Popular Western music. Latest rankings [2026]

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis15rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

Oasis, emblematic of the UK music scene in the ’90s and back in the global spotlight after announcing their reunion in August 2024.

Released as a single in February 1996 and selling over three million copies in the UK, this song is an eternal anthem in rock history.

It’s also famous for featuring Noel Gallagher on vocals instead of his brother Liam, who usually takes the mic.

The message, “Don’t look back in anger,” became a beacon of hope that helped soothe people’s grief after the incident in Manchester in May 2017.

At their miraculous 2025 reunion shows, it sparked massive sing-alongs once again.

The moment that opening piano rings out, it creates a moving atmosphere that makes everyone want to link arms and sing their hearts out together.

Just the Way You AreBruno Mars16rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

A love song that celebrates your loved one’s natural, unadorned beauty is the perfect choice when you want to create a romantic mood at karaoke.

Released in 2010 as Bruno Mars’s debut single and included on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, it features a piano-centered melody seamlessly blended with hip-hop–style rhythms for a pleasantly smooth sound.

Its simple yet deeply resonant lyrics are part of its charm.

Marking its 15th anniversary in 2025, the song’s timeless appeal is once again in the spotlight.

It’s a classic you’ll want to sing when you wish to express your honest feelings to a partner or someone special.

Why not wrap your year-end or New Year gatherings in a warm atmosphere with this song, woven from plainspoken words of love?

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.

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne18rank/position

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

It powerfully sings of the unbearable loneliness after a loved one leaves and the growing heartache when you see the clothes left behind in the room.

This is a signature ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne.

Included on her 2007 album “The Best Damn Thing,” it begins with a piano melody and gradually builds as strings layer in, creating a sweeping progression that brings tears to your eyes.

In Japan, it drew attention as the song used in Toyota’s Alphard commercial, and overseas it was featured on MTV’s “The Hills.” With over 500 million views on YouTube, this track is one to listen to when you’re grieving a breakup or on nights when you want to let all your emotions out.

Her straightforward vocals truly resonate with the heart.

Someone Like YouAdele19rank/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.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper20rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

With her distinctive fashion and powerful vocals, Cyndi Lauper continues to captivate fans around the world.

Featured on her 1983 masterpiece She’s So Unusual and reaching No.

1 on the U.S.

charts for two consecutive weeks in June 1984, this song is truly worthy of being called an eternal standard.

Co-written with Rob Hyman, this beautiful ballad gently resonates with listeners through its poignant lyrics about continuing to care deeply for someone despite missing each other.

It’s also known for being covered by jazz legend Miles Davis, a testament to the song’s craftsmanship and its high acclaim across genres.

Why not immerse yourself in it on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear, or during a soothing, soul-cleansing moment?

Bad DayDaniel Powter21rank/position

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Many people will probably recognize it the moment they hear that striking piano-led intro.

It’s a world-famous classic by Canadian musician Daniel Powter.

Centered on the theme of having a “bad day,” its lyrics tenderly accompany a heart weighed down by helplessness, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in 2005 as a single from the album Daniel Powter, it spent five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

The fact that it was used on a popular American audition show to send off contestants whose dreams had been dashed seems to symbolize the song’s bittersweet worldview.

It’s a piece I recommend for those nights when your heart feels like it’s about to break—listen alone and let the tears flow.