Popular Western music. Latest rankings [2026]

Baby IAriana Grande71rank/position

Ariana Grande – Baby I (Official Video)

The cute track delivered by American pop star Ariana Grande revives the charm of 90s R&B for today.

This song, which expresses the frustration of being unable to put feelings for a loved one into words, was released in July 2013 and peaked at No.

21 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100.

Its uptempo rhythm pairs perfectly with her clear vocals, beautifully capturing the complex emotions of young love.

In Japan, it also gained attention when it was selected as the ending theme for the 2014 TV anime GO-GO Tamagotchi!.

It’s a recommended listen for those troubled by love or fans of 90s music.

RoarKaty Perry72rank/position

Katy Perry – Roar

Katy Perry, the American singer-songwriter dubbed the “Princess of Pop,” helped lead the music scene of the 2010s.

This song, known as the lead single from her 2013 album PRISM, is a classic that triumphantly reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

As symbolized by its music video, where she toughens up and awakens in the jungle, its message about overcoming shyness and raising your voice lights a fire in listeners’ hearts.

Its powerful sound—so strong it’s used at sports events like the NFL—is perfect for those make-or-break moments.

When you want to believe in yourself and move forward, it’s sure to give you a push.

Never Grow UpTaylor Swift73rank/position

Taylor Swift – Never Grow Up (Taylor’s Version) (Lyric Video)

Taylor Swift, the American singer-songwriter often called a musical chameleon.

“Never Grow Up,” included on her album Speak Now, is a ballad released in October 2010.

With gentle acoustic guitar and a whispering vocal, it tenderly wraps the anxieties of growing up and nostalgia for childhood.

Singing it at a milestone like a choral competition should make the lyric’s “cherishing of time that slips away” resonate even more deeply.

Even without flashy staging, simply layering voices quietly can create profound emotion.

For a cherished memory of school life, why not take on this song together with your whole class?

Counting StarsOneRepublic74rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Have you ever struggled with the gap between ideal and reality, spending sleepless nights anxious about the future? In those moments, this song gently frees the heart from materialistic values, whispering, “Instead of counting money, why not count the stars?” Created by the American band OneRepublic, it offers courage with a message that even the moments that knock you down are proof that you’re alive.

Included on their 2013 album Native and reaching number one on the UK charts, the song was also featured in the film Earth to Echo.

When daily life threatens to make you lose sight of your dreams, simply shifting your focus to what truly matters can make your heart feel a little lighter, don’t you think?

10,000 HoursDan + Shay, Justin Bieber75rank/position

Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours (Official Music Video)

This is a song born from a miraculous collaboration that crosses the boundaries between country and pop! It’s a luxurious joint work by the talented Nashville duo Dan + Shay and global pop star Justin Bieber, released in October 2019.

The anecdote that it came out just four days after Justin’s wedding further heightens its romantic mood.

The song expresses steadfast love—the desire to know every corner of a loved one’s heart, even if it takes ten thousand hours.

Listening to the warm acoustic tones and the gentle harmonies of the three voices blending together, you can’t help but feel your heart warmed and be moved to tears.

It’s truly a tear-jerking masterpiece that resonates with everyone who holds someone dear.

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire76rank/position

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

Just hearing the sparkling horn section in the intro makes your heart start to dance—the definitive disco anthem! It’s a worldwide smash hit by the American musical group Earth, Wind & Fire.

With lyrics that celebrate an irreplaceable, memorable day and a relentlessly positive, euphoric sound, it instantly fills listeners with happiness.

Released in November 1978, the song was included on the greatest hits album The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol.

1 and featured in the film Night at the Museum, continuing to captivate audiences to this day.

Put it on when you’re gathering with your favorite people, and the moments you share might shine even brighter!

Last NightMorgan Wallen77rank/position

Morgan Wallen – Last Night (One Record At A Time Sessions)

Known as the maverick of the country scene and boasting cross-genre popularity, Morgan Wallen released a smash hit from his March 2023 album “One Thing at a Time” that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Blending acoustic guitar tones with contemporary beats, the song unfolds bittersweet lyrics that recall last night’s exchanges with a lover.

Holding the top spot on the Billboard charts for a total of 16 weeks, it also drew buzz with a video featuring NFL legend Peyton Manning.

On nights when you’re wrestling with a complicated relationship—after a few drinks, the truth spills out, and yet you can’t let go—this song will quietly stay by your side.

Why not surrender to the soothing rhythm while carrying the sting of heartbreak?