Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

Stay With MeSam Smith29rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

On Valentine’s night, if you’re feeling lonely because you can’t be with your loved one, this song will gently keep you company.

This signature track by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith is a gem of a ballad, its solemn, gospel-tinged chorus and aching vocals striking straight at the heart.

It’s said that Smith layered their own voice about 20 times in different spots around the studio to create a one-person choir.

Included on the 2014 album “In the Lonely Hour,” it won four awards at the 57th Grammys, including Record of the Year.

It’s also well known for its appearance in the film “Sing.” It’s a masterpiece to sink into on nights when you long for someone’s warmth.

Lose YourselfEminem30rank/position

Eminem – Lose Yourself

Eminem, who boasts worldwide fame and continues to reign at the top of the scene with near-miraculous rap skills.

This signature track of his—created as the theme song for the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile in which he starred—is a masterpiece that shines in hip-hop history.

The opening piano, the taut guitar melody, and the passionate lyrics urging you to seize a once-in-a-lifetime chance are sure to stir the listener’s soul.

Released as a single in October 2002, it also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first hip-hop work to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

When you stand at a crossroads in life or need the courage to take on a challenge, this song will give you powerful energy.

Be sure to take in its burning spirit along with the film’s story.

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana31rank/position

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

Nirvana’s biggest hit, which shook the rock world to its core in 1991.

Opening their second album Nevermind, this track makes a powerful impact with its “quiet–loud” structure, moving from subdued verses to explosive choruses.

Despite its simple, power-chord-driven riff, Kurt Cobain’s searing, soul-baring vocals intertwine with Dave Grohl’s powerful drumming to create a truly one-of-a-kind sound.

At the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, it won both Best New Artist and Best Alternative Video.

It also ranked an impressive No.

5 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

It’s a timeless classic that not only resonates with those in their 50s who felt its real-time shock but is also essential listening for anyone who wants to experience the origins of grunge.

So WhatP!nk32rank/position

P!nk – So What (Official Video)

This is a song by the American singer-songwriter Pink, whose lyrics boldly declare, “I lost my husband—so what?” and it’s exhilarating.

Based on her real-life experience of being separated from her husband at the time, the track depicts her clawing her way up from the depths of heartbreak, proclaiming, “I’m a rock star!” Its provocative lines, like the declaration “I’m not paying his rent anymore,” surely gave many listeners a satisfying rush.

Released in August 2008 as the lead single from the album Funhouse, it instantly became a hot topic.

It hit No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and even won an MTV award for “Most Addictive Track.” If you listen to it when you’re down from a breakup, it might help you look forward with a defiant “So what?” even if it feels reckless.

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa33rank/position

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)

Dua Lipa’s iconic hit “Don’t Start Now,” known for its groovy bassline.

For many, this song was their introduction to her.

With its strikingly groove-rich melodic structure, the vocal line is kept simple to highlight the strength of the instrumentation.

The vocal range is particularly narrow—so much so that even male singers should have no trouble with it.

There are also no difficult sustained high notes.

It’s undeniably a popular number that’s easy to sing.

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Hey JudeThe Beatles34rank/position

The Beatles – The Beatles – Hey Jude (Official Music Video) [Remastered 2015]

While the Beatles’ musical contributions are immeasurable, the song released in 1968 can be considered one of their signature works.

Written by Paul McCartney, it is said to have been created to encourage John Lennon’s son.

Its warm lyrics and melody seem to offer solace and words of encouragement to listeners.

Despite running over seven minutes, its structure remains engaging to the very end.

Released in August 1968, the song is also known as the first release on the Beatles’ own label, Apple Records.

It is a track that stands as a true prescription for the heart, offering comfort to those burdened with worries and anxiety.

All of MeJohn Legend35rank/position

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)

John Legend’s iconic song “All of Me,” with its beautiful piano melody that resonates in the heart.

Included on the 2013 album “Love in the Future,” the song was dedicated to his then-fiancée and now wife, Chrissy Teigen.

Despite its very simple arrangement of just piano and vocals, it has a powerful ability to move listeners.

Its profound message—loving someone by accepting even their imperfections—makes it a true gem of a love song.

In 2014, it topped the U.S.

charts and became a worldwide hit.

It’s an eternal classic you’ll want to listen to when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone you love, or during special moments like a wedding.