Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen15rank/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?

Someone Like YouAdele16rank/position

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

It’s a moving ballad that has the power to transform the atmosphere with just its quietly resonant piano intro.

This song by the British singer-songwriter Adele, included on her album 21 and released as a single in 2011, is known for its heartfelt portrayal of the turmoil between lingering attachment and heartfelt blessings after learning that a former lover has married someone new.

It’s also famous for having been written in just two days, based on her real-life experience.

It topped the charts in 19 countries and won Best Pop Solo Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing with emotion even if you’re not confident in your English pronunciation.

Choose it for nights when you want to cleanse the pain of heartbreak or captivate listeners with a voice that resonates deeply.

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi17rank/position

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is an artist who has drawn worldwide attention for his deep emotional expression and husky vocals.

Released in November 2018, this work is a signature ballad included on his album “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.” Centered on themes of loss and loneliness after losing a loved one, it’s said he spent six months creating it, channeling his feelings for his late grandmother.

The music video was produced in collaboration with the organ donation charity Live Life Give Life and drew attention for featuring actor Peter Capaldi.

It’s a moving, tender song that’s perfect for those who want to deliver a heartfelt performance at karaoke—be sure to check it out.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys18rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

MemoriesMaroon 519rank/position

Maroon 5 – Memories (Official Video)

Maroon 5 is a band beloved around the world for their genre-blending musicality.

They’re very familiar to fans in Japan as well, and their song “Memories” has earned strong acclaim as a touching ballad.

Released in September 2019, its chord progression, reminiscent of Pachelbel’s Canon, evokes a deep sense of nostalgia.

In fact, the song is a tribute to their former manager who passed away suddenly in 2017, and it was later included on the album “Jordi,” named in honor of their late friend.

The track is also known for being used in the film “Venom: The Last Dance.” Filled with affection for friends who must part ways, it’s the kind of song that, when played at a farewell gathering, can envelop the entire venue in warm emotion.

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson20rank/position

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Here’s a superb funk number that makes you want to stride confidently through the summer city.

Produced by UK native Mark Ronson in collaboration with Bruno Mars, this track portrays the urban lifestyle of a self-assured protagonist.

The lyrics express a strong sense of self-affirmation—“I’m hot as can be”—and a commitment to refined fashion, uplifting anyone who listens.

Released in November 2014 as the lead single from the album Uptown Special, it set an astonishing record by holding the No.

1 spot on the U.S.

charts for 14 consecutive weeks.

Play it on a summer drive or at a party with friends, and it will instantly brighten the atmosphere.

Viva La VidaColdplay21rank/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.