, who continues to captivate the world with her distinctive fashion and four-octave voice.

This work is a classic ballad filled with her kindness.

Its lyrics, which portray deep love and bonds that keep watching over someone across distance and time, resonate in the heart.

Included on the 1983 album “She’s So Unusual,” it reached No.

1 in the U.S.

the following year as a single.

It’s a masterpiece featured in numerous films and TV shows, and even covered by Miles Davis.

A warm song that supports you when you’re unsure—why not give it as a gift when you want to express gratitude to your mother?

Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen21rank/position

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe

This song by Canadian artist Carly Rae Jepsen vividly portrays the impulsive rush of a single-minded teenage crush and the sweet, bittersweet flutter that comes with it—acting before thinking when you fall in love at first sight.

The restless mix of hope and anxiety after confessing your feelings is something many of us have experienced or dreamed of.

The track seems to suggest that the reckless boldness of youth can be exactly what opens the door to the future.

Released in September 2011 and featured on the acclaimed album “Kiss,” it was also used in Japan as the ending theme for “The! Sekai Gyoten News!” and achieved the remarkable feat of holding No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.

If you’re feeling timid about love, why not listen to this song and let it give you courage?